Some of the most important reporting depends on people who take a risk to share what they know. We take that seriously, which is exactly why this page begins with a plain statement: ABC 24 Times does not yet operate a dedicated secure-drop system. We are not making claims about encryption, anonymity tools or technical protections, because we have not built or independently tested any. If you are at risk, please read this page carefully before contacting us.
What we promise
Our principle is source protection. We will not knowingly identify a confidential source without that person's consent, and we will discuss the terms of confidentiality before relying on information, not after. That is a commitment about our conduct. It is not a technical guarantee, and it cannot override what a device, a network or a third party may already reveal.
What we cannot yet offer
- A secure, purpose-built submission channel.
- Verified end-to-end encryption for messages or files.
- Guaranteed anonymity for anyone who contacts us through ordinary email.
Ordinary email is not a confidential channel. Messages may be stored by providers, visible to employers, and retained long after you delete them.
Good practice for sources
If you are considering sharing sensitive information with any news organization, these habits reduce risk:
- Avoid work devices and networks. Employers can often see activity on equipment and connections they control.
- Think about metadata. Files, photos and documents can carry hidden details such as authorship, location or time. Ask yourself what a copy of the material could reveal about you.
- Limit who knows. The fewer people aware of what you are doing, the harder it is to trace.
- Seek legal advice first. A lawyer can explain your obligations and protections before you act. We cannot provide legal advice.
- Keep records minimal. Consider what you actually need to keep, and where.
If your tip is not sensitive
For non-sensitive tips, such as a story idea, a public document, a correction suggestion or a question we should look into, you can write to [email protected]. Please do not include passwords, identity documents or anything that could put you or someone else in danger.
What happens next
When we publish a proper secure channel, we will describe on this page exactly how it works, who can access it, what has been independently reviewed and what its limits are. Until then, we encourage anyone with highly sensitive material to prefer established secure channels run by organizations with a track record in protecting sources, and to consider a lawyer's guidance before any contact.
Our Editorial Standards explain how we treat sources and sensitive material once we receive it. Thank you for trusting us enough to read this far.