Martus

Martus is a secure, open-source software application designed to help individuals and organizations document, encrypt, and safely store sensitive information—especially in environments where privacy and security are critical. Developed by Benetech, a nonprofit technology company, Martus was initially created to support human rights defenders, journalists, and activists working in high-risk areas, enabling them to record incidents of abuse or violations securely.

At its core, Martus allows users to create structured reports—called “bulletins”—that can include text, attachments, and metadata. These bulletins are automatically encrypted on the user’s device before being transmitted over the internet and backed up to secure servers. Only authorized users with the appropriate encryption keys can decrypt and access the data, ensuring confidentiality and integrity.

One of Martus’s most valued features is its strong emphasis on data security. It uses end-to-end encryption and allows users to manage their own keys. This is critical for people working under threat, as it helps prevent unauthorized access even if the device is lost or seized.

Martus also includes functionality for organizing and searching through records, which makes it a useful tool not only for collecting testimony or evidence but also for analyzing patterns over time. Its multilingual support and user-friendly interface make it accessible to a broad range of users, regardless of their technical background.

While Martus has been particularly impactful in the human rights and social justice sectors, its architecture also makes it suitable for other use cases involving secure reporting—such as whistleblowing, legal documentation, or sensitive health data logging.

In summary, Martus is a trusted solution for secure information collection and storage. Its combination of robust encryption, structured data handling, and mission-driven design has made it a valuable tool for protecting vulnerable voices and preserving critical evidence in challenging environments.