The responsibilities related to this theme are addressed in the context of more general principles throughout the Rights and Responsibilities of the Press code of conduct.

Unnamed or anonymous sources are used only in exceptional circumstances and when demonstrably necessary. The media and journalists should be wary of anonymous or confidential sources whose real goal is to manipulate public opinion. However, when a media outlet and its journalist(s) promise a source not to reveal his or her identity, they must keep their word.

In cases where the use of anonymous or unnamed sources is necessary, for example, when information of significant public interest cannot be obtained in any other way or when a source could be vulnerable to reprisals, the public should be informed of that situation.

The media and journalists must not invent fictitious sources or hide behind anonymous sources.  Frequent attributions to “official sources” or “observers” or other labels for unnamed sources can indicate—or be seen as—sloppiness or laziness on the part of journalists. Were the public to doubt the press’s integrity in these matters, not only would the credibility of the press be eroded, but the public’s right to be informed would be compromised.