Unnamed Sources Policy

Default Standard

Our default standard is on-record attribution. If information can reasonably be published with a named source, we do not grant anonymity.

Threshold for Anonymous Sourcing

Unnamed sourcing may be considered only when all of the following conditions are met:

• The information is materially relevant to readers and not minor speculation.
• The source faces a credible risk from public identification.
• Equivalent on-record sourcing is not reasonably available in time.
• The claim can be corroborated through documentation or independent confirmation.

Approval Process

Use of unnamed sources requires explicit editorial approval before publication. Approval is based on source access, credibility, motive review, and corroboration quality.

If verification is weak, publication is delayed, narrowed, or declined.

Corroboration Requirements

Anonymous claims are not published as standalone proof for high-impact conclusions. We seek independent confirmation from documents, direct testing evidence, or additional qualified sources before publication.

Attribution Language Rules

When anonymity is granted, we provide meaningful context about source proximity and competence without revealing identity. Vague framing that overstates certainty is not permitted.

Prohibited Uses

• No anonymous sourcing to inflate sensational claims.
• No unnamed-source statements used alone to set ratings or rankings.
• No anonymity granted solely for convenience or marketing value.
• No publication of anonymous allegations without verification work.

Post-Publication Accountability

If material anonymous-source claims are challenged, we re-review the evidence and update, correct, qualify, or remove claims where warranted under our corrections framework.

Contact

Questions about sourcing standards can be sent through our Contact page.