Dark Roast Source Protection Policy

The Dark Roast Report sees the value in protecting the identity of our sources. We understand not everyone with important information has a desire to be publicly named. However, that doesn’t make said information any less true or accurate. Our source protection policy upholds the confidential nature that comes with common journalism practices.

The Dark Roast staff will take every necessary precaution to protect our sources who put their trust in us. We understand there is an inherent risk when it comes to speaking with the media. Sources can either be granted full or partial anonymity depending on the nature of their information and potential consequences of its release.

Criteria for Source Protection

The Dark Roast will consider granting anonymity or confidentiality to sources under the following criteria:

• If the source faces great repercussions to their safety or well-being by providing information.
• If the source faces potential legal risk or professional liability such as losing their job, facing legal action or damaging their reputation.
• If the information provided by the source would be hindered by revealing their identity.

Understanding the system

The Dark Roast will inform our sources how journalists handle given information. We will go out of our way to make sure they understand:

• What “on-the-record”, “off-the-record” and “on-background” determines.
• The level of potential risks of going to the media.
• The level of protection we can offer.

How we Protect our Sources

There are different strategies that can be used when it comes to actually keeping the identity of a source a secret.

• We will use pseudonyms or descriptors to reference the source in the story when publishing their information.
• We will use encrypted communication methods such as Signal. Any information shared will be handled with the utmost importance.

Legal Protection

Not only will the Dark Roast take steps to ensure anonymity among sources internally, we will take all legal action necessary unless mandated by the courts or other legal obligation. Additionally, if needed, we will seek legal counsel.

Inner Staff Practices

At the Dark Roast Report, we trust those that work for and with us. Those who are staffed within the company have the right to maintain their own private sources.

If reasons arise, and depending on the severity of the investigation, direct staff could possibly be required to name their sources to the Dark Roast’s editors. 

If so, editors will still comply with all other aspects of the source protection policy, and sources will still be protected under the same measures and level of importance.

If the story is written by someone not directly staffed, such as a freelancer or contract writer, and there is suspicion of an unverified source. The Dark Roast editors have the right to ask the name of the source to said contributor. The contributor will have the right to deny releasing information, but if no other alternative method of verification can be made/found then the Dark Roast has the right to refuse publication.

Breach of protection

If there is a suspected breach or leak of a sources identity among those who aren’t permitted to know that information, the Dark Roast will take the following actions:

• Notify an immediate supervisor.
• Conduct an internal investigation which will determine what action needs to follow.
• Notify the affected source(s) if possible.