Media Outlet Hazara Express News Date of first publication 28/03/2025 Date of Latest Change 29/03/2025

11. Responsibility for Content Provided by the General Public

11.1. User Generated Content/Eyewitness News

A Media Outlet shall ensure that the same principles of checking for accuracy, legal, and ethical compliance are applied to journalistic content sourced from the general public (UGC or Eyewitness News content) as with all content it publishes.

Does your Media Outlet publish any content that comes not from staff or freelancers but from external sources such as readers/viewers?

Yes

Does your Media Outlet have set structures to ensure the checking of externally sourced material undergoes the same principles as that created entirely by its own journalists?

Yes

11.2. Editorial Guidelines for UGC/Eyewitness News

There should be specific categories within the Media Outlet’s Editorial Guidelines for dealing with User Generated Content (UGC) or Eyewitness News and these should be publicly accessible. In relation to this type of content the guidelines shall indicate the verification process to be used, how the content should be published with any labelling required and include guidance on dealing with the content providers in a responsible manner.

Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provisions for externally-submitted material?

Yes

Are there Editorial Guidelines dealing with UGC/eyewitness news content?

Yes

If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.

Yes, Hazara Express News has Editorial Guidelines specifically for handling User-Generated Content (UGC) and eyewitness news content. These guidelines are designed to ensure that such content is treated with the same level of journalistic integrity, accuracy, and ethical responsibility as any other content produced by the newsroom. Here are the key points covered by these guidelines:

Verification: All UGC and eyewitness content must be verified before publication. The editorial team checks the authenticity of the content, confirms the credibility of the source, and ensures that it is not misleading. This might involve cross-checking the information with other sources, or confirming the event with independent witnesses or experts.

Attribution: Any UGC or eyewitness material must be clearly attributed to its source. This ensures that the audience knows where the content originated and who the creator is. Transparency is essential in maintaining trust.

Ethical Standards: The same ethical standards that apply to other journalistic content also apply to UGC and eyewitness material. This includes avoiding sensationalism, respecting privacy rights, and ensuring that the content does not promote hate speech, violence, or discrimination.

Sensitivity: UGC or eyewitness content that contains sensitive information, distressing scenes, or explicit material is handled with care. The identities of vulnerable individuals, such as children or people in distress, should be protected, and content should be reviewed to ensure it does not exploit or harm individuals depicted.

Consent: When necessary, the editorial team will seek consent from the creator or eyewitness before publishing the content, especially when it involves private or sensitive information. This ensures the rights of the individuals involved are respected.

Labelling: All UGC and eyewitness content is clearly labelled as such. This informs the audience that the content was submitted by a third party and is not directly produced or verified by the editorial team, ensuring transparency.

Contextualization: UGC and eyewitness material should be placed in the proper context. Any content that may be taken out of context or misinterpreted should be accompanied by relevant information or explanations to ensure the audience fully understands the material's significance.

Do they include details on the verification processes to be used for this content?

Yes

If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.

Yes, the Editorial Guidelines of Hazara Express News include detailed processes for the verification of User-Generated Content (UGC) and eyewitness news content. These verification processes are essential to ensure that the content is credible, accurate, and not misleading. Here are the key aspects of the verification process outlined in the guidelines:

Source Authentication:

The first step is to verify the identity of the content creator or eyewitness. This includes confirming that the person submitting the content is who they claim to be.

For UGC, the editorial team may require the source to provide additional identifying information, such as contact details, to confirm their identity.

For eyewitness content, the editorial team ensures that the person providing the information is directly involved in the event and has firsthand knowledge.

Cross-Verification:

UGC and eyewitness content are cross-checked with other available sources to ensure that the information matches with independent reports or evidence.

If the content relates to a specific event, the editorial team may seek out additional witnesses or experts to confirm the details.

For example, photographs or videos provided by an eyewitness may be verified by comparing them with other media coverage or by looking for metadata (such as location and timestamp) to ensure their authenticity.

Contextual Validation:

The editorial team ensures that the content is placed in the correct context. If the content refers to an event, it will be reviewed for accuracy in terms of timing, location, and other relevant factors.

The content should not be taken out of context or manipulated to mislead the audience.

Technical Verification:

For visual content such as photos and videos, technical checks are made to confirm the authenticity of the media. This may include analyzing image metadata (e.g., EXIF data), checking for signs of digital manipulation, or using reverse image search tools to trace the origin of the content.

For videos, tools like metadata analysis or video forensics can be used to confirm the content's authenticity.

Consultation with Experts:

In cases where the content involves technical details or specialized knowledge (e.g., in science, health, or conflict zones), the editorial team may consult with subject-matter experts to verify the accuracy of the content.

Do they include guidance on the appropriate labelling of such content?

Yes

If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.

