Ethics and Conduct Policy – SamayTimes.com

Last Updated: October 2025

Our Commitment

At SamayTimes, journalism isn’t just a profession — it’s a public duty.
Every member of our team pledges to uphold truth, fairness, and the spirit of Bharat in everything we publish.
We report with integrity, guided by conscience, not convenience.

Core Ethical Principles

Our newsroom functions on six non-negotiable pillars:

1. Truth First – Facts are sacred. Opinion never disguises itself as news.
2. Accountability – We take responsibility for every word we publish.
3. Respect – We report on people, not against them. No hate, no bias.
4. Transparency – Our sources, corrections, and sponsorships are clearly disclosed wherever possible.
5. Independence – No political party, advertiser, or pressure group dictates our stories.
6. Public Interest Above All – Every piece we write must serve citizens, not agendas.

Sources & Verification

We rely only on verifiable, credible sources — government records, on-record statements, and trusted public data.
Anonymous sources are used sparingly and only when information is critical and verifiable.
Fabrication, plagiarism, or misrepresentation of facts is strictly forbidden.

Professional Conduct

All editors, writers, and contributors of SamayTimes must:

• Disclose any personal or financial conflict of interest.
• Refrain from accepting gifts, favors, or incentives that may influence reporting.
• Treat all individuals — regardless of background — with dignity and sensitivity.
• Maintain confidentiality of sources and unpublished material.

Responsible Use of Technology

We embrace digital tools to improve accuracy, grammar, and readability.
AI-assisted applications are used only for language refinement — grammar, structure, and clarity.
Editorial decisions, sourcing, and fact-checking remain 100 percent human-led.

Content Integrity

• We do not publish clickbait, doctored visuals, or misleading thumbnails.
• Photographs and videos are used with proper context and credit.
• Sponsored content, if any, will be clearly marked as “Sponsored” or “Advertisement.”

Social Media Conduct

Our journalists represent SamayTimes even outside the newsroom.
We encourage responsible use of social media — factual, respectful, and free from hate or rumor.
Personal views expressed online must never compromise professional neutrality.

Data & Privacy

We respect user privacy and comply fully with our Privacy Policy.
Reader information is never shared or sold to any third party.
All data is stored and handled in accordance with Indian IT Act guidelines.

Violations & Disciplinary Action

Any breach of this code – including plagiarism, bias, or ethical misconduct – results in immediate editorial review and, where required, disciplinary action or removal.
Ethics are not optional at SamayTimes; they are foundational.

Feedback & Complaints

We welcome accountability.
If you believe an article violates our ethical code, email us at:
📧 editor@samaytimes.com
All legitimate concerns will be reviewed within 72 hours by our Editorial Board.

Our Pledge

We exist to inform, not inflame – to question, not provoke.
Every SamayTimes journalist signs this code to keep our journalism honest, humane, and proudly Indian.