Signal! – Fight against Corruption through Signaling
The Albanian Center for Quality Journalism (ACQJ), with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy, is implementing the project "Signalize!" in order to increase transparency in public institutions in Albania. This project is based on making available a digital, fully anonymized platform, SecureDrop, which enables the reporting of corrupt or illegal activities within public and private institutions.
Background and Need
Democracy in Albania still faces significant challenges, including a lack of transparency and accountability, politicized state institutions, and a culture of impunity for officials accused of criminal offenses. Albania has one of the largest media sectors in the region, but economic and political pressures often drive self-censorship, which undermines the quality of investigative journalism. Anti-corruption watchdog groups have raised concerns about corruption among officials and private companies, but these cases are rarely subject to in-depth investigation.
SecureDrop platform
To protect whistleblowers and journalists, ACQJ is introducing SecureDrop, Albania's first secure online platform for the secure sharing of critical documents and information. This open-source platform, widely used by prestigious media such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian and the Financial Times, guarantees complete anonymity for all parties reporting or submitting information. SecureDrop implements best security practices, does not store identifiable information, and does not share data with third parties without user consent.
Through this platform, ACQJ will conduct in-depth investigations based on the information made available by whistleblowers, protecting their legal rights through the use of advanced IT techniques. In addition, ACQJ provides advice and assistance to whistleblowers on the use of the secure information filing system, and raises public awareness of whistleblowing as an effective anti-corruption tool.
A Trusted Platform for Secure Reporting
The SecureDrop system enables the secure exchange of information between whistleblowers and journalists, especially in cases of abuse of power, corruption and abuse of official positions. Through this initiative, ACQJ aims to create an environment where the reporting of corruption and abuses of public functions is transformed into a broad and effective tool for the fight against these negative phenomena, guaranteeing full security on the anonymity of whistleblowers and the protection of the rights of their legal
For more information on safer methods to contact our journalists, click here.