Security Guide & Disclaimer

Securely Contact In-depth Solomons

Our Commitment to You:

At In-depth Solomons, we know that sharing sensitive information takes immense courage and often carries significant personal or professional risk. Unearthing the stories that matter to the Solomon Islands requires the help of whistleblowers and insiders. We are committed to protecting your identity and ensuring the truth is heard.

However, technology is only part of the solution. Your actions before, during, and after contacting us are your strongest defense. Please read these guidelines carefully before reaching out.

1. Protect Yourself Before Contacting Us

• Do not use a work device: Never use a phone, laptop, or tablet issued by your employer, an organization, or the government. Use a personal device.

 

• Avoid work Wi-Fi: Do not contact us or research our tip-line while connected to your employer’s Wi-Fi network, as network administrators can see which websites you visit. Use your personal mobile data (Our Telekom, Bmobile, etc.) or a trusted home network.

 

• Keep it to yourself: The most common way sources are exposed is by telling a trusted colleague or friend what they have done. Keep your decision to reach out strictly to yourself.

2. Using Signal Securely

We use the Signal app because it provides end-to-end encryption. This means no one—not internet service providers, not the government, and not even the Signal Foundation—can read your messages, view your documents, or listen to your calls.

• Contact our Username: Reach out to us directly via our secure link or by searching our username: [Insert Your Signal Username Here]

 

• Enable Disappearing Messages: As soon as you begin a chat with us, tap the chat settings and turn on “Disappearing Messages.” Set the timer to 1 week or less so evidence of our conversation does not remain on your phone.

 

• Lock your device: Ensure the phone you are using requires a strong PIN, passcode, or biometric lock to open.

3. The Limits of Digital Security (Disclaimer)

We take every precaution on our end using dedicated, secure devices, but no digital communication is 100% foolproof. > * Physical Access: Signal cannot protect you if someone physically takes your unlocked phone and reads your screen.

• Metadata: While the content of your messages is hidden, your mobile provider will still have a record that you used mobile data or downloaded the Signal app at a specific time.

 

• Document Traces: If you share files, be aware of hidden metadata (e.g., the author name hidden in a Word document, or the GPS location hidden in a smartphone photo). We take steps to scrub this data before publication, but it is best to provide raw text or screenshots when in doubt.

What We Will Do

We review every tip on secure, offline devices. We will not publish your name, your contact information, or any identifying details without your explicit consent. If we need to verify your identity to ensure journalistic integrity, we will do so with the utmost discretion and care.