News Submissions
How To Contact Us Securely?
SecureDrop
OOur SecureDrop system provides a safe way to reach out and share documents with us, though it does involve a bit more technical setup.
Advantages:
- SecureDrop does not log the origin of submissions.
- All files and messages are automatically encrypted.
- We access and review submissions using secure, protected systems.
Disadvantages:
- Access requires installing and using Tor software.
- Using Tor may draw attention if you are already under surveillance.
SecureDrop enables you to send messages and documents securely, and to continue a conversation with us if needed. We only receive the information you submit, along with a unique codename that lets us respond. No additional personal data is stored. To further protect your information, all submitted material is decrypted on an offline system that is not connected to the internet.
How to begin:
On a device you trust and believe is not being monitored, install the Tor Browser. Then visit signalnews.com/securedrop and follow the instructions provided.
Next steps:
When you first access the SecureDrop site, you will be given a passphrase. This allows you to return later to check for replies and continue communicating if you choose. Please note that responses are not guaranteed and may take several days.
Because SecureDrop is not an instant communication method, reporters may suggest alternative ways to stay in touch once contact has been established. You are free to accept or decline this, depending on your preference, though it can sometimes make communication easier.
SecureDrop is an open-source platform designed to support secure and anonymous communication managed by the Freedom of the Press Foundation.
Messenger Apps (Signal)
End-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp offer strong protection for the content of your conversations, while remaining straightforward to use.
Signal is widely relied on by journalists, human rights defenders, and cybersecurity professionals, and is our preferred messaging tool. WhatsApp, although slightly less secure in some respects, still encrypts message content and is so commonly used that, in most places, simply using it is unlikely to raise suspicion. Other encrypted messaging platforms exist, but they are generally less commonly used for connecting sources with journalists.
Advantages:
- Simple and intuitive to use.
- Enables fast, real-time communication.
- Messages are encrypted both during transmission and on the service provider’s systems, meaning even the provider cannot read them.
Disadvantages:
- On WhatsApp, details about who is communicating are less protected than the message content itself.
- Highly capable adversaries, such as intelligence agencies, may still be able to detect that communication with a journalist is taking place, even if they cannot access the messages.
- Messaging apps require prior sharing of contact details—typically a phone number for WhatsApp and either a number or username for Signal. Some journalists prefer not to widely share their personal contact information due to potential misuse.
In many cases, conversations with journalists may move to encrypted messaging apps after some trust has been established and both sides understand the risks and benefits. However, using these tools is always optional.
Getting started:
Choose whether to use your regular phone or a device that is harder to trace. Once the app is installed, strengthen your security settings—enable any available authentication features and turn on disappearing messages so your conversations are not stored indefinitely.
Next steps:
If you are concerned about monitoring and haven’t used the app before, it may help to start with ordinary, low-risk conversations. This can make your later communication appear more natural and less unusual.
Contact numbers investigation team (Signal/WhatsApp):
- Sydney, Australia: +61 459 100 676
- You can also find additional contact information by visiting our journalists’ profile pages. Searching their name along with “Signal News” should help you locate the correct details. If you’re unable to find the right person, you may message one of the numbers above and request that your message be forwarded.
Be sure to review the earlier guidance in this guide on how best to describe the information you want to share.
Creating a dedicated, purpose-built email account can help reduce the link between your identity and your communication with a journalist.
If what you want to share isn’t highly sensitive, email is often the simplest way to get in touch. However, it’s still wise to keep some separation between your everyday life and any correspondence with a reporter. Since journalists receive large volumes of emails, it’s also important to make your message clear and noticeable so it doesn’t get overlooked.
Advantages:
- Email is widely understood and easy to use, and many journalists make their email addresses publicly available.
- It allows you to send detailed messages as well as attachments.
- Encryption can be added, although it requires extra steps.
Disadvantages:
- Standard email is not secure by default, and messages can potentially be monitored.
- Even with a separate account, some identifying information may still be exposed.
- Email encryption is complex and does not hide everything, such as sender and recipient details or subject lines.
While email is inherently vulnerable, there are ways to reduce the chances of your communication being intercepted.
Getting started:
Avoid using your personal or work email. Instead, set up a new account specifically for contacting Signal News. Ideally, do this on a device that cannot easily be linked back to you.
When creating the account, make sure the details you provide cannot be traced to your identity, and use a unique, strong password that you do not reuse elsewhere.
Next steps:
Journalists receive a large number of emails, including many that are not relevant, so messages that don’t quickly stand out may be missed. It’s helpful to review guidance on how to present your information clearly and effectively.
Be aware that email messages can reveal your IP address. If you want to reduce the risk of your location being identified, consider using the Tor network when sending emails, or send from a location that doesn’t easily connect back to you.
Always log out after sending your message, and consider clearing your browsing or email history. Keeping your device secure is also important.
If you need to contact the Signal News’ investigations team directly, you can email:
Investigations@signalnews.com.au
Have a investigative story or news tip? For non-sensitive tips submit it through the form below, email contact@signalnews.com.au, or reach out to Signal News on Facebook or Instagram via direct message.
We do not accept opinion pieces, letters, political manifestos or essays.
For sharing videos or image files, please upload them to wetransfer.com and address them to contact@signalnews.com.au.
