If you’re looking for whistleblowers in the era of email hacking, why not list a phone number?
The New York Times has a system to receive confidential news tips which includes messaging apps, encrypted emails and snail mail, but omits a phone number. Unless the line was bugged, I would think a phone call would be the safest way to share confidential information.
As someone who has tried to call reporters at the Times, I assume direct phone numbers are nowhere to be found due to the volume of calls the publication receives on a daily basis. The phone system is a fortress. But that can be a blessing and a curse; reporters may avoid the world’s worst story ideas, but also could miss out on the next big tip.
Is it an attempt to thwart a deluge of unrelated calls or have people become too comfortable behind screens and encrypted messages to actually talk to folks?
Posted by TheStrategicFirm 
