Media Watchdog Launches Anonymous Submission System

A U.S.-based media watchdog says it has launched an encrypted submission system allowing journalists to contact the organization with reports of press freedom violations “safely and anonymously.”

The Committee To Protect Journalists (CPJ) said on May 12 that the system, named SecureDrop, provides “robust protections” against network-based surveillance.

Journalists can use SecureDrop to submit messages and files to CPJ without revealing their identity, location, or the contents of their messages to potential attackers, according to the New York-based group.

"Journalists in distress -- those who are being followed, harassed or intimidated, or those who are forced to flee or go into hiding -- are most vulnerable to continued surveillance as they attempt to seek help," said Maria Salazar-Ferro, the CPJ's journalist assistance program coordinator. "Journalists' ability to securely convey information about their situation and needs in an easy manner from any place is key to CPJ being able to provide speedy support."