Notes 
Alternative to SecureDrop. Easily set up a secure and anonymous whistleblowing initiative. Designed to be user-friendly, the software is customisable and protects the whistleblower’s privacy and submissions by default.
Reviewed by Marco Wollank
GlobaLeaks
globaleaks.org 2 ratings so far*
Rate GlobaLeaks: No account needed
Threat level
Targeted
A targeted-tier tool. Built for a real, capable adversary. Overkill for everyone below. Threat levels
Our take
The more approachable alternative to SecureDrop, audited and built so a smaller organization can stand up an anonymous whistleblowing channel without a dedicated security team. It still runs over Tor and still demands you take operational security seriously, so it is easier, not effortless. A strong choice for NGOs, activists, or smaller outlets that need source protection; individuals after simple private messaging should look elsewhere.
GitHub at a glance
globaleaks/globaleaks-whistleblowing-software AGPL-3.0 accessibilityangularanonymityanticorruptionbootstrapdebiandigital-human-rightsdigital-public-goodsdompurifyfree-softwarelibsodiumopen-sourceprivacypythonsecuritysqlalchemytortwistedtypescriptwhistleblowing
Stars
1,525
+0 this week
Forks
356
73 watching
Last commit
today
healthy
Latest release
v5.0.101
6d ago, 80 total
Star history
Issues
79% closed
622
open
2,391
closed
+11 / -12
opened / closed, last 4 weeks
Opened vs closed, last 12 weeks
Commits, last 26 weeks
2,635 commits, active 22 of 26 weeks
56 contributors since Aug 2012
Languages
- Python 53%
- TypeScript 27.7%
- HTML 16.2%
- Other 3.1%
Updated daily from the GitHub API. Star tracking since Jun 15, 2026.
Website at a glance
globaleaks.org
B+ score 80
Solid website security headers
Graded by Mozilla HTTP Observatory, tested 1d ago
Inspect this site yourself
Measures the security configuration of the tool's own website, not the privacy of the product itself. A strong tool can still score low here.
GlobaLeaks alternatives
EFF Electronic Frontier Foundation offers tips, tools and how-tos for safer online communications.
SecureDrop Software that news websites install to offer whistleblowers a plattform for secure communication and file transfers. Requires Tor Browser for anonymity in order to access. List…
Briar Briar doesn't rely on a central server: messages are synchronized directly between the users' devices via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Online sync via the Tor network is possible, too.…
OnionShare OnionShare is an open source tool that lets you securely and anonymously share files, host websites, and chat with friends using the Tor network. Share files, host websites,…
Haven An Android application that leverages on-device sensors to provide monitoring and protection of physical areas. Turns Android phones into a motion, sound, vibration and light…
GlobaLeaks license, in plain English
AGPL-3.0 Strong copyleft · network
Free to use, even commercially. Changes must be published under the same license, and running a modified version as a network service counts as distributing it.
Permits
- Commercial use
- Modification
- Distribution
- Patent use
- Private use
Requires
- Disclose source
- Network use is distribution
- Same license
- State changes
- License and copyright notice
Does not provide
- Liability cover
- Warranty
Why it matters: The network clause is the point. Anyone who runs a modified version as a hosted service has to publish those changes, so the code handling your data stays inspectable. This is why privacy-first projects reach for AGPL.
Plain-language summary of the project's license, not legal advice. Read the full text for the exact terms.
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