JS&IP Section 16

Protecting Privacy

Our Journalists identify themselves as Journalists and offer the purpose of their questions, and gain the clear consent of Sources and Subjects before interviewing them. 

Our Journalists exercise care in handling, transmitting and storing data. Encryption should be used whenever possible. Journalists should not retain private or delicate information for longer than needed. Journalists must be open and upfront with Subjects and Sources about how their private information will be used and shared.

Our Journalists show compassion to Subjects and Sources as the situation warrants. Regardless of the situation our Journalists take every reasonable precaution to consider and to minimize the harm their stories may cause an individual.

News stories sometimes require a balancing act between competing rights. On the one hand is individual privacy rights, and on the other is the public’s interest in knowing information. We balance these decisions in favour of decency. If a story serves a relevant and legitimate public interest it should be considered. Innuendo, subterfuge, curiosity, ragebait, clickbait, and sensationalism shall not be published.

The privacy of an individual is shown great deference. The privacy of a person in a position of power is shown less. Criminal convictions, business dealings, public figures and other members of society may be shown less deference as well if an invasion on their privacy is balanced against the public interest. 

Victims of a crime shall be granted the automatic right to anonymity unless they request otherwise. Such a request shall be made to the Editor in Chief.

Race, ethnicity, nationality, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age or mental or physical disabilities, physical appearance, and other distinguishing or private characteristics of an individual should only be included in a story if they have a direct relation to that story, and their publication does not perpetuate stereotypes.