Reporters are encouraged to indicate as much as possible in articles about an unidentified source to help readers evaluate the source's information. Reporters and editors are responsible for assuring that agreements with sources are clear, precise and understood by all parties. If there is any doubt that a source understands that all information is on the record we should inform the source of this fact at the earliest opportunity in clear terms. We treat people with respect. This means having a high regard for personal privacy.
Ordinary citizens have a greater right to privacy than public figures.
The value of publishing names, religious belief, sexual orientation, ethnicity or past behavior should be weighed against the relevance to the story and compassion for the individual. Personal conduct may have a bearing on public roles and public responsibilities. The degree to which a public figure voluntarily conducts his or her life in public or the degree to which private conduct bears on the discharge of public responsibility should guide the publication of personal information. In general, we do not publish someone's race or ethnic background unless that information is pertinent to the story. Names of accused criminals should be as complete as possible, with middle names or initials.