Last Updated: September 1, 2024
Purpose
As a fact-checking organization, we have a special responsibility to protect minors (individuals under 18). This policy ensures we handle their information with the utmost care and respect.
Who Must Follow This
Everyone working with us who might encounter information about minors — including fact-checkers, researchers, editors, and partners.
Our Core Principles
- Keeping minors’ information strictly confidential
- Always putting children’s interests first
- Getting proper consent from parents or guardians
- Collecting only essential information
Handling Minors’ Information
Privacy Protection
- Keep identities anonymous by default
- Use extra care with sensitive information
- Get additional review for content about minors
- Secure explicit parental consent before publishing
Digital Safety Requirements
- Implement strong parental controls
- Use encrypted storage for all data
- Restrict access to authorized staff only
- Regular security audits
Legal Framework We comply with:
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
- National laws protecting minors
- Industry best practices
When Issues Arise
- Report privacy breaches immediately
- Independent panel reviews all incidents
- Clear consequences for violations
- Prompt notification to affected parties
Specific Guidelines
When Fact-Checking
- Anonymize all references to minors
- Verify parental consent documentation
- Remove unnecessary personal details
- Consider long-term impact of publication
Content Publication
- Additional editorial review required
- Clear justification for including any identifiable information
- Consultation with child protection experts when needed
- Regular review of published content
If Rules Are Broken
- Immediate removal of problematic content
- Investigation of how breach occurred
- Disciplinary action as appropriate
- Review of procedures to prevent recurrence
Remember: When in doubt about publishing information about minors, always err on the side of protection.
This policy is reviewed annually to ensure it meets the highest standards of child protection.