Sapna Maheshwari

I am a reporter covering TikTok, technology and emerging media companies for The New York Times.

What I Cover

I write about TikTok, one of the most popular and politically controversial apps in the U.S. I also write about the media industry. My coverage includes the efforts to regulate or ban TikTok, the inner workings of the company and how young Americans are engaging with the platform. I also report on the creator economy and new media companies. In addition to these topics, I’m interested in the future of social media, how young people are using technology and consuming news and how money changes hands on TikTok and other platforms. I’m always interested in hearing what readers think I should be writing about, too.

My Background

I have been a business reporter for more than a decade and spent years writing about the retail industry and digital advertising. I have reported on the turmoil inside major retail corporations as well as venture-backed start-ups; the fallout in retail during the pandemic and labor issues that affect retail’s massive work force. I have also written about programmatic advertising, misinformation, surreptitious data collection and inappropriate content on YouTube Kids.

Before joining The Times in 2016, I reported for BuzzFeed News and Bloomberg News. My reporting has won a Front Page Award from the Newswomen’s Club of New York and a Best in Business award from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. I have a bachelor’s in journalism and political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I was born and raised in southeastern Connecticut and am Indian American.

Journalistic Ethics

The Times has high ethical standards that I follow and that include specific guidelines for business reporters. I do not actively trade investments of any kind and I keep my retirement savings in broad funds. I cannot accept gifts, money or favors from anyone who might figure into my reporting. I do not participate in politics nor do I make political donations. It is crucial for me to protect my sources, who often take risks to speak with me. I work to be fair and accurate in my reporting.

Reach out by email, DM or NYT tips to get my Signal number.

• Email: sapna@nytimes.com

• X: @sapna

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• Threads: @whatsupna

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• Anonymous tips: nytimes.com/tips