anonymous sources

EAPM suggests avoiding using anonymous sources but understand that there are times when using a pseudonym is in the best interest to protect the safety, health, or life of the source, the reporter and others.

Such cases may include:

• Reporting on terrorism/counter-terrorism cases and interviewing people from foreign countries who have worked with the U.S. from at great risk to themselves and their families.
• Reporting on transgender children and their families who lives in a community where they do not feel safe or welcome.
• Interviewing immigrants.
• Reporting on a person coming forward after domestic violence to tell their story.
• A whistleblower of a major corporation or government agency who is providing documents of wrongdoing.

This is a non-exhaustive list. There are many other situations where a pseudonym may be appropriate, and many where it may not be appropriate.

In such cases, follow the appropriate steps:

1. Notify your editor of the case use. Ensure that this is proper use of a pseudonym. Do not reveal the sources real name.
2. Secure the appropriate pseudonym (a middle name, a commonly used nickname, etc.) from the source. Do not make up a pseudonym for the source.
3. Secure the sources real name off site. Ensure that there is no record in work logs, software, notes, etc. of the source’s real name. Ensure that only the source’s pseudonym is used in work chats, conversations, meetings, notes, etc.

For any questions, check with an editor.

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