Insider Paper is committed to correcting material factual errors in its journalism.
Breaking news develops quickly, and even careful reporting can require updates as new information becomes available. We distinguish between routine updates to a developing story and corrections of information that was inaccurate when published.
When we issue a correction
A correction may be appropriate when an article contains a material factual error involving matters such as:
- A person’s name or identity
- A date, location, number, or statistic
- A quotation
- The actions or position of a person or organization
- The contents of an official document
- The description of an event
- The attribution of a claim
- Information that could substantially change a reader’s understanding of the story
Minor spelling, grammatical, formatting, or stylistic changes that do not alter the meaning of an article generally do not require a correction notice.
Developing stories
Not every change to a breaking-news article is a correction.
Articles may be expanded or updated as additional information becomes available. New statements, updated casualty figures, additional context, official responses, photographs, documents, or other developments may be added without indicating that the earlier version was erroneous.
If information previously presented as fact is later determined to have been incorrect, we will treat that as a correction rather than a routine update.
How corrections are handled
When a significant factual error is confirmed, we aim to:
- Correct the inaccurate information in the article.
- Preserve the accurate substance of the reporting.
- Add a correction or editor’s note when the error is significant enough that readers should be informed about what changed.
The wording and placement of a correction notice will depend on the seriousness and nature of the error.
We do not generally remove an entire article simply because a correction is necessary.
Headline corrections
If a headline materially misstates the facts of a story, the headline will be corrected.
When the error is significant, an explanatory note may also be added to the article.
Requests for corrections
Anyone may request a correction.
A useful correction request should include:
- The URL or headline of the article
- The specific statement believed to be inaccurate
- An explanation of why it is inaccurate
- Supporting documents, links, records, or other evidence when available
Simply disagreeing with the framing, conclusions, or newsworthiness of an article does not necessarily establish a factual error.
Responses from people mentioned in our reporting
Individuals and organizations covered by Insider Paper are welcome to provide additional information or dispute factual assertions.
When a response materially contributes to the accuracy or fairness of a story, we may update the article to include it.
This does not mean that every objection, denial, or request for removal will result in a change.
Article removal
Insider Paper generally does not remove accurate published journalism solely because a person or organization later finds it unfavorable.
Removal may be considered in exceptional circumstances, including serious legal, safety, privacy, or ethical concerns.
Where an article can be appropriately corrected or updated, correction will normally be preferred over deletion.
Social media corrections
If a significant factual error was also distributed through an official Insider Paper social media account, we may correct or clarify the social post when reasonably possible.
Our commitment
Corrections are part of responsible journalism.
Our objective is not to create the impression that mistakes never happen. It is to respond appropriately when they do and to make sure readers have access to the most accurate version of our reporting.