The Guardian launches in-app messaging for confidential information sharing

Together with the University of Cambridge, the Guardian has launched a Secure Messaging tool within its app to protect whistleblowers.

The functionality is supposed to make it easier for whistleblowers to share confidential information with journalists.

“Blowing the whistle on wrongdoing has always taken bravery. As threats to journalists around the world increase, so does the need to protect confidential sources. One of the most dramatic global shifts against whistleblower safety comes as part of the Trump administration’s continued assault on the free press,” the Guardian said.

People can use the Secure Messaging function within the Guardian app by choosing that option on the menu.

As per the outlet, the technology behind secure messaging conceals the fact that the messaging is taking place – communication becomes indistinguishable from other data sent to and from the app used by regular readers.

“By using the Guardian app, other users are effectively providing ‘cover’ and helping us to protect sources,” the Guardian said.

They shared the technology’s source code on GitHub so that other organizations could implement it within their apps.

Secure Messaging is not the only way to safely send confidential information. You can also reach journalists via other secure means such as email, phone, and postal mail.