DNPA Code of Ethics

Ethics & Standards Policy

Last Updated: December 2024

At The Trending People, we are committed to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards in journalism. Our mission is to deliver accurate, fair, and impartial news to our readers while maintaining transparency and integrity. This Ethics & Standards Policy is aligned with the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Code of Ethics to ensure responsible digital publishing.

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1. Accuracy & Fairness

We strive to provide factual, well-researched, and unbiased news coverage. Our journalists and contributors must:

• Verify information from credible sources before publication.
• Present balanced perspectives by including multiple viewpoints.
• Avoid defamation, sensationalism, or misleading narratives.
• Promptly correct errors with a transparent editorial note.

2. Independence & Objectivity

We maintain editorial independence and avoid conflicts of interest by:

• Ensuring our content is free from external influence, including advertisers and sponsors.
• Disclosing any potential conflicts of interest in reporting.
• Avoiding biased reporting in favor of personal or financial gain.

3. Transparency & Accountability

We believe in accountability and transparency in our reporting. Therefore, we:

• Clearly distinguish between news, opinion, and analysis.
• Provide due opportunity for subjects of reports to respond to allegations (Right of Reply).
• Encourage reader feedback and provide channels for addressing concerns about our coverage.

4. Responsible News Gathering

Our journalists adhere to responsible reporting practices by:

• Respecting individuals' privacy and dignity.
• Avoiding deceptive or intrusive methods to gather information.
• Seeking consent when reporting on sensitive topics or interviewing vulnerable individuals.

5. Intellectual Property & Plagiarism

We uphold originality and respect intellectual property rights by:

• Prohibiting plagiarism in any form.
• Properly crediting sources, images, and third-party content.
• Seeking permission for the use of copyrighted materials where necessary.

6. Ethical Reporting on Sensitive Issues

When reporting on sensitive issues such as sexual harassment, child abuse, rape, riots, or communal clashes, we:

• Follow Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 regarding explicit content.
• Preserve the presumption of innocence in crime reporting.
• Avoid revealing victims' identities or publishing explicit details.
• Exercise caution when covering judicial matters and legal proceedings.

7. Handling Corrections & Take-Down Requests

If any content is found to be inaccurate or misleading, we:

• Promptly edit or delete incorrect information upon verification.
• Publish corrections or retractions transparently.
• Allow individuals to request corrections with supporting evidence.

8. Grievance Redressal Mechanism

As per IT Rules 2021, we maintain a robust grievance redressal mechanism:

• Appointing a Grievance Officer, whose contact details are displayed on our website.
• Acknowledging and addressing complaints within 36 hours.
• Resolving grievances within one month of receipt.

9. Advertising & Sponsored Content

To maintain trust with our audience, we:

• Clearly label sponsored articles and distinguish them from editorial content.
• Ensure that advertisements do not influence our news coverage.
• Avoid misleading, deceptive, or unlawful advertising practices.

10. Compliance with DNPA Code of Ethics

As a responsible digital news publisher, The Trending People strictly follows the DNPA Code of Ethics, ensuring:

• Commitment to the highest ethical standards.
• Compliance with Indian media laws, including the Constitution of India, IPC, CrPC, and IT Act, 2000.
• Self-regulatory practices to maintain journalistic integrity.

11. Training & Awareness Programs

To ensure adherence to ethical journalism, we conduct periodic training sessions on:

• Media laws, defamation, privacy rights, and copyright regulations.
• Ethical reporting on sensitive topics such as gender-based violence and communal disputes.
• Responsible coverage of judicial matters and court proceedings.

Contact Us

For any concerns or inquiries regarding our ethics and standards, please contact us:

Email: Info@thetrendingpeople.com
Address: RZ-49/B-7, Tughlakabad Extension, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
Phone: 2383 11 37

This Ethics & Standards Policy is subject to periodic updates to reflect evolving best practices in digital journalism. By engaging with The Trending People, you acknowledge our commitment to ethical and responsible news reporting.