Database Access Application

Complete all required fields. Your information is handled with strict confidentiality.

Identity & Contact

Display Name / Handle *

You may use a pseudonym for safety. Legal name is not required.

Contact Email *

We recommend ProtonMail or Tutanota for enhanced privacy.

Professional Profile URL(optional)

A link to your published work, professional bio, or portfolio.

Organization

All fields in this section are optional. Independent journalists and freelancers are welcome to apply.

Organization / Publication(optional)

Your Role / Title(optional)

Organization Website(optional)

III

Prior Work

Share links to published work, investigations, or other evidence of your journalism/research background. This section is optional but strongly recommended.

Work Sample 1

Title / Description(optional)

URL(optional)

Investigation Purpose

Describe Your Investigation or Research Project *

Be specific about the subject matter, the public interest served, and how database access will support your work. Vague descriptions may delay review.

Geographic Focus *

Expected Output / Format *

What form will your final work take?

Support & Attribution

Support Link (Ko-fi, Substack, Patreon, etc.)(optional)

The Vault is a community-supported resource. Sharing a support link helps us understand your public presence and supports the ecosystem.

Attribution AgreementI agree to credit The Vault as a data source in any published work that uses records or data obtained through this database, where appropriate and safe to do so.

Safety & Risk Assessment

This section is entirely optional and confidential. Your answers help us understand your safety needs so we can provide appropriate support. You may decline to answer any question.

Are you currently under threats or surveillance?(optional)

YesNoPrefer not to say

Do you use operational security (OpSec) tools?(optional)Yes, I use OpSec tools (VPN, Tor, Signal, encrypted email, etc.)

Have you previously been doxxed or had your identity exposed?(optional)

YesNoPrefer not to say

Emergency Contact (for safety check-ins)(optional)

This is only used if we are unable to reach you and have reason to believe you may be in danger. This information is stored separately and securely.

Safety Outreach Consent(optional)I consent to The Vault reaching out to me with safety resources, threat intelligence, or check-ins if the team believes I may be at risk.

VII

Terms & Consent

How did you hear about The Vault?(optional)

Data Sharing(optional)I am willing to share relevant raw data, documents, or findings with The Vault team to support the broader investigative community (voluntary, not required for access).

Terms of Use Summary: Access to The Vault database is granted solely for legitimate investigative journalism, academic research, and public interest purposes. Users may not use the data for commercial purposes, harassment, or any activity that violates applicable law. The Vault reserves the right to revoke access at any time. All data obtained must be handled responsibly and in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

I have read and agree to The Vault's Terms of Use and understand that access may be revoked for misuse. *

I understand and agree to The Vault's Privacy Policy regarding how my application data is stored and used. *

By submitting, you confirm all information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge.