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YAC's editorial standards exist to protect sources, ensure accuracy, and maintain the independence of our journalism. They apply to every story we publish, without exception.
Verification
We do not publish claims we cannot verify. Every factual assertion in a YAC story is supported by at least one of the following: primary source documentation, direct testimony from a named or verified anonymous source, corroboration from two or more independent sources, or official records.
When we cannot verify a claim to this standard, we say so explicitly. We do not hedge verified facts and we do not present speculation as reporting.
For investigations involving leaked or obtained documents, we verify authenticity before publication. We do not publish documents we cannot authenticate.
Sources and anonymity
We grant anonymity to sources only when the information they provide is significant, cannot be obtained any other way, and when the source faces a genuine risk of retaliation, legal jeopardy, or harm if identified.
When we quote anonymous sources, we tell readers why anonymity was granted and what category of knowledge the source has.
We do not reveal the identity of confidential sources — not to editors, not to legal counsel, not to law enforcement. Source protection is absolute. If we cannot protect a source, we do not accept the information.
We offer secure communications channels for sensitive material. See our Security Tips page for details.
Conflicts of interest
YAC journalists do not have financial interests in organisations or individuals they cover. They do not accept gifts, travel, or hospitality from sources or subjects. They do not engage in advocacy work, campaign activity, or political fundraising that could compromise their independence or the appearance of it.
Staff disclose potential conflicts to editors before accepting assignments. If a conflict cannot be resolved, the journalist is recused from the story.
YAC does not accept advertising. We do not take money from foundations, governments, or corporations with a financial stake in our coverage areas.
What we will and won't publish
We publish information in the public interest — where the value of disclosure is proportionate to any harm it may cause. We do not publish information that would endanger individuals without a compelling and overriding public interest justification.
We do not publish:
- The names of confidential sources
- Personal information about private individuals that serves no public interest
- Information that would facilitate violence or harm to identified individuals
- Unverified allegations presented as established fact
We hold public officials, corporations, institutions, and public figures to a higher standard of scrutiny than private individuals. People who exercise power over others have a reduced expectation of privacy with respect to that power.
Corrections
We correct errors promptly and transparently. When we make a factual error, we publish a correction at the top of the original story, note what was wrong and what the correct information is, and update the story accordingly.
We do not delete errors quietly. We do not unpublish stories to avoid accountability for mistakes.
If you believe we have made an error, contact us at info@yacnews.com with the specific claim you believe is incorrect and the evidence for the correction. We investigate all credible correction requests.
Editorial independence
Our journalism is not influenced by funders, members, or any other third party. Reader support does not entitle anyone to influence our editorial decisions — what we cover, how we cover it, or when we publish.
Editors make final decisions on all editorial content. No one outside the newsroom has the ability to spike, delay, or modify a story.
Relations with law enforcement and intelligence agencies
YAC does not cooperate with law enforcement or intelligence agency requests to identify sources, suppress publication, or assist in investigations targeting journalists or their sources.
We comply with lawful court orders when legally required to do so, and we exhaust all available legal remedies before compliance.
We notify sources of legal proceedings that may affect them, where it is safe and lawful to do so.