A B.Tech student from Delhi has launched a digital tool that lets people anonymously report bribe demands encountered in government offices, turning personal stories of corruption into data-driven insights.
- Anonymous reporting without account signup
- Maps bribe demands across 250+ Indian cities
- Uses AI-assisted coding to build civic tech
What happened
Aryan Nishad, a B.Tech student at Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology in Delhi, developed Bribes.fyi—a crowdsourced platform launched in July 2026 that allows Indian citizens to anonymously report alleged bribe demands encountered during government dealings. Users can submit details such as the government department involved, the city, the amount requested, and whether they paid or refused the bribe. The entire process takes about a minute and requires no account creation, ensuring privacy for reporters.
Once submitted, the platform anonymizes and compiles these reports into a searchable database, enabling the public to explore trends in bribery reported across more than 250 cities and multiple government sectors. The police department has received the highest number of bribe reports, while a significant portion of users have indicated they refused to pay and still received the service. The platform cautions that the data reflects self-reported experiences and should not be seen as an official corruption index.
Why it feels good
Bribes.fyi transforms the all-too-familiar frustration with unwarranted bribe demands into collective action and insight. By crowdsourcing reports, the platform brings transparency to a traditionally hidden practice, turning isolated incidents into meaningful data that can highlight systemic corruption in specific departments or regions. This new visibility empowers users by informing their choices and raising public awareness.
The platform’s privacy-first design also reassures users that they can safely report their experiences without fear of repercussion. Additionally, with over a third of reports showing refused payments that still led to service delivery, it offers hope and encourages more people to stand against corruption. This grassroots approach fosters a sense of community resilience and progress toward greater accountability.
What to enjoy or watch next
The technology behind Bribes.fyi is itself notable—built using AI-assisted 'vibe coding,' it demonstrates how modern AI tools can lower barriers for students and civic tech innovators to create impactful solutions. The straightforward user interface combined with powerful data aggregation makes it a model for new platforms tackling social challenges with crowdsourced intelligence.
Looking ahead, users and policymakers may find Bribes.fyi’s evolving dataset valuable for advocacy, reform efforts, and keeping pressure on government offices to reduce corrupt practices. Citizens curious about corruption patterns can explore its interactive map and departmental breakdowns to better prepare for visits to offices. As the platform grows, it could inspire similar projects aiming to harness collective experience and AI for positive social change.