This editorial policy sets out the standards every Anonymous story must meet before and after it is published.
Last updated: October 24, 2026
These are the standards every person who creates content for Anonymous follows. They explain how we report, verify, write, edit and present our journalism, and how readers can hold us to account.
Our mission and editorial policy
Anonymous exists to inform, empower and inspire. Our guiding idea is “Let’s restore faith in humanity,” and we believe accurate, fair and independent journalism is the best way to earn that faith.
These standards apply to all our sections, including US News, World News, Celebrities, Finance, Animals and Parenting & Family, and to any new section we launch. They apply to every format: articles, photo galleries, short videos, long videos, games and our social media posts.
Independence
Our editorial decisions are made by our newsroom alone. Advertisers, brand partners, affiliate partners, owners and outside groups do not decide what we cover or how we cover it. We receive no government or political funding.
Advertisers and partners do not review or approve stories before publication. Learn more on our Ownership and Funding page.
Accuracy and verification
Getting it right comes before getting it first. We check facts before publication and prefer primary sources such as official records, original documents, direct interviews and firsthand observation.
- Important claims are confirmed with reliable sources. When a claim cannot be independently confirmed, we say so clearly.
- Names, numbers, quotes and dates are checked before a story goes live.
- Photos and videos from third parties are checked for origin, date and context before use.
- Viral posts are verified before we report on them, and we make clear when something is unconfirmed.
- We do not knowingly publish false or misleading information.
Sourcing and attribution
Readers deserve to know where information comes from. We name our sources in the text and attribute facts, quotes and data to them.
When we report on a story first published by another outlet, we credit that outlet by name. We never present another organization’s reporting as our own.
Anonymous sources
We use unnamed sources only when all of the following are true:
- The information is important and in the public interest.
- It cannot be obtained in any other way.
- The source faces a real risk of harm if named.
An editor must know the identity of every confidential source. We tell readers why the source was not named and describe their position as fully as we safely can. We do not use unnamed sources to make personal attacks. We will not reveal a confidential source’s identity without consent, except where required by law.
Fairness and right of reply
We aim to be fair to the people and organizations we cover. When we report criticism or allegations, we make a genuine effort to contact those involved and give them a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication. If they decline or do not reply, we say so.
We represent different viewpoints honestly and avoid stereotypes. Our mission focuses on human rights, animal welfare and empowering young people, but our news reporting describes facts as they are, not as we might wish them to be.
News, opinion and advertising
We keep a clear line between different types of content:
- News reports what happened, based on verified facts.
- Opinion and commentary are clearly labeled and reflect the author’s view.
- Advertising is labeled “Advertisement.”
- Sponsored content is labeled “Sponsored” and is never presented as independent journalism.
- Shop and affiliate links are disclosed, and they never influence our news coverage.
Headlines and thumbnails
Headlines and thumbnails must accurately reflect the story. We do not exaggerate headlines to attract clicks, and we do not use misleading images or captions.
Use of artificial intelligence
We may use software, including AI tools, for limited tasks such as image cleanup and creating illustrations. Our rules are firm:
- A human reviews and approves all content before publication.
- AI is never used to depict or alter real people.
- AI is never used to invent quotes, facts, sources or events.
- Images created with AI are labeled “AI-generated illustration | AIAC” in their captions.
- AI-generated illustrations are never presented as photographs of real events.
Images and video
Photos and video must show what they claim to show. We do not stage, alter or manipulate news images in ways that mislead readers. Routine adjustments such as cropping or correcting brightness are allowed when they do not change the meaning of an image.
Every image is credited to its source where known. We avoid graphic imagery unless it is essential to understanding a story, and we warn readers when content may be distressing.
Galleries and video standards
Photo galleries, short videos and long videos follow the same accuracy, sourcing and fairness rules as our articles. Each gallery slide and video caption is checked before publication, and the story told across slides or scenes must be accurate as a whole.
Games are produced for entertainment and must not mislead readers or present invented events as news.
Corrections
When we make a mistake, we correct it promptly and transparently with a dated note. Our full process is set out in our Corrections Policy.
Conflicts of interest
Journalists may not accept payments, gifts or favors that could influence, or appear to influence, their reporting. Staff disclose any personal, financial or professional interest that could create a conflict, and an editor reassigns the story when necessary.
When a story involves a company or person with a commercial connection to Anonymous Group Inc, we disclose that connection to readers.
Children and vulnerable people
We balance the public interest against the potential for harm. We take extra care when covering children, victims of crime, people in grief, mental health and suicide.
Children are not identified in sensitive stories without appropriate consent. We respect privacy and do not intrude on private lives without a clear public interest.
Animal welfare reporting
Animal stories are central to our mission. We do not publish content that encourages or rewards cruelty, and we verify rescue and welfare stories before sharing them.
When we share fundraising or adoption stories, we check that the organizations involved are genuine wherever possible.
Finance and family coverage
Our Finance and Parenting & Family sections offer general information in plain language. This is not personalized financial, legal or medical advice. We disclose any commercial relationships connected to this content and do not promote schemes we cannot verify.
Celebrity and entertainment coverage
We report on public figures fairly and avoid unverified rumors. Speculation is never presented as fact, and we do not publish intrusive images of private moments without a clear public interest.
Reader comments
We welcome respectful discussion. Readers can also react to and share our stories. Our comment rules are:
- Comments are text only, and links are not allowed.
- A profanity filter is applied automatically.
- Every comment is subject to moderation, and we may remove comments that are abusive, hateful, off topic, spam or unlawful.
- Comments reflect the views of their authors, not of Anonymous.
Full rules are in our Terms of Use.
Social media
Content we share on social media is held to the same standards as content on our website.
Accountability
Every article carries the name of the journalist responsible. Final responsibility for our standards rests with the editorial leadership of Anonymous Group Inc.
Readers can raise concerns about our journalism at any time by emailing [email protected]. See our Contact page for the best way to reach us.
Review of this policy
We review these standards regularly as journalism and technology change. Updates are published on this page.