Last updated: 01 September 2024
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to define when and how we anonymize personal information in our fact-checking and editorial materials to protect individuals’ privacy, dignity, and safety.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, contributors, and partners involved in producing or publishing fact-checking content for Factcheck.by.
Principles
We are committed to transparency and accountability. However, there are specific circumstances where protecting the identity of individuals is essential. Our anonymization practices are based on the following principles:
Safety First: We prioritize the physical safety and psychological well-being of individuals who could face harm, harassment, or persecution if identified.
Privacy Protection: We respect personal privacy, especially in sensitive cases involving minors, victims, vulnerable groups, or politically persecuted individuals.
Public Interest: We balance the public’s right to know with the individual’s right to safety and dignity.
Editorial Independence: Decisions to anonymize are made solely by the editorial team, without influence from external parties.
When We Anonymize Personal Information
We anonymize personal information in the following cases:
Minors: Names, faces, and identifying details of individuals under 18 years old, unless explicit consent is obtained from a parent or guardian.
Victims of Abuse or Crime: Victims’ identities are protected to prevent further harm or trauma.
Persecuted Individuals: People at risk due to political persecution, discrimination, or conflict.
Sensitive Private Information: Medical conditions, financial records, and other highly personal data, unless disclosure serves an overriding public interest.
Anonymous Sources: Sources providing information under conditions of anonymity must have their identities protected unless they explicitly waive this protection. Their information must be corroborated by named sources or material evidence.
How We Anonymize Personal Information
When anonymizing, we may:
Remove or obscure names, addresses, phone numbers, and other direct identifiers.
Blur faces or sensitive parts of images and videos.
Use general descriptors (e.g., «a civil society activist,» «a 16-year-old student») instead of names when possible.
Clearly indicate in the article that information has been anonymized for safety or privacy reasons.
Transparency About Anonymization
Where practical, we explain to our readers that anonymization was used and why.
We ensure that anonymization does not mislead readers or distort the nature of the story.
Responsibilities
All editorial staff must follow this policy when working on fact-checking materials.
Editors must review anonymization decisions during the editorial review process.