Journalist & Source Protection
How we protect sources and collaborating journalists
Our Commitment
Source protection is fundamental to investigative research and journalism. ODINT is committed to protecting the identity of anyone who provides us with information, as well as journalists who collaborate with us on sensitive investigations.
Core Promise
We will never voluntarily reveal the identity of a source. We design our systems and practices to minimize the information we collect about sources, ensuring we cannot be compelled to reveal what we do not know.
Source Protection Measures
Technical Protections
We offer secure communication channels including encrypted email (Proton Mail), Signal, OnionShare (Tor), and an anonymous Google Form. These systems are designed to protect source identity even from us. We recommend sources use Tor and avoid patterns that could identify them.
Data Minimization
We do not collect or retain information about sources beyond what is necessary. Original communications are deleted after processing. We do not maintain logs that could connect sources to submissions.
Operational Security
Staff handling source communications follow strict operational security protocols. Source-related information is compartmentalized within the organization on a need-to-know basis.
Legal Protection
As a U.S.-registered nonprofit, we operate under U.S. press freedom protections including the First Amendment. We will contest any legal demands for source information to the fullest extent permitted by law.
For Sources
If you're considering providing information to ODINT:
Recommended Practices
- Use Tor Browser to access our website and submission systems
- Don't contact us from your work computer or network
- Consider using a dedicated device for sensitive communications
- Remove metadata from documents before submission
- Don't tell anyone about your contact with us
- Use our OnionShare (Tor) for anonymous file drops
- Use our anonymous tip form for quick submissions
For Journalists
When collaborating with journalists on investigations:
- We use encrypted communications for all sensitive discussions
- We verify journalist identities before sharing embargoed information
- We coordinate publication timing to protect ongoing sources
- We do not reveal journalist sources shared with us in confidence
- We support journalist partners facing legal pressure
What We Will Not Do
- Reveal source identities under any circumstances short of imminent physical harm
- Cooperate with intelligence agencies or law enforcement to identify sources
- Use source information for any purpose other than the stated research
- Share source information with third parties without explicit consent
- Retain communications longer than necessary for verification
Legal Pressure
If we receive legal demands to reveal source information:
- We will immediately engage legal counsel
- We will contest such demands through all available legal channels
- We will notify affected sources if legally permitted
- We will seek support from press freedom organizations
- We will be transparent about legal challenges (within legal constraints)
Limits of Protection
While we take extensive measures to protect sources, we cannot guarantee absolute protection. Sources should understand:
- Metadata in documents may reveal information about their origin
- Unique access to certain information may narrow the pool of potential sources
- Sources should assess their own risk tolerance
- We cannot protect against all forms of surveillance
Contact
For questions about source protection, contact us at [email protected] (Proton Mail) or Signal. See our Contact page for all secure channels.
Last updated: January 27, 2026