Newsroom ethics

No advertiser, investor, government or political party reviews or approves our journalism. Commercial teams are separated from the newsroom by a written firewall.

Partner content is made by a separate studio and is always labelled Partner content.

Anyone who is the subject of a significant allegation is given a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication, normally at least 24 hours. Their response, or their decision not to respond, is reported.

We use anonymous sources only when the information is of clear public interest and cannot be obtained on the record. At least one senior editor must know the identity of the source.

We explain to readers why anonymity was granted and how the source knows what they say.

Community contributors are identity-verified and edited to the same standard as staff. Their work carries a Contributor label. See the contributor guidelines.

When we get something wrong, we correct it promptly and say so at the end of the story. Every correction is listed on our public corrections log. We never silently change facts.

• Journalists declare financial interests, family ties and political roles to the standards editor.
• We do not accept gifts above ₹1,000, free travel or paid trips from people we cover.
• Reporters do not cover companies in which they hold shares.

We do not name survivors of sexual violence or minors in conflict with the law. We take extra care when reporting on suicide, mental health, caste and communal violence, following recognised guidelines.

We may use AI tools for transcription, translation drafts and data analysis. Every published word is written or reviewed by a human journalist. We never publish AI-generated images as news photographs.

Write to our independent standards editor through the contact page, or use the formal grievance process. We reply to every complaint within 15 days.