Some of the most impactful stories in tech journalism begin not in press releases or industry events, but in the quiet, anonymous submissions of individuals who have witnessed something that needs to be brought to light. At The Verge, we are constantly on the lookout for information about the companies and products that shape our daily lives, insights into the government agencies responsible for regulating the environment and technology we interact with, and any other narratives that reveal how technology affects human beings. Evidence is the cornerstone of our reporting: firsthand experience, internal documents, or leaked correspondence carry far more weight than speculation or hearsay. If you have encountered something that you believe the public should know about, we want to hear from you.
This page serves as a comprehensive guide for how to contact The Verge editorial team with tips, whether you are a concerned employee, a whistleblower, or simply an observant citizen. We understand that coming forward can be risky, and we have structured our tip submission process to prioritize your safety and anonymity. Below, we break down the two primary methods for reaching us: traditional email and the encrypted messaging application Signal. We also offer best practices for securing your communications in accordance with recommendations from the Freedom of the Press Foundation.
Why Tips Matter in Tech Journalism
Journalism that holds power accountable often depends on sources who are willing to share information at personal risk. In the technology sector, this can involve exposing unethical data collection practices, revealing undisclosed security vulnerabilities, or uncovering conflicts of interest among regulators and executives. Over the years, tips have led to groundbreaking stories about surveillance programs, antitrust violations, and corporate malfeasance. The Verge has built its reputation on such investigative work, and we are committed to protecting the identities of those who help us serve the public interest.
The digital age has made it easier than ever to share information, but also easier for adversaries to intercept it. That is why we encourage sources to use encryption whenever possible. Even if you believe your information is not particularly sensitive, using secure channels ensures that your identity and communication remain confidential. The following sections detail how to use each method effectively.
Method 1: Email
Email remains the simplest and most accessible way to reach The Verge editorial team. To submit a tip, send an email to our general tips address: tips@theverge.com. This address is monitored by editors who will review your message and route it to the appropriate reporter or beat. Please include as much detail as possible: describe what you know, how you know it, and any supporting evidence you can provide. If you have documents or files, you can attach them to the email, but be aware that standard email is not end-to-end encrypted unless you use additional tools like PGP (Pretty Good Privacy).
Important safety note: If you are at risk of reprisals from your employer, government, or other entities, do not use your work email, work Wi-Fi network, or any device provided by your organization. These systems are often monitored, and using them could expose your identity. Instead, consider creating a free, anonymous email account from a public Wi-Fi network (such as a library or coffee shop) and use that to contact us. Even then, be cautious: internet service providers and email providers may retain logs of your activity. For truly sensitive information, we recommend using the Signal method described below.
Method 2: Signal
Signal is a free, open-source messaging application that provides end-to-end encryption for text messages, voice calls, and file transfers. It is widely regarded as one of the most secure communication tools available, used by journalists, activists, and security professionals worldwide. When you communicate with The Verge via Signal, the app encrypts your messages so that only you and the recipient can read them. Signal itself stores only your phone number and the last time you accessed the app; it does not store the content of your conversations or a record of who you communicate with.
To send a tip via Signal, first download the app from the official website or your device&8217;s app store. Then, you can send messages to our general Signal number, which is listed on the staff page of The Verge. Alternatively, you can reach individual reporters and editors by finding their Signal accounts on their author pages, which are linked from the staff list. Please note that depending on your version of Signal, you may need to add the recipient&8217;s phone number to your contacts before you can start a conversation. Once the conversation has begun, you can delete the contact from your phone, though the thread will remain in your Signal app unless you delete it manually.
Signal also allows you to set messages to disappear after a certain period, which adds an extra layer of security. To enable this, open a conversation, tap the three-dot menu (or the contact&8217;s name), and select &8220;Disappearing messages.&8221; Choose a timer duration (e.g., 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week). After the timer expires, the messages will be deleted from both devices. This is particularly useful if you are concerned about someone gaining physical access to your phone.
Additional Security Tips for Signal
The Freedom of the Press Foundation offers several guidelines for maximizing your security when using Signal. First, enable safety numbers: each conversation has a unique safety number that you can verify with the recipient out-of-band (e.g., by reading it over a phone call). This ensures that no man-in-the-middle attack is intercepting your communication. Second, consider using a separate phone or a burner phone for sensitive conversations. Third, remember that Signal relies on your phone number for identity; if you want to remain completely anonymous, you may need to obtain a prepaid SIM card or use a virtual phone number that cannot be traced back to you. Fourth, be mindful of your device&8217;s notifications: disable previews of message content on your lock screen to prevent someone from reading your tip if they see your phone.
Once you have sent your tip via Signal, an editor will respond to you through the same channel. We may ask for clarification or additional evidence. We will never pressure you to reveal your identity if you wish to remain anonymous. If you choose to share your name, we will respect your privacy and only use it with your explicit consent.
What Happens After You Submit a Tip
When your tip reaches The Verge editorial team, it enters a workflow designed to assess its credibility and newsworthiness. Editors will review the information, cross-reference it with other sources, and determine if it warrants further investigation. Not every tip leads to a story, but we take every submission seriously. If your tip is particularly timely or sensitive, a reporter may contact you within hours. For less urgent matters, it may take a few days or weeks. We appreciate your patience and understanding that we cannot always respond to every individual email or message due to volume.
If your tip is used in a story, we will make every effort to protect your anonymity if you have requested it. The Verge follows standard journalistic practices: we do not publish the names of anonymous sources without their permission, and we take steps to ensure that the information we publish cannot be used to identify you. In some cases, we may consult with legal counsel to understand the risks you face and to advise you on how to proceed.
Our Commitment to Security and Privacy
In accordance with best practices set by the Freedom of the Press Foundation, this tips page is served over HTTPS without third-party analytics or ad trackers. That means when you visit this page, no data is collected about your browsing activity, and your connection to the server is encrypted. We do not log IP addresses from visits to this page, and we do not use cookies that track you across the web. Our goal is to provide a safe environment for sources to learn about secure channels without fear of surveillance.
Additionally, The Verge employs encrypted storage for tip-related communications and documents. Access to this material is restricted to a small group of editors and reporters who handle sensitive investigative work. We regularly review our security protocols to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Understanding the Risks of Digital Communication
No communication method is 100% secure. While Signal and encrypted email provide strong protections, they cannot guarantee absolute anonymity if the adversary is sophisticated or if you make mistakes in your operational security. For example, if you log into your Signal account on a work device that has monitoring software, your conversations could be compromised. Similarly, if you discuss your tip with colleagues in person or over unencrypted channels, that could leak your identity. We advise all sources to consider their threat model carefully: who are you trying to keep the information from? What resources do they have? Based on that analysis, choose the method that best fits your risk tolerance.
For extremely sensitive disclosures, such as those involving national security or high-stakes corporate secrets, you may want to seek legal advice before contacting any journalist. There are also nonprofit organizations, such as the Freedom of the Press Foundation and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, that offer resources and referrals for whistleblowers.
Other Ways to Reach Us
While email and Signal are our preferred methods for editorial tips, we understand that some sources may have constraints that prevent them from using these channels. If you cannot use email or Signal, you can also send a physical letter to our office address (available on our contact page), though this is not recommended due to potential delays and lack of encryption. For advertising inquiries, technical support, or other non-editorial matters, please use the appropriate contact forms listed on our website. This page is exclusively for editorial tips.
The Verge editorial team is committed to publishing stories that matter. Your tips are the lifeblood of our investigative journalism. We thank you for your courage and trust, and we will work tirelessly to verify your information and present it in the public interest. If you have something to share, we are ready to listen.
Source: The Verge News