The Economy — Global Editorial Ethics Code

All regional editions of The Economy, The Economy Research, and affiliated publications under the Gordon Institute of Artificial Intelligence (GIAI) operate under the following Global Editorial Ethics Code.

This code applies to all offices, contributors, editors, and contractors worldwide.

1. Purpose

We uphold freedom of the press and the independence of editorial judgment across all regions.
We provide accurate, fair, and timely information while rejecting distortion, manipulation, or monopolization of news.
We maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism and promote respect for human rights in our organization.
We continuously review and update this code to reflect changes in global media environments and public expectations.

2. Scope

This code applies to all employees, editors, contributors, contractors, and executives working for any regional or global edition of The Economy and its affiliated media brands.

3. Political and Religious Neutrality

Information obtained through work must not be used to advance personal political, ideological, or religious interests.
Editorial authority, influence, or access must not be used to support any political party, organization, or belief system.

4. Reporting Ethics

We report truthfully, accurately, and fairly, prioritizing thorough fact-checking.
No individual, organization, or institution is exempt from scrutiny.
We reject interference from governments, corporations, or internal stakeholders.
We disclose sources whenever possible, except when confidentiality is required for safety or public interest.
We do not distort information, manipulate visual materials, fabricate content, or plagiarize.
We avoid unethical reporting methods, such as impersonation or deliberate misinformation.
We promptly correct errors and ensure the right of reply.
We respect the privacy and dignity of individuals and avoid unjust harm.
We use proper and dignified language and avoid sensational reporting. Discriminatory language is strictly prohibited; we strive to protect minors, victims of crime, and other vulnerable individuals.

5. Professional Ethics

We do not give or accept bribes, gifts, entertainment, or favors related to reporting.
Information obtained professionally must not be used for personal gain—such as trading in financial or real-estate markets.
No illicit solicitation, coercion, or pressure may be applied to colleagues or sources.
We treat sources and colleagues with respect and consideration.
We protect the reputation and dignity of the organization and refrain from any action that damages it.
External activities must not conflict with public interest, company interest, or professional ethics.

6. Independence and Freedom of the Press

We protect editorial independence from political, commercial, or personal influence.
Staff may not join or actively participate in political parties or political advocacy groups during employment.
We reject pressure or solicitation from any actor, internal or external.
Coverage of socially sensitive topics (culture, identity, race, gender, disability, religion, class, etc.) must avoid promoting conflict or discrimination.
We protect the rights and dignity of minorities, vulnerable groups, and affected communities.

7. Fairness, Objectivity, and Accountability

Speed must never compromise accuracy, fairness, or public responsibility.
All facts must be verified with diligence.
Individuals or organizations criticized in reporting must be given a meaningful opportunity to respond.
Editors must clearly distinguish facts from opinions and avoid selective or misleading editing.
Neutrality must be maintained across topics and regions.
Unverified information may not be published unless indispensable—and must be explicitly labelled as such.
No reporting may be conducted for personal or financial gain.

8. Reporting Standards and Conduct

Journalists must clearly identify themselves and their affiliation unless an exception is approved for legitimate public-interest reasons.
Trespassing, unauthorized access, or taking property without permission is strictly prohibited.
We do not record or wiretap without consent, nor do we hack communication records.
Materials received for editorial purposes must be returned or handled according to company policy.
We treat sources courteously, respect their privacy, and do not coerce interviews.
Commitments made to protect a source’s safety must be honored.
No financial or non-financial compensation may be given or promised to sources.
We do not make improper requests or exert pressure on sources.
We avoid inappropriate closeness with sources.
We compete fairly with other media outlets and do not obstruct their reporting.

9. Copyright Protection and Prohibition of Plagiarism

We do not plagiarize works of other companies or individuals.
When quoting others’ works, we clearly and specifically identify the source.
When synthesis or modification is unavoidable, the reason, details, and scope must be stated.
When copyright status is unclear, proper legal procedures must be followed.

10. Prohibition of Sensational Reporting

We restrain expressions involving nudity or sexual descriptions and avoid sensationalism.
To contribute to a healthy society, we do not exaggerate or detail suicide, crime, or gambling methods that may be imitated, nor portray them positively.
Images such as corpses or crime scenes that may cause disgust are edited sensitively and used only when essential for conveying facts.
Titles must faithfully represent the content and not be intentionally provocative or misleading.

Employees’ social media activity is respected but must not directly or indirectly harm the organization.
Individuals are responsible for their social media posts and must avoid creating confusion with the company’s official stance or causing damage.
Employees must not disclose company secrets or unpublished information.

12. Political Activity

Employees do not join political parties or represent positions of specific parties.
Employees must not engage in political activities or advisory roles outside journalistic purposes for specific politicians or groups.

13. Corrections and Right of Reply

When facts are misreported, we promptly acknowledge and delete or correct the article; corrections must clearly state what was corrected.
In reporting conflicts involving lawsuits or opposing claims, opposing views must be included in principle.
Responses from suspects, defendants, or accused individuals should be included whenever possible; if unavailable, views of related parties may be used.
If contact with a party fails, the reason may be reported.
If we learn a previously reported person was acquitted or cleared, we must promptly report that fact.

14. Dignity and Restraint

Objectivity is paramount; favorable, discriminatory, or contemptuous expressions must be avoided.
Standard, clear, and professional language should be used.
Profanity or vulgar language is used only when absolutely required as a direct quotation.

15. Advertising and Editorial Separation

Editorial content must always be clearly distinguishable from advertising or sponsored material.

16. Compliance with International Standards

We adhere to global press-ethics frameworks—including the IFJ Global Charter of Ethics, SPJ Code of Ethics, and applicable local regulations in each region.

17. Duty of Compliance and Responsibility

All staff must comply with this code and are responsible for violations.
When uncertain about possible violations, employees must consult with the editorial standards team or management.
The company provides regular ethics training and supervises compliance.

18. Authority of Interpretation

The final authority for interpretation of this code rests with The Economy Global Editorial Board, under the Gordon Institute of Artificial Intelligence (GIAI) and its council (GIAI Council).

Global Editorial Ethics Code