The Verge launches monthly tech giveaway to comply with strict ethics policy

The Verge, a technology news publication owned by Vox Media, has initiated a monthly sweepstakes to distribute technology gadgets, including robot toys and gaming gear. This initiative stems from the publication’s strict ethics policy, which prohibits staff from retaining, selling, or passing on items of value received from companies or PR firms. While standard industry practice often allows reviewers to keep units, The Verge returns items where possible; if companies decline return, the gadgets are entered into the giveaway.

The sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 US states and Washington DC, adhering to standard US sweepstakes laws that prohibit purchase requirements or subscriber exclusivity. Entries are selected randomly, and participants must provide their name, email, and subscribe to The Verge on Instagram and TikTok. The event runs from 9:00AM ET on May 27, 2026, to 9:00AM ET on June 10, 2026.

The author of the "Today I’m Toying With" series, a video segment where staff review new tech, has been seeking permission from companies for over a year to distribute these unwanted gadgets to readers. The series was originally designed for viewers to experience the gadgets vicariously, but the new policy allows for direct distribution. Prizes are selected randomly from a large list, meaning winners will not know exactly what they will receive.

Entry requires filling out a form via The Verge or Gleam with a name and email address. The giveaway is not exclusive to subscribers, adhering to "no purchase necessary" sweepstakes rules. The sponsor is Vox Media, LLC, with official rules available on the publication’s website. The publication aims to continue the monthly distribution as long as companies permit the transfer of their products.

The initiative highlights a divergence from typical media practices where review units are often kept by staff. The Verge’s approach ensures compliance with its ethical standards while providing tangible value to its audience. The legal team has restricted the giveaway to the US and DC to manage the complexity of international paperwork.

Participants are encouraged to follow The Verge on Bluesky or subscribe to its social media channels to stay informed about future distributions. The publication has stated it will continue the giveaway as long as it is possible to secure permission from companies to distribute their products. The first wave of giveaways includes dozens of packages containing various tech items.

The sweepstakes operates under the governance of the Official Rules and additional eligibility restrictions. Vox Media, LLC, is listed as the sponsor, with its address in Washington DC. The event voids where prohibited by law and relies on the number of eligible entries received to determine the odds of winning.