Ethics Policy

Ethics Watch USA — https://ethicswatchusa.com

Effective date: July 13, 2026

Our Commitment

Ethics Watch USA exists to promote accountability, transparency, and integrity in public life. We hold ourselves to the same standards we expect of others. This policy governs both the content we publish and the conduct of everyone who works on our behalf, including staff, contributors, and volunteers.

Part I: Editorial and Content Standards

Accuracy

We publish only information we believe to be accurate based on reasonable verification. Claims of fact are supported by documentation, credible sources, or direct evidence. When information cannot be independently verified, we say so. We distinguish clearly between fact, analysis, and opinion.

Sourcing and Attribution

We identify our sources whenever possible. Anonymous sources are used only when the information is of significant public interest, cannot be obtained otherwise, and the source’s identity is known to us and protected for legitimate reasons. We do not fabricate sources, quotes, or evidence, and we attribute material that originates elsewhere.

Fairness and Right of Response

When our reporting or commentary makes significant allegations about a person or organization, we make a good-faith effort to seek their response before publication and include that response, or note the attempt, in what we publish.

Corrections

We correct errors promptly and transparently. Substantive corrections are noted on the affected content with the date of the correction. We do not silently delete or alter published material to obscure a mistake. Readers may report suspected errors through our contact channels, and every report is reviewed.

Independence

Our editorial judgments are made independently. No donor, advertiser, sponsor, or outside party directs, approves, or vetoes our content. We do not accept payment in exchange for coverage, favorable treatment, or the suppression of information.

Nonpartisanship

We evaluate conduct by consistent standards regardless of political party, ideology, or affiliation. Our credibility depends on applying the same scrutiny to all.

Part II: Organizational Conduct

Conflicts of Interest

Everyone working on our behalf must disclose any financial interest, personal relationship, or outside affiliation that could reasonably be seen to compromise their objectivity on a matter they are working on. Individuals with a conflict must recuse themselves from related editorial decisions. We do not permit staff or contributors to use their role for personal financial gain.

Gifts and Payments

We do not accept gifts, favors, travel, or compensation from subjects of our work or from parties with an interest in our coverage, beyond items of nominal value.

Confidentiality

We protect the identity of confidential sources and whistleblowers. We safeguard nonpublic information entrusted to us and use it only for legitimate organizational purposes.

Lawful and Ethical Conduct

We obtain information by lawful and ethical means. We do not misrepresent our identity to obtain information except in rare cases where the information is of vital public interest, cannot be obtained otherwise, and the approach is approved in advance by organizational leadership.

Respect

We treat colleagues, sources, subjects of our work, and members of the public with professionalism. Harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are not tolerated.

Part III: Financial Transparency

We are transparent about our funding. We disclose significant donors as required by law and decline contributions that come with conditions that would compromise our independence. Organizational funds are used solely to advance our mission.

Part IV: Accountability

Reporting Concerns

Anyone — inside or outside the organization — may report a suspected violation of this policy through our contact channels. Reports may be made anonymously. We prohibit retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Enforcement

Alleged violations are reviewed by organizational leadership. Violations may result in corrective action up to and including removal from the organization and, where warranted, public disclosure of the violation.

Review

This policy is reviewed at least annually and updated as needed. Changes are posted on this page with a revised effective date.

Contact

Questions or concerns about this policy may be directed to [ethics@ethicswatchusa.com].