Unnamed Sources Policy
Last updated: August 12, 2026
General principle
HeadlinesMagazine.com prioritizes identified, on-the-record sources. Legal briefings and source briefings link directly to the primary or authoritative source record. We identify the source institution, document type, and date whenever available.
The use of unnamed or anonymous sources is exceptional and limited to circumstances where identification would create a genuine risk of harm to the source or where a source has a legitimate, stated reason for confidentiality that is weighed against the public interest.
When unnamed sources may be used
- When the source faces a genuine risk of physical, legal, or professional harm if identified.
- When the source is the only available source for information of significant public interest and no on-the-record source can provide the same information.
- When the source has a legitimate, stated reason for confidentiality that has been evaluated by the editorial desk.
When unnamed sources are not used
- For legal claims — legal claims require a primary or authoritative source record (court judgment, legislation, government record, UN material).
- For attacks or allegations against identifiable individuals or organizations without a right of reply.
- For speculation, rumor, or unverified information.
- When the information can be obtained from an on-the-record source with reasonable effort.
Verification requirements
When an unnamed source is used, the editorial desk must:
- Know the identity of the source. Anonymous-to-the-public does not mean anonymous-to-the-publication.
- Assess the source's reliability, access to the information, and motivation.
- Seek corroboration from at least one independent source where possible.
- Disclose to readers the reason for granting anonymity (e.g., "a government official who was not authorized to speak publicly") and the level of verification performed.
Current practice
HeadlinesMagazine.com currently publishes source-led legal briefings based on identified institutional sources (court records, legislative records, government publications, UN material, and identified organization statements). No unnamed sources have been used in published briefings to date.
If original reporting is introduced that relies on unnamed sources, each article will disclose the reason for anonymity and the verification standard applied.