Ethics & Independence

1) Editorial Firewall

• Advertising, partnerships, and sponsorships do not determine coverage or conclusions.
• Sponsored content is clearly labeled and kept distinct from newsroom output.
• Access journalism is discouraged; no quid-pro-quo coverage.

2) Conflicts of Interest

• Staff must disclose potential conflicts (financial, familial, advisory roles) to editors.
• Editors may require disclosure to readers, change of assignment, or recusal.
• Freelancers agree to the same standards as a condition of assignment.

3) Gifts, Hospitality & Travel

• Token items of nominal value may be accepted; anything more is declined or donated.
• Paid travel/accommodation by sources is avoided; exceptions require editor approval and disclosure.
• Speaking fees and honoraria are disclosed; acceptance requires prior approval.

4) Personal Investments & Trading

• Staff covering markets may face trading blackouts around sensitive assignments.
• Short-term trading of companies/segments under active coverage is restricted or prohibited.
• Personal holdings that create foreseeable conflicts must be disclosed and may require recusal.

5) Sources & Attributions

• Prefer on-the-record sources; anonymity requires editor approval and public-interest rationale.
• Quotes, data, charts, and images are attributed and used within license/fair-use limits.
• Right of reply is offered to subjects of critical coverage.

6) Use of AI & Automation

• AI tools can assist, not replace, editorial judgment; sensitive claims require human verification.
• If AI meaningfully contributes to a work, we disclose and retain responsibility for accuracy.

7) Transparency & Disclosures

• Methodology, adjustments, and caveats are published for data-led work.
• Sponsored/partner material is prominently labeled; newsroom retains standards oversight.

8) Escalation & Enforcement

• Concerns may be raised to an assigning editor or ethics@batasutra.in.
• Breaches may result in correction, disclosure, reassignment, or further action per company policy.

9) Changes

Material updates to this page will be reflected in the “Last updated” date above.

10) Contact

Questions? Write to ethics@batasutra.in or see our Editorial Policy and Corrections.