Some of the most important stories begin with a tip from someone who has firsthand knowledge or access to revealing documents. At The Verge, we are always on the lookout for information that can shed light on how companies, products, and government agencies shape our daily lives. If you have encountered something that the public should know about — whether it's a hidden practice, a security flaw, or a policy that affects millions — we want to hear from you. Evidence is key: firsthand experience or concrete documents are far more valuable than suspicions. This page outlines the best ways to contact us securely and protect your identity if needed.

Why Tips Matter in Journalism

Investigative journalism has a long history of relying on whistleblowers and tipsters. From the Pentagon Papers to the Panama Papers, anonymous sources have provided the foundation for stories that changed public understanding. In the technology sector, tips have exposed data breaches, unethical business practices, and regulatory failures. By coming forward, you can help hold powerful entities accountable. However, doing so can carry risks, especially if you are an employee or contractor bound by nondisclosure agreements. That is why we take security seriously and provide multiple channels for confidential communication.

Email: Simple but Needs Caution

Email is the easiest way to reach our editorial team. You can send tips to the general Verge inbox at tips@theverge.com. This address is monitored by editors who will review your message and route it to the appropriate reporter. However, ordinary email is not encrypted end-to-end by default. If you are at risk of reprisals, do not use your work email, work Wi-Fi, or work device. Employers can monitor network traffic and email accounts. Instead, create a private email account (such as Gmail or ProtonMail) and use it from a personal computer or a public Wi-Fi network. For additional security, consider using a VPN to mask your IP address. ProtonMail offers built-in encryption, but even with Gmail, you can use tools like PGP if both parties support it. We recommend avoiding attachments that contain metadata (like photos with location data) unless you strip them first.

Best Practices for Email Tips

• Use a personal device and a non-work network.
• Consider creating an anonymous email account with no identifying information.
• Do not include your real name or other personal details unless necessary.
• If you have documents, upload them to a secure cloud service and share the link rather than attaching files directly.

Signal: Strong Encryption for Text and Voice

For a higher level of security, we accept tips via Signal, a messaging app that uses end-to-end encryption for texts, voice calls, and file transfers. Signal stores your phone number and the last time you accessed the app, but it does not store the content of your messages or who you communicate with. This makes it a strong choice for sensitive communications. However, you should never use your work phone for Signal tips. Download Signal from the official website or app store, then set up an account with a personal phone number. You may want to use a burner phone or a secondary SIM card if complete anonymity is critical.

Email addresses and Signal accounts for specific Verge staffers can be found on their author pages linked on this staff list. You can also send general tips to our main Signal number (not listed here for security; please email tips@theverge.com to request it). Depending on what version of Signal you are using, you may need to add the recipient's number as a contact before starting a conversation. After the conversation begins, you can delete the contact from your phone to reduce traces. The Freedom of the Press Foundation offers detailed guidelines for locking down security on Signal, including enabling disappearing messages, using a PIN to prevent SIM swapping, and verifying safety numbers.

Signal Security Tips

• Enable disappearing messages for all chats (set a timer of 1 week or less).
• Use a Signal PIN to protect your account from being transferred to another device.
• Check safety numbers out-of-band (e.g., in person) to confirm you're talking to the right person.
• Consider using a proxy if Signal is blocked in your country.

What to Include in Your Tip

The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your tip becomes. We prefer concrete documents, screenshots, recordings, or firsthand accounts. If you have a hunch but no evidence, it may be harder for us to pursue. Describe the context: who is involved, what happened, when and where, and why it matters. If you wish to remain anonymous, do not include your name or contact information in the tip itself; use a throwaway email or Signal account. We respect confidentiality and will work with you to determine how much to disclose.

Additional Channels and Precautions

While email and Signal are our primary methods, we also accept tips through postal mail (though this is slower and less secure). For extremely sensitive information, we encourage using SecureDrop, a platform specifically designed for whistleblowers. The Verge does not currently host its own SecureDrop, but you can use the Freedom of the Press Foundation's SecureDrop directory to find one for our parent organization or other trustable outlets. In all cases, avoid using any form of communication that leaves a permanent trace on your employer's systems. Encrypt your communications whenever possible, and consider using Tor Browser to access our website or submit tips anonymously.

We also want to remind tipsters that this tips page is served over HTTPS without third-party analytics or ad trackers, in accordance with best practices recommended by the Freedom of the Press Foundation. This means that when you visit this page, your activity is not being monitored by advertising networks. However, your internet service provider (ISP) can still see that you visited our site. To hide that, use Tor or a VPN.

Historical Context: How Tips Have Shaped Our Coverage

Over the years, tips have led to some of The Verge's most impactful stories. For example, in 2019, a tip about unsafe working conditions at a major electronics factory led to an investigation that prompted industry-wide changes. In 2021, leaked documents from a social media company revealed how algorithms amplify misinformation. These stories began with a single person deciding to share what they knew. By following the guidelines on this page, you can help us continue this tradition of accountability journalism.

Every tip is reviewed by our editorial team. We prioritize tips that have clear public interest, are supported by evidence, and fall within our coverage area of technology, science, art, and culture. If you are unsure whether your story fits, send it anyway — we will assess it. We may not be able to respond to every tip, but we read all of them.

Your security is our priority. We have designed these channels to minimize risk while making it easy for you to reach us. If you have any questions about the process, you can ask via the general email, but do so from a secure connection. Remember that the most important step is to protect yourself first. Use personal devices, avoid logging into any accounts you don't want linked to the tip, and follow the security recommendations above. Together, we can uncover stories that matter.

Source:The Verge News