Citizen insight, investigative power.
What is the ECR Platform?
The Engaged Citizens Reporting (ECR) platform is a secure digital tool designed to bridge the gap between investigative journalists and the communities they serve. It enables citizens to contribute information, tips, and insights to ongoing investigations — anonymously and safely.
By crowdsourcing knowledge from the audience, ECR amplifies the reach and depth of investigative reporting, surfacing truths that might otherwise remain hidden.
ECR brings the audience into the heart of investigative journalism. It enables anyone to contribute securely, anonymously, and meaningfully to stories that matter.
Crowdsourced & Secure Reporting
How It Works
ECR enables members of the audience to securely submit information to investigative teams. All submissions are protected through end-to-end encryption and anonymisation protocols, ensuring contributors can share what their knowledge and evidence.
The platform is built on three core commitments:
- Full anonymity for every citizen contributor
- End-to-end encryption of all submitted insights
- Transparent editorial responsibility and accountability
Ownership & Development
ECR is developed and owned by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), a leading regional media development organisation with a long track record of strengthening independent journalism across the Balkans and beyond.
Content & Accountability
Editorial Responsibility
The content gathered and the views expressed through this platform are the sole responsibility of the individual authors who submit them.
BIRN provides training in audience engagement and data analysis, as well as mentoring during production of stories based on content received through the platform.
All reporting based on citizen insights is subject to the editorial standards of the receiving news organisation.
Launch & Development
UK Government — Original development & launch via the Media 4 All project
Maintenance & Development
Ongoing technical development and platform sustainability supported by:
