Here’s how to contact us securely.
The 74 is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to examining the issues impacting the education of America’s 74 million children — and the effectiveness of the system that delivers it. Our journalists aim to challenge the status quo, expose corruption and inequality, spotlight solutions, confront the impact of systemic racism and champion the heroes bringing positive change to our schools.
If you have a story tip, information or documentation that can help us in our mission, we would like to hear from you. This page is for secure and confidential communication, not for general feedback, story ideas or to send us freelance pitches. You can find out how to contact us for those purposes here.
What we’re looking for in a reader tip
- Information that has not already been explored by The 74 or other media outlets, or helps us move an ongoing project or story forward.
- Context. Focus on what you know rather than what you suspect. Please explain how you know a person or organization is acting unethically or causing harm, for example.
- Specifics. Please share as much information as possible: names, locations, dates, etc. Any other evidence – text messages, documents or photos – you can provide will also be extremely helpful.
- Is it a subject area we cover? To learn more about our reporters and the topics they cover, explore our Team page. That’s also where you’ll find out how an individual reporter prefers to be contacted directly, including through encrypted methods of communication like Signal.
We take your privacy seriously
We understand that you’re taking a risk by reaching out to us. While no communication system is 100% foolproof, we will do everything we can to protect your identity.
We collect tips using encrypted apps, like Signal. That helps us to do everything we can to ensure the messages you send cannot be read by anybody other than you and The 74.
Contacting us using Signal
Signal is a messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption for sharing text, photos, videos and calls, and no metadata related to user communication is retained. It is available for mobile and desktop. You can also set messages up to disappear from your phone after a set length of time.
We will respond to tips on Signal only. Our team uses a dedicated device for Signal tips and follows strict guidelines to protect source confidentiality.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Signal requires a phone number to register.
- Do not use a phone number or device linked to your workplace. Avoid using your work Wi-Fi or messaging from your work location as communications can be easily traceable.
- Connect to the internet via public or anonymous Wi-Fi (not your home, school or workplace network). Even better: consider using a virtual private network, or VPN, that encrypts your data and masks your IP address.
- Ensure disappearing messages are on. That way, the message will disappear from your device after a set time has elapsed.
- Avoid sharing details that could reveal your identity unless necessary.
- To send us a tip, search @the74.98 start the chat with us.
Some helpful links:
⧉ Download Signal (iOS/Android/desktop)
⧉ Instructions for using Signal
⧉ Locking Down Signal: A guide from The Freedom of the Press Foundation
Contacting us through the U.S. Mail
Sending us a tip or information by U.S. mail with no return address is one of the most secure ways to communicate. Authorities would need a warrant to intercept mail in transit and open it.
For better security, mail your package or envelope from a sidewalk mailbox rather than a post office or mailroom.
Our address:
Reporter’s name
The 74 Media
200 Broadway, Floor 3
New York, NY 10038