Yes, the Editorial Guidelines of Hazara Express News include clear guidance on the appropriate labelling of User-Generated Content (UGC) and eyewitness news content. The guidelines ensure that such content is transparently identified to maintain clarity and trust with the audience. Here are the key points related to labelling:

Clear Labelling of UGC and Eyewitness Content:

Any content submitted by users or eyewitnesses must be clearly labelled as "User-Generated Content" or "Eyewitness Report" to distinguish it from professionally produced material.

The label should be placed in a prominent position, such as near the headline or at the beginning of the content, to ensure it is immediately visible to the audience.

Transparency in the Source:

When appropriate, the guidelines recommend that the identity of the contributor (or at least their role) should be mentioned, especially for eyewitness content. For example, content may be labelled as "Eyewitness Account" with additional details such as "provided by [name or alias]" if possible and necessary.

The label may also specify the location and the circumstances under which the content was created (e.g., "Submitted from [city/country]" or "Captured during [event]").

Clarification of Unverified Content:

If the content is unverified or there is uncertainty about its authenticity, the guidelines suggest labelling the content as "Unverified" or "Pending Verification." This helps manage the expectations of the audience and maintains editorial transparency.

In cases where verification is still ongoing, this status should be communicated alongside the content to ensure the public is aware of the ongoing checks.

Visual Content Labelling:

For visual content, such as images or videos submitted by users, the editorial team ensures that there is a clear indication of the content's source. For instance, images or videos might be labelled with "User Submitted" or "Uploaded by [name/handle]" to distinguish them from in-house produced visuals.

Labelling Sponsored or Promotional User Content:

If any UGC or eyewitness content has been sponsored, commissioned, or otherwise influenced by external parties (e.g., advertisers), the guidelines stipulate that this must be clearly labelled as "Sponsored Content" or "Advertorial," separate from editorial content.

Do they include guidance on dealing with the providers of such content in a responsible and ethical manner?

Yes

If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.

Yes, the Editorial Guidelines of Hazara Express News include clear guidance on dealing with the providers of User-Generated Content (UGC) and eyewitness news content in a responsible and ethical manner. The key aspects of these guidelines are as follows:

Respect and Privacy:

Hazara Express News ensures that the privacy and safety of those providing UGC, especially eyewitness content, are respected. If the content provider is identifiable, their consent is sought before publishing any personal information, and their privacy is safeguarded in accordance with ethical journalism standards.

If the content involves sensitive material, special consideration is given to the well-being of the provider, ensuring that their participation does not expose them to harm or unwanted attention.

Informed Consent:

The guidelines emphasize the importance of obtaining informed consent from the content provider. When soliciting UGC or eyewitness content, Hazara Express News ensures that the provider is fully aware of how their material will be used and that they are granting permission for its publication.

This consent should be clearly documented, and the provider should be informed about how the content may be edited, shared, or used across different platforms.

Acknowledgment and Attribution:

The guidelines ensure that those providing content are properly acknowledged. This means that UGC or eyewitness content must be attributed to the provider where appropriate, respecting their role as the original source of the material.

If a provider wishes to remain anonymous, their identity is protected, but they are still credited appropriately in a way that aligns with the editorial guidelines.

Transparency in Editing:

Hazara Express News ensures transparency in the editing of UGC and eyewitness content. Providers are informed if any changes are made to their original content, and the guidelines state that material should not be manipulated in ways that could mislead the audience or distort the original message.

If significant edits are made, it is clearly noted in the content, ensuring that the provider is not misrepresented.

Ethical Considerations in Sensitive Content:

The guidelines place particular emphasis on handling sensitive or distressing content in an ethical way. If the content involves traumatic events, violence, or vulnerable individuals, Hazara Express News ensures that it treats the material with care and does not exploit it for sensationalism.

The outlet is committed to protecting the dignity of those involved in or affected by the content, and content providers are encouraged to report responsibly without sensationalizing or distorting facts.

Protection Against Exploitation:

Hazara Express News ensures that UGC and eyewitness content providers are not exploited. The outlet commits to fair and ethical treatment, ensuring that individuals providing content are not coerced or manipulated into sharing information or material.

11.3. Opinion Guidelines

In relation to opinion or comment pieces the guidelines should set clear requirements of the ethical principles expected which may include but is not limited to prohibition of comment due to defamation, privacy, hate speech and harassment. The Media Outlet should make clear its policy on the moderation of such content, whether it is pre or post publication, and its policy on take-down, notice and appeal provisions.

Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provision for ensuring comment material is free from defamation?

Yes

If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.

es, the Editorial Guidelines of Hazara Express News include provisions to ensure that comment material is free from defamation. These provisions are designed to maintain the integrity and legal compliance of the media outlet’s content, and they include:

✔️ Defamation Prevention – All comment material (including user comments, guest submissions, and opinions) is carefully reviewed to avoid any defamatory statements that could harm someone's reputation.

✔️ Screening for Harmful Content – Comment material is screened for false or damaging information, and any content that could lead to legal consequences due to defamation is removed before publication.

✔️ Legal Responsibility – The guidelines emphasize that contributors must ensure their comments are factually accurate and should not contain any false accusations or defamatory claims that could harm an individual or organization’s reputation.

