Submission And Source Protection Policy


Effective Date

Butterfly Bureau accepts investigative tips, research submissions, public records, archival materials, and source communications related to matters of public interest.

This policy explains how submissions are handled, the limitations of digital communication, and our approach to source protection and investigative integrity.

Our Commitment

Butterfly Bureau values:

  • responsible investigative journalism
  • evidence based reporting
  • ethical handling of submissions
  • source safety awareness
  • survivor respectful communication
  • public accountability

We recognize that individuals contacting investigative platforms may face professional, legal, reputational, or personal risks.

Types Of Submissions We May Accept

Submissions may include:

  • investigative tips
  • public records
  • court documents
  • screenshots
  • archived materials
  • photographs
  • videos
  • research notes
  • timelines
  • whistleblower information
  • media leads
  • open source intelligence findings

Submission does not guarantee publication, investigation, response, or continued retention.

No Guarantee Of Confidentiality

While Butterfly Bureau attempts to handle submissions responsibly, no digital communication system is completely secure.

Users should understand:

  • email may not be encrypted
  • metadata may be exposed
  • third party platforms may collect information
  • internet communications carry inherent risks

Users transmitting highly sensitive information should carefully evaluate their own operational security practices before submitting materials.

Anonymous Submissions

Anonymous tips may be reviewed when they include:

  • verifiable documentation
  • corroborating evidence
  • credible records
  • independently confirmable information

Anonymous claims alone are not automatically treated as verified facts.

Butterfly Bureau reserves editorial discretion regarding all anonymous submissions.

Source Protection Principles

When appropriate and legally possible, Butterfly Bureau may attempt to:

  • protect source identities
  • minimize unnecessary exposure
  • avoid publishing identifying details
  • redact sensitive information
  • separate public reporting from private communications

However, Butterfly Bureau cannot guarantee absolute anonymity or immunity from legal processes, third party surveillance, hacking, or disclosure demands.

What Not To Send

Please do not submit:

  • knowingly false information
  • fabricated evidence
  • hacked materials obtained unlawfully
  • malware or malicious files
  • threats or harassment
  • doxxing materials
  • personal revenge content
  • exploitative or graphic abuse imagery unless directly relevant and legally appropriate

Butterfly Bureau reserves the right to reject or delete inappropriate submissions.

Verification And Editorial Review

All submissions are subject to editorial review and verification standards.

Butterfly Bureau may:

  • investigate claims further
  • seek corroboration
  • compare records against existing archives
  • verify metadata or authenticity
  • decline publication
  • archive materials privately
  • refer matters to journalists or researchers where appropriate

Not all submissions become published investigations.

Survivor Related Material

Submissions involving survivors of abuse, trafficking, exploitation, or violence are handled with additional care and ethical consideration.

Butterfly Bureau attempts to avoid:

  • exploitative publication
  • sensationalism
  • unnecessary identification
  • retraumatization
  • irresponsible exposure of vulnerable individuals

Legal And Safety Considerations

Users are responsible for understanding the legal risks associated with sharing information.

Butterfly Bureau cannot provide legal advice regarding:

  • whistleblower protections
  • classified information
  • employment agreements
  • sealed documents
  • nondisclosure agreements
  • jurisdiction specific laws

Users should consult qualified legal professionals where appropriate.

Public Interest Standard

Butterfly Bureau evaluates submissions based on:

  • evidentiary value
  • authenticity
  • public interest relevance
  • contextual importance
  • ethical considerations
  • potential harm

Publication decisions are guided by editorial judgment and investigative standards.

Retention And Removal

Submitted materials may be:

  • retained for archival purposes
  • deleted
  • securely stored
  • reviewed internally
  • incorporated into investigations
  • removed where appropriate

Butterfly Bureau is not obligated to return submitted materials.

Contact

Investigative tips and source communications may be directed through:

Butterfly Bureau
ButterflyBureau.com