4 Corrections & Complaints

Section 4.1 Principles

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Every publication gets things wrong. What separates a trustworthy one is what happens next: whether the error is fixed quickly, fixed visibly, and acknowledged rather than quietly erased.

We correct openly. When we change a published article on a point of substance, we say what changed and when — we do not edit the record silently.

Section 4.2 How to Report an Error

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Anyone may report an error, whether or not they are the subject of the article. You do not need a lawyer, and you do not need to use any particular form of words.

1. 4.2.1 We accept correction requests by email at [email protected] . We also act on errors we find ourselves, and on errors reported through social media.
2. 4.2.2 You do not have to be the subject of the article to report an error, and we do not require you to identify yourself.
3. 4.2.3 We do not require a legal letter, and sending one does not move a request up the queue. A plain email is enough.

Section 4.3 How We Respond

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1. 1 Acknowledge — within 2 working days we confirm we have received your report and that an editor is looking at it.
2. 2 Assess — we go back to the original sources, and where necessary contact the subject or the writer.
3. 3 Act — if we got it wrong we correct it, normally within 5 working days of your report.
4. 4 Explain — we tell you what we did. If we decided not to change anything, we tell you why.

1. 4.3.1 Where an error is serious or the article is actively misleading, we act immediately rather than waiting for the standard timescale, and may unpublish while we check.
2. 4.3.2 Where we conclude the article was correct, we say so plainly and explain the basis for that conclusion. We do not simply stop replying.

Section 4.4 How We Label Changes

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1. 4.4.1 Correction — a factual error is fixed. A dated note is added to the article recording what was wrong and what it now says.
2. 4.4.2 Clarification — the article was not wrong but could be misread. A dated note explains the point.
3. 4.4.3 Update — new information has been added to a developing story. The article carries the date it was last updated.
4. 4.4.4 Retraction — the article should not have been published. It is withdrawn and replaced with a note explaining why.
5. 4.4.5 Typographical fixes, formatting and broken links are corrected without a note, because nothing of substance has changed.
6. 4.4.6 Correction notes are permanent. We do not remove them once an article has been fixed.

Section 4.5 Takedown & Removal Requests

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1. 4.5.1 We consider requests to remove or de-index an article, particularly where the subject was a minor at the time, where the material is no longer accurate, or where continued publication causes disproportionate harm.
2. 4.5.2 Removal is not automatic. We weigh the request against the public interest in maintaining an accurate public record, and we will explain our reasoning either way.
3. 4.5.3 Where full removal is not justified, we consider alternatives: correcting the article, removing a specific detail, or de-indexing it from search.
4. 4.5.4 We do not remove accurate, fairly reported articles simply because a subject dislikes them.

Section 4.6 If You Are Not Satisfied

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If you disagree with our decision, reply to our response and ask for it to be escalated. Your complaint will be reviewed by a senior editor who was not involved in the original decision, and we will give you a final written answer within 10 working days.

Section 4.7 Mandatory Referrals

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