✔️ Editorial Oversight – The editorial team monitors and moderates comments to ensure they meet the outlet's standards for ethics and legality, ensuring no defamatory content is published.

✔️ Right of Reply – If defamatory content is published, the affected individual or entity is given the right to respond or have their side of the story heard, in accordance with fairness principles.

✔️ Clear Disclaimers – In the case of external comment material, a disclaimer is added to clarify that the views expressed are those of the contributor and may not reflect the views of Hazara Express News itself.

Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provision for ensuring comment material is free from invasions of privacy?

Yes

If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.

Yes, Hazara Express News's Editorial Guidelines include provisions to ensure that comment material is free from invasions of privacy. These provisions are designed to protect individuals' personal information and ensure ethical practices in handling user-generated content. The key provisions include:

✔️ Respect for Privacy – Comment material is carefully reviewed to ensure that it does not disclose personal information about individuals without their consent. This includes personal data such as addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and private details about individuals' lives.

✔️ Avoidance of Harmful Content – The guidelines emphasize that comments should not contain any content that invades an individual’s privacy, such as sharing private conversations or personal details that could cause harm or distress.

✔️ User Consent – If comment material contains any information that could potentially violate someone's privacy, explicit consent from the individual involved is required before it is published.

✔️ Moderation and Monitoring – Comments are regularly moderated to ensure they comply with privacy standards and are screened for potential breaches of privacy before being published.

✔️ Right to Remove Personal Information – If a comment is found to violate privacy rights, it can be removed immediately, and the contributor will be notified of the action.

✔️ Anonymity Options – Contributors are encouraged to remain anonymous or use pseudonyms to protect their privacy if they wish to comment on sensitive issues.

✔️ Transparency in Use of Content – The guidelines ensure that users are aware of how their content will be used and that their privacy is respected when contributing to the platform.

Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provision for ensuring comment material is free from hate speech?

Yes

If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.

Yes, Hazara Express News's Editorial Guidelines include provisions to ensure that comment material is free from hate speech. These provisions are part of the outlet's commitment to maintaining a respectful and inclusive platform for all users. The key provisions include:

✔️ Hate Speech Prevention – The guidelines explicitly prohibit the use of hate speech, including any comments or material that incites violence, discrimination, or hostility based on race, religion, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

✔️ Zero Tolerance Policy – Hazara Express News maintains a zero tolerance policy for any content that promotes hate or harmful speech targeting individuals or groups, ensuring the platform remains safe and respectful for all users.

✔️ Moderation and Screening – All user comments and content are subjected to moderation before publication to ensure they comply with the outlet's standards. Content containing hate speech is immediately removed and the contributor may be warned or banned.

✔️ Clear Definitions – The editorial guidelines provide clear definitions of what constitutes hate speech, helping contributors understand the boundaries and ensuring consistency in enforcement.

✔️ Reporting Mechanism – Users can report any comments or content that they believe may be hate speech or violate the guidelines. The editorial team will review these reports promptly and take appropriate action.

✔️ Education on Inclusivity – Contributors are encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue and express opinions respectfully, promoting a culture of inclusivity and tolerance within the community.

Do your Editorial Guidelines also include provision for ensuring comment material is free from harassment?

Yes

If you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.

Yes, Hazara Express News's Editorial Guidelines include provisions to ensure that comment material is free from harassment. These provisions are aimed at maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all users, both contributors and readers. The key provisions include:

✔️ Harassment Prevention – The guidelines explicitly prohibit any form of harassment, including bullying, threats, intimidation, and targeted abuse toward individuals or groups, either in comments or content shared on the platform.

✔️ Zero Tolerance Policy – Hazara Express News enforces a zero tolerance policy towards harassment, ensuring that no comment material that seeks to harass, intimidate, or harm others is allowed. This includes both direct attacks and subtler forms of harassment, such as persistent negative comments directed at individuals.

✔️ Moderation and Monitoring – All comment material undergoes moderation to ensure that it complies with the guidelines. Any comment material found to be harassing in nature is removed immediately, and the user may face penalties such as warnings, bans, or other corrective actions.

✔️ Clear Definitions of Harassment – The editorial guidelines provide clear definitions of what constitutes harassment, helping contributors and the moderation team to identify and address problematic content consistently.

✔️ Report Mechanism – Users can easily report comments or content that they believe constitutes harassment. These reports are reviewed by the editorial team promptly, and appropriate action is taken to prevent further harm.

✔️ Support for Victims – In cases where harassment occurs, Hazara Express News provides support and a right of response to those affected by the harassment, ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to defend themselves and share their perspective.

✔️ Encouragement of Positive Engagement – The guidelines encourage users to engage respectfully and contribute to healthy discussions, avoiding any form of abusive or harassing language.

Is it clear to the public whether your Media Outlet’s moderation of such comment is pre- or post-publication?

Yes

Does this policy allow for the removal of offending material?

Yes