Send Us a Tip

The focus of many of our shows is accountability. And holding people and institutions accountable requires evidence.

Have you seen an obstacle to climate action or social justice that troubles you or that you think should be a story? Do you have information or a tip related to This Land and the Indian Child Welfare Act? Do you have a tip about something else we should be investigating? Do you have documents or other materials that we should see? Below are a few ways to contact us as safely, securely and anonymously as possible.

IF YOUR TIP IS SENSITIVE

Please keep your apps and your phone’s operating system up to date. Developers and manufacturers regularly fix vulnerabilities that may affect the security of your phone and your communications with us.

SIGNAL

Signal is a free messaging app for iPhone and Android that provides end-to-end encryption for messages and calls. Signal does not collect any metadata regarding who you are messaging. The service only retains your phone number and the last time you accessed the app.

If you’re concerned about someone knowing that you have contacted a journalist, we suggest that you enter the reporter’s Signal number directly into the app — don’t add it to your address book.

Also: Messaging us on Signal does reveal your phone number to Drilled. In some situations, you should consider using a separate phone number (such as a Google Voice number) for Signal communications.

Our newsroom’s general Signal number is +1-415-341-6350.

IF YOUR TIP IS VERY SENSITIVE

POSTAL MAIL

U.S. postal mail without a return address is one of the most secure ways to communicate. Authorities would need a warrant to intercept and open it in transit.

Don’t use your company or agency mailroom to send something to us. Mail your package or envelope from an unfamiliar sidewalk box instead of going to a post office. You can mail us paper materials or digital files on, for example, a thumb drive. For extra protection against interception and tampering, encrypt the thumb drive and send us the passphrase via SecureDrop (or Signal).

Our mailing address is:

Critical Frequency
P.O. Box 277
Kings Beach, Ca 96143

 

SECUREDROP

Critical Frequency uses a system called SecureDrop so you can share information and files with us with a level of security and anonymity that is far greater than is possible with other electronic means. Used properly, SecureDrop allows you to correspond with us in a way that shields your identity even from us.

Our SecureDrop server is only accessible using the Tor anonymity software. Although you need to download the Tor Browser to connect to our SecureDrop server, it can be as easy to use as a normal web browser.

Do not download and install Tor on a computer that is managed by your workplace. For the best level of privacy, we further recommend that you use Tor and visit our SecureDrop using a public Wi-Fi network, rather than your home or work internet connection.

Here’s how to contact us using SecureDrop:

  • Visit TorProject.org and follow the directions to download and install the Tor Browser.
  • Launch the Tor Browser and allow it to connect. Then wait for a page that says a connection has been established.
  • Copy and paste the following into the Tor Browser address bar:  http://ksgjmgb637qwxsb5oby2thgkuykl3i5mdec26td6n6yealmmgyqfgpyd.onion
  • Follow the instructions on that website to send us files and messages. When you use the site, you will get a “code name,” which is your login for SecureDrop. You can come back and log in with this code name to submit more information and see if we have sent a response to you.
  • The SecureDrop link http://ksgjmgb637qwxsb5oby2thgkuykl3i5mdec26td6n6yealmmgyqfgpyd.onion is only accessible via Tor, and we do not recommend using any other website or software to visit our SecureDrop system.

Our SecureDrop servers are under the direct physical control of Critical Frequency. When you use SecureDrop, we are unable to record your IP address or information about your browser, computer or operating system. All files submitted to our SecureDrop servers are encrypted as they are received; submissions are initially decrypted and viewed on a computer that has never been connected to the internet. Unless you give us your name or other identifying information, we do not know your identity if you submit tips to us through SecureDrop. We use our best effort to remove identifying information and metadata from submissions.

For extra security, you can also boot your computer from a USB key containing Tails, a secure operating system that does not leave any trace of your Tails activity on the computer you are using; the Tor Browser is included in the Tails operating system.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN TIPS

We read every tip that comes to us. But we have to make choices about which ones we explore. Here are some things to keep in mind when you contact us:

  • Tell us why your story is an accountability story. Who is being harmed? What, exactly is happening? How would we follow up?
  • Our stories are generally about systemic, not individual, harm. If you think your story is part of a pattern, help us understand the larger context.
  • Include any evidence you have that shows the harm you’re writing about. That includes text messages, emails, documents, receipts, photos, reports, documents and more.
  • If something is time-sensitive, please note that in your subject line or introductory text.
  • Please be as specific and concise as you can.

Last updated: June 19, 2021