Davidson Press — Source Protection
At Davidson Press, we take source protection seriously. Your safety and anonymity are our priority — not conditional on the story.
Source Protection Protocol
Davidson Press operates under a strict, non-negotiable source protection policy. Your safety is not conditional on the story — it is guaranteed from the moment you make contact.
All channels are end-to-end encrypted. We use Signal, ProtonMail, and secure drop protocols. No metadata is retained on our systems.
You are never required to identify yourself. We do not track IP addresses, device fingerprints, or browser metadata on our tip systems.
Submissions are reviewed only by the senior editorial team. Access is strictly compartmentalised and logged. No third parties are involved.
All files are encrypted at rest and in transit. Metadata is stripped on receipt. Original documents are stored in air-gapped secure vaults.
Sources are protected under PIDA, Section 10 of the Contempt of Court Act, and the NUJ Code of Conduct. We will resist all disclosure orders.
All material is independently verified before publication. We never publish unverified claims. Your submission is treated with rigour and care.
“The protection of journalistic sources is a cornerstone of press freedom. Without it, sources may be deterred from assisting the press in informing the public on matters of public interest.”
— European Court of Human Rights, Goodwin v. UK
Secure Contact
Signal (Most Secure)
Available on request via ProtonMail
Signal provides the strongest available encryption for messaging. Recommended for highly sensitive disclosures or whistleblower material.
Encrypted Email — ProtonMail
davidsonpress.investigations@proton.me
ProtonMail is end-to-end encrypted. For maximum protection, create a new anonymous ProtonMail account before making contact. Do not use your work or personal email.
WhatsApp — Encrypted Messaging
Available on request via ProtonMail
WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted. If possible, use a separate SIM or a messaging app installed on a non-personal device.
Operational Security
To protect yourself, please take these precautions before making contact:
Do not use a work device or an employer-managed network.
Avoid sending from your home Wi-Fi — use a public, mobile, or separate connection.
Use a private or incognito browser window when contacting us.
Consider using a VPN or the Tor Browser for additional anonymity.
Remove metadata from files before sending. Photographs, PDFs, and documents contain hidden data that can identify you or your device.
Do not tell colleagues or others that you have contacted Davidson Press.
Advanced anonymity: For the highest level of protection, use the Tor Browser and a new, anonymous email address not linked to your real identity.
Source Protection
We will never reveal your identity to any third party, organisation, or authority without your explicit and written consent.
All material received is reviewed confidentially and will not be shared outside the Davidson Press editorial team.
We verify all submitted material independently before any publication decision is made.
Sources are protected under strict, permanent confidentiality — not conditional on publication.
You may remain completely anonymous throughout the entire process. We will never ask you to identify yourself unless you choose to.
Submissions
Editorial Standards
Editorial Verification Standard
All information submitted to Davidson Press is subject to independent verification by our editorial team before any decision to publish is made. We do not publish unverified claims. Where material is complex, we consult legal, financial, or technical specialists prior to use. False or misleading information will not be published.
Not all submitted material will result in publication — but all credible information is treated seriously, handled with care, and retained under strict editorial confidence indefinitely.
Legal Framework
Whistleblowers and journalistic sources in the United Kingdom are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA), which provides legal protection against retaliation in certain employment contexts.
Journalists are protected from being compelled to reveal their sources under Section 10 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981. Davidson Press operates in accordance with the NUJ Code of Conduct and UK press freedom law.
We strongly recommend that potential whistleblowers facing legal risk seek independent legal advice before making a disclosure.