Editorial Policy
This policy outlines the editorial standards and practices that govern content published on news.shvarz.com. We are committed to accuracy, transparency, and ethical journalism.
1. Content Categories
Shvarz News publishes several types of content, each with different production methods and editorial oversight:
Automated News Briefs
AI-generated summaries of breaking news from multiple verified sources. Published automatically after validation checks.
- Oversight: Automated validation, post-publication monitoring
- Sources: Official/primary sources only
- Corrections: Promptly issued if errors detected
AI-Assisted Stories
Articles drafted by AI and reviewed, edited, and verified by humans before publication.
- Oversight: Human editorial review before publication
- Verification: All facts checked against primary sources
- Editing: Reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and bias
Human Analysis & Commentary
Original analysis, commentary, and opinion pieces written entirely by humans.
- Oversight: Editorial review before publication
- Attribution: Author byline included
- Standards: Fact-based analysis, clearly labeled opinion
Opinion
Clearly labeled opinion pieces that express editorial viewpoints or guest perspectives.
- Standards: Based on facts, but includes subjective analysis
- Labeling: Always labeled as "Opinion"
- Transparency: Author and potential conflicts disclosed
2. Source Hierarchy
We prioritize sources in the following order:
- Primary/Official Sources (Preferred):
- Government statements and press releases
- Official reports and documents
- Direct statements from principals
- Court filings and rulings
- Reputable News Organizations:
- Established news agencies (AP, Reuters, DPA)
- Major national newspapers
- Specialized publications with expertise
- Expert Analysis:
- Academic research and papers
- Industry analysts and subject matter experts
- Think tanks and research institutions
⚠️ Avoided Sources:
- Anonymous social media accounts
- Unverified user-generated content
- Sources with history of misinformation
- Partisan propaganda outlets
3. Fact vs. Opinion Separation
We maintain a clear distinction between factual reporting and opinion:
✓ Factual Reporting
- Verifiable facts from primary sources
- Direct quotes with attribution
- Objective description of events
- Multiple perspectives when relevant
- Neutral language
Opinion / Analysis
- Interpretations of events
- Predictions and speculation
- Value judgments
- Policy recommendations
- Always clearly labeled
4. Anonymous Sources
Default Policy: We do not use anonymous sources in automated or AI-assisted content.
For human-written articles, anonymous sources may be used only when:
- The information is of significant public interest
- The source faces legitimate risk if identified
- The information cannot be obtained on the record
- The source has direct knowledge (not speculation)
- An editor has approved the use of anonymity
When used, we will describe the source as specifically as possible without compromising their identity (e.g., "a senior government official with direct knowledge" rather than "a source").
5. Corrections Policy
We correct errors promptly and transparently:
5.1 Types of Corrections
Significant Errors
Material factual errors that change the meaning of the story.
Action: Correction notice at top of article + entry in public corrections log
Minor Errors
Spelling, grammar, formatting, or non-material factual errors.
Action: Corrected silently or with inline note if substantial
Clarifications
Additional context needed, but original was not incorrect.
Action: Clarification note added to article
5.2 Correction Process
- Error identified (by staff, reader, or automated check)
- Verify the error against primary sources
- Update article with correction and timestamp
- Publish entry in Corrections Log
- Notify affected parties if applicable
How to Report Errors:
Email: info@shvarz-tech.com or use the "Report an error" link on any article.
6. Conflicts of Interest
We disclose potential conflicts of interest when they exist:
- Financial interests in subjects covered
- Personal relationships with newsmakers
- Political affiliations when covering politics
- Past employment or consulting relationships
For automated content, sources with known conflicts of interest are excluded or flagged for review.
7. Pre-Publication Standards
Before publication, all content must pass these checks:
Required Elements
- ✓ Source attribution for all factual claims
- ✓ Links to original sources
- ✓ Content category label (Automated Brief, AI-Assisted, etc.)
- ✓ Publication date and time
- ✓ No banned phrases or defamatory language
- ✓ Fact-checked against primary sources (AI-assisted content)
8. Embargo Policy
We respect reasonable embargoes when:
- The embargo serves a legitimate public interest (e.g., coordinated security disclosures)
- The embargo terms are clearly stated upfront
- We retain editorial independence to break embargo if circumstances change
9. Updates and Ongoing Stories
For developing stories:
- We publish updates as new verified information becomes available
- Updates include "Updated: [timestamp]" notation
- Significant changes are noted at the top of the article
- We preserve article history (no "memory hole" deletions)
10. Related Policies
- AI Disclosure Policy - How we use AI
- Corrections & Clarifications - Public error log
- Terms of Use - User agreements
- Contact Us - Report errors or submit tips
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Editor: Vitali Shvarz