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Investigating Technology's Real World
Decode is an independent investigative publication covering how digital systems shape power, labour, childhood, identity, and truth in India. We grew out of BOOM — and out of a decade of investigating what an unaccountable internet does to people.
Our Mission
Decode investigates how digital systems shape real lives in India — the platforms children grow up on, the algorithms deciding who gets work, the databases that determine who belongs. We are interested in what technology does to people, and who is accountable when it causes harm.
We publish slowly and deliberately. A small number of investigations, features, and explainers each month — each one reported carefully and edited for clarity and fairness. Some are free. Others are available to members, whose support makes the work possible.
Our Vision
A country where the systems governing daily life — platforms, algorithms, databases, AI tools — can be scrutinised, challenged, and held to account. Journalism has a role in making that possible. Decode exists to play it.
Our Values
Six principles · How we workIndependence
Decode is answerable to its readers — not to advertisers, not to platforms, not to the political interests that often travel alongside both.
Rigour
Every story is reported, fact-checked, and reviewed before publication. We take the time a story needs.
Clarity
Complex systems can be explained without being simplified into uselessness. We write for readers, not specialists.
Accountability
We name institutions, companies, and officials when they are responsible. Accountability requires specificity.
Humanity
Technology stories are people stories. Every investigation we publish is grounded in real lives and real consequences.
Transparency
We explain our methods. We correct mistakes openly. We stand behind our work.
Read Our Work
Start with our investigations — reported stories on the digital systems shaping India.
Browse Stories