When communicating with a source in a repressive environment who needs to remain anonymous, encourage them to use a VPN when browsing the web. A VPN hides Tor traffic and allows you to remain hidden on the deep web. Your internet provider and government agencies can see if you have downloaded Tor, which may be enough to raise suspicion. Essentially, a VPN disguises your IP address whenever you use the internet, making your location invisible. When using any of the services and tools listed below, ensure to do so on the Tor network browser to remain safe.įor journalists reporting on hostile territories, a VPN is a must. The software was used during the Arab Spring to evade censorship and smuggle protest and riot coverage to the international press. Reporters Without Borders recommends journalists use Tor when interacting with sources in repressive regimes.

Originally developed by the US Navy for covert communication, The Onion Router (Tor) is a software that hides user's online footprints so their location is impossible to track down.

Here are four deep web tools you can use to protect your sources' anonymity online. It is also, however, a place to safely communicate with whistleblowers threatened by repressive regimes, allowing us to tell stories we may not otherwise be able to access.Īccording to Alan Pearce, author of Deep Web for Journalists, the “deep web' is the 'greatest tool' we can use to safeguard vulnerable sources. Black markets, hackers for hire, illegal chat forums - to most people, the 'deep web' is a murky corner of the internet.

Is tor safe for whistleblowing