CBC Secure Drop

How to contact CBC anonymously

CBC is serious about protecting sources. We are also serious about providing you the most secure and confidential way to reach us to share sensitive information.

In this day and age, internet traffic can be monitored. SecureDrop is a special method to securely, anonymously contact CBC and our top investigative journalists. SecureDrop will help you establish an anonymous on-line connection, and then help you to send CBC investigative journalists encrypted messages or documents.

CBC News Secure Drop

How Do I Get Started?

It can seem daunting. But don't worry! We'll walk you through some simple steps. Your decision to use CBC's SecureDrop is yours — and yours alone.

  1. Use only a computer you control or trust. Don't use a work computer. To prevent someone from snooping on your internet activity, don't go online from home or work. Connect using a network you do not normally use such as a public wi-fi at a restaurant or coffee shop.
  2. Download and install Torbrowser. This program can prevent others from tracking you on-line as you connect to SecureDrop.
  3. Once set up, open the program and paste the following address into the TorBrowser address bar: http://ad2ztmbv5vmbj7ic.onion
  4. We'll provide you with instructions and a randomly generated passcode so that you can communicate anonymously with our reporters and send us documents.. Memorize your code, or write it down somewhere secure. You will need the code to log back in to check for replies from us in the future. These messages are the only way we will be able to reach you.

Tip #1: Be patient. Read all instructions first. The on-line system is slower than you may be used to.

Tip # 2: Don't access our SecureDrop server from your home or office.

Tip #3: If you wish to ensure maximum privacy, first install the Tails operating system on your computer. This is for advanced users, but it will allow you to wipe traces of your activity from your computer as well.

What happens when I send information to CBC's SecureDrop?

Your internet connection to CBC through SecureDrop is anonymous. We don't know who you are — unless you tell us in a message. Your internet address is untraceable.

Your information arrives at CBC encrypted. We download it to a special computer not connected to our regular networks, locked in a restricted, secured room. The information is then read on a computer totally disconnected from the internet.

Only a small group of senior investigative reporters have access to the SecureDrop "in box."

You can send your information "to the attention" of any specific CBC reporters, or simply to "CBC Investigations."

CBC's Commitment to Protecting Sources

Anonymous sources are a vital part of journalism. When we receive leaked information or documents, we must verify their authenticity, corroborate the information they contain, and carefully assess the material before publishing, all according to CBC's Journalistic Standards.

CBC has adopted SecureDrop to enhance our ability to protect sources to allow people with important information to come forward and expose matters of public interest. Used correctly, with appropriate security precautions on your own computer, SecureDrop will provide you a much greater level of anonymity and security.

SecureDrop is regularly audited by independent security experts, but like all software, no form of electronic communication can be made 100% secure. Ultimately, use it at your own risk.