Unnamed Sources Policy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Our Approach

Botmarket's default is on-the-record reporting. We use unnamed sources only when the information is material and cannot be obtained on the record, and when the public interest in publishing outweighs the cost of non-attribution.

When We Grant Anonymity

We consider granting source anonymity when:

• The source faces credible risk of professional retaliation for speaking on the record
• The information is material to the public interest and unavailable from named sources
• The source has direct, first-hand knowledge of the reported facts
• At least one editor has approved the use of an unnamed source for this specific story

We do not grant anonymity for:

• General commentary or opinions that could be expressed on the record
• Attacks on named individuals that the source will not make openly
• Information that benefits the source commercially or reputationally

Verification Requirements

Before publishing information from an unnamed source, we require:

• The reporter knows the source's identity and can vouch for their credibility
• The information is corroborated by at least one additional source (named or unnamed) or documentary evidence
• An editor has reviewed the basis for anonymity and approved it
• We have attempted to obtain the information on the record and documented that attempt

How We Describe Unnamed Sources

We describe unnamed sources as specifically as possible without revealing their identity, so readers can assess the source's basis for knowledge.

We never use formulations like "sources say" without at minimum indicating each source's relationship to the reported facts.

Editorial Oversight

Every use of an unnamed source requires:

• Reporter documents the source's identity in a confidential editorial record
• Editor reviews and approves the anonymity grant before publication
• The confidential record is retained for at least 3 years
• If challenged, senior editorial leadership reviews the original grant

Protecting Sources

We take the following steps to protect source confidentiality:

• Source identities are known only to the reporter and approving editor — not stored in shared systems
• We do not confirm or deny the identity of sources, even after publication
• We do not comply with requests to identify sources unless legally compelled by court order
• We inform sources upfront about what protections we can and cannot offer

Transparency with Readers

When we use unnamed sources, we are transparent with readers about:

• The fact that an unnamed source was used (we never obscure this)
• The source's relationship to the reported facts (as specifically as possible)
• Why the source requested anonymity, when this context is relevant

Questions About Our Sources

If you have questions about our use of sources in a specific article, contact our editorial team.

Email: editorial@botmarket24.com

We cannot confirm or deny the identities of confidential sources, but we will discuss the editorial basis for anonymity grants where possible.

Related Pages

• Editorial Standards
• Fact Checking
• Corrections Policy
• About Botmarket