How Digital Whistleblower Platforms Use Tor and Encryption to Protect Sources
Summary
An overview of whistleblower platforms including SecureDrop, GlobaLeaks, and WildLeaks, describing how Tor, encryption, and secure submission channels can help protect sources and support anonymous reporting.
Key points
- Digital whistleblowing platforms provide channels for people to submit documents and information to journalists or organizations.
- Many platforms use Tor to help conceal sources’ IP addresses and browsing history.
- SecureDrop is open-source software used by more than 60 news organizations, according to the article.
- GlobaLeaks offers software for secure, anonymous whistleblowing initiatives and is described as not retaining IP address records.
- PPLAAF, WildLeaks, and Climate Whistleblowers provide secure channels for reporting or supporting particular causes.
- Psst Safe is described as an encrypted submission portal that allows users to remain anonymous.
Article Details
- Topic
- Digital whistleblower platforms and their use of Tor and encryption to provide anonymous, secure channels for submitting information to journalists and organizations.
People
Aaron SwartzInitially developed SecureDrop, then called DeadDrop, with Kevin Poulsen and James Dolan.Charles LewisAmerican journalist who founded the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists in 1997.Chelsea ManningFormer U.S. Army intelligence analyst who leaked documents published by WikiLeaks.James DolanInitially developed SecureDrop, then called DeadDrop, with Aaron Swartz and Kevin Poulsen.Julian AssangeAustralian computer programmer who founded WikiLeaks in 2006.Kevin PoulsenInitially developed SecureDrop, then called DeadDrop, with Aaron Swartz and James Dolan.
Products
GlobaLeaksGlobaLeaks provides its users with software to “set up secure and anonymous whistleblowing initiative[s].” To provide whistleblowers with anonymity, the platform utilizes Tor, includes “robust security and legalPsst Safewith legal and media support, the non-profit has also created a secure web portal—dubbed “Psst Safe” for submitting non-public information.SecureDropAs noted on the company’s website, SecureDrop is “an open source whistleblower submission system that media organizations and NGOs can install to securely accept documents from anonymous sources.” Di Salvo highlightsWikiLeaksWikiLeaks is a whistleblowing platform originally founded by the Australian computer programmer Julian Assange in 2006.WildLeaksFounded by the NGO Earth League International (ELI), WildLeaks is a whistleblowing initiative dedicated to environmental and wildlife crime.