HOW TO LEAK DOCUMENTS SAFELY

RULE #1: NEVER USE AUTHORITY SYSTEMS

The Authority monitors EVERYTHING on their network:

• Email (yes, even "deleted" messages)
• Document access logs (they know who viewed what, when)
• Print jobs (every page has invisible tracking dots)
• USB drives (flagged if you insert one into Authority computers)
• Screenshots (some systems log screen captures)
• Chat/messaging (all recorded, even "private" channels)

If you access a classified document on their system, they will know. The question is whether they notice before you leak it.

RULE #2: USE PERSONAL DEVICES ONLY

What You Need:

• Burner phone - Purchased with cash, not linked to your identity
• Public WiFi - Never your home network, never Authority facilities
• Tor Browser - Routes traffic through multiple nodes, harder to trace
• Encrypted email - ProtonMail or similar, created with burner identity

What You NEVER Use:

• Your personal phone/laptop linked to your real identity
• Your home or work internet connection
• Social media accounts
• Email accounts with your real name

RULE #3: PHOTOGRAPH, DON'T PRINT OR COPY

Modern printers embed invisible tracking dots on every page (Machine Identification Code). This can trace documents back to specific printers, times, and users.

Safer Method:

1. Use your personal phone (not Authority-issued)
2. Photograph the document on screen or paper
3. Take photos in a bathroom stall or private area (no security cameras)
4. Transfer photos to burner device via encrypted SD card or cable (NOT cloud/email)
5. Delete originals from your personal phone immediately
6. Factory reset the phone after transfer if possible

RULE #4: REMOVE IDENTIFYING METADATA

Digital photos contain metadata (EXIF data) that can reveal:

• Device model and serial number
• GPS location where photo was taken
• Date and time stamps
• Software versions

How to Strip Metadata:

• Use metadata removal tools (ExifTool, MAT2, etc.)
• Take a screenshot of the photo (instead of sending original)
• Or: I can strip metadata when you send to me (see contact page)

RULE #5: CONTACT ME SECURELY

NEVER email me from your work or personal email.

Secure Contact Methods:

1. Encrypted Email: Create anonymous email account, use Tor Browser, contact me at contact@scorched-earth-files.com
2. Dead Drops: Physical document drops at pre-arranged locations (email for details)
3. Intermediaries: Contact Belt settlement resistance networks (they know how to reach me)

See full instructions: Secure Contact Methods

RULE #6: DON'T LEAK DOCUMENTS ONLY YOU ACCESSED

If you're the only person who accessed a classified file, and then it appears on this website, Internal Affairs will know it was you.

Safer Approach:

• Leak documents with wide distribution (many people have access)
• Wait several weeks/months after accessing before leaking
• Leak multiple documents at once (harder to pinpoint timing)
• Choose files that multiple departments access regularly

RULE #7: NEVER TELL ANYONE

Not your spouse. Not your best friend. Not your "trusted" coworker.

The Authority offers immunity and rewards for turning in whistleblowers. People talk. People get scared. People betray you.

If no one knows, no one can turn you in.

RULE #8: HAVE A COVER STORY

If Internal Affairs questions why you accessed certain files:

• "I was researching for my performance review"
• "I was cross-checking data for my report"
• "I thought I needed it for the [legitimate project] assignment"
• "I clicked the wrong file by mistake"

Prepare plausible explanations BEFORE you access sensitive documents.

RULE #9: ASSUME YOU'RE BEING WATCHED

If you work for the Authority:

• Assume your workspace has cameras
• Assume your computer is monitored
• Assume your communications are recorded
• Assume Internal Affairs reviews access logs

Act normal. Access documents during normal work hours for plausible reasons. Don't change your behavior patterns.

RULE #10: KNOW WHEN TO STOP

If you notice:

• Unexpected "security reviews" of your work
• Questions about your document access patterns
• Internal Affairs asking colleagues about you
• Increased monitoring or scrutiny

STOP IMMEDIATELY. Destroy burner devices. Delete encrypted accounts. Resume normal work. Wait 6+ months before considering further leaks.

WHAT I DO TO PROTECT YOU

When you send me documents, I:

1. Strip all metadata - Remove EXIF data, device fingerprints, timestamps
2. Redact identifying details - Remove internal distribution lists, access codes, recipient names
3. Delay publication - Wait weeks/months to obscure leak timing
4. Never reveal sources - Even under threat, I don't name whistleblowers
5. Use secure deletion - Originals are destroyed after publication

FOR NON-AUTHORITY WHISTLEBLOWERS

If you have evidence from private companies, civilian records, personal testimony:

• Same security practices apply (burner devices, Tor, encrypted email)
• Corroborate your story (do you have documents, witnesses, photos?)
• Be prepared to verify identity (I won't publish unverified claims)
• Understand risks (retaliation can happen even outside Authority employment)

FINAL THOUGHTS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Secure Contact Methods - Detailed instructions for reaching me safely

Document Verification - How to verify evidence before submitting

How to Resist - Other ways to fight Authority control

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"The truth is worth the risk. Twenty-three of my colleagues died proving it."
— Elena Vasquez, Sacramento Truth Commission Survivor