Cointelegraph exists to serve readers with independent, accurate, and in-depth journalism on digital assets, blockchain technology, and the future of finance.
Our mission is to shine a light on the people and projects building positively in our industry, while retaining journalistic skepticism about the people who use this technology for nefarious purposes and holding them to account, without fear or interference.
We believe in the future of Web3 technologies and the opportunities they present, but we are not cheerleaders. We celebrate values including decentralization, personal sovereignty, freedom and digital ownership, but we carefully interrogate the claims of those who purport to represent them.
2. Editorial Independence
Editorial independence is the foundation of Cointelegraph’s credibility. Our editors, writers, and producers make coverage decisions based solely on news value and journalistic merit — never on pressure from management, advertisers, investors, business partners, or outside advisers.
Editorial staff are insulated from the business and commercial operations of Cointelegraph. Advertisers, sponsors, and event partners receive no advance knowledge of our reporting, no input into editorial decisions, and no right to review, delay, or suppress stories.
No journalist at Cointelegraph may be directed to write, amend, or withhold coverage for commercial or political reasons. Requests to “kill” a story, soften language, or adjust placement for non-editorial reasons will be refused.
We welcome healthy debate and collaboration across the company, but ultimate authority over what we publish rests with the Editor-in-Chief, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and their delegates. Journalists who raise concerns about interference are protected from retaliation.
Our integrity is not negotiable. Independence is more than a value — it is the cornerstone of our credibility, our audience’s trust, and our long-term success.
3. Social Media
Cointelegraph uses social media to share our journalism quickly and engage directly with readers. While we strive for accuracy in posts, the speed and brevity of social platforms means these posts may not undergo the same editorial review as published articles.
We welcome feedback, corrections, and respectful dialogue on all our channels — but our published articles remain the authoritative record of our reporting.
Our journalists may operate personal accounts, but their views are their own and do not represent those of Cointelegraph. Cointelegraph journalists are free to use personal social media, but they may not:
* Share unpublished reporting or confidential newsroom information.
* Endorse, promote, or appear to promote digital assets they cover.
* Accept payment, gifts, or benefits in exchange for posts.
* Present personal opinions in a way that could be mistaken for Cointelegraph’s editorial stance.
4. Editorial Principles
* Accuracy: Fact-checking is rigorous, and errors are corrected transparently and promptly.
* Transparency: Conflicts of interest, sourcing limitations, and corrections are clearly disclosed.
* Integrity: Sponsored or promotional content is clearly labeled and kept separate from editorial.
* Originality: We prioritize original investigations, analysis, and exclusives that serve readers’ interests.
5. Sourcing: Clearly Defined Terms
* On the Record (default): Anything said or written may be quoted and attributed to the source by name.
* Off the Record: Information is confidential and will neither be published nor attributed. This requires prior agreement with a reporter or editor.
* On Background: The information may be used without naming the source (e.g., “a project executive”). Pre-arrangement and editorial approval are required.
* Sources cannot retroactively change the terms after speaking.
* Anonymous Sources: Used only with editor approval and rigorous verification. Where anonymous sources are used, we will attempt to verify information with other sources before publishing. We will only write a story with one anonymous source where the public interest dramatically outweighs the risk, and only with the approval of the editor-in-chief or deputy editor-in-chief.
* Other Outlets’ Anonymous Sources: We may occasionally report on stories posted by reputable outlets that have quoted anonymous sources. In so doing, we will clearly identify any part of their reporting that relies on such sources.
6. Opinion
Opinions will be clearly labeled. They do not necessarily represent the views of Cointelegraph, its ownership, its journalists, or anyone other than the author. Publication of such opinions does not represent an endorsement of their content.
7. Embargoes
We encourage public relations agencies and marketers to contact us in the event they have newsworthy announcements that require an embargo, as we generally do not accept them without a clear and compelling reason.
Exceptions may be made for complex material that will take time to review, or where a public interest is served by observing an embargo. Genuinely market-moving news may also qualify for an embargo.
Embargoes are respected only when agreed in advance. News marked “Embargoed” and sent without prior agreement is exceptionally unlikely to be covered. If it is, we may not observe the embargo.
8. Crypto Holdings & Disclosure
Cointelegraph journalists may participate in the digital asset economy, but must do so with transparency.
* Disclosure Threshold: Staff must disclose material holdings of any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) when those holdings exceed $1,000.
* BTC and ETH: Treated as the “currencies of the internet.” Staff may hold them without disclosure.
* Conflicts & Recusal: Journalists will be recused from covering an asset where they hold a significant position or where coverage could reasonably be perceived as compromised.
* Trading Restrictions: To avoid any appearance of short-term profiteering, staff may not trade in or out of a cryptocurrency within 72 hours of publishing coverage directly related to that asset.
* No Compensation in Tokens: Staff may not accept tokens, equity, or other digital assets in exchange for coverage.
* Public Transparency: Staff biography pages include quarterly disclosure statements.
This approach balances participation with accountability, ensuring that our reporters remain part of the industry without ever being compromised.
9. Artificial Intelligence Usage
* AI may aid in research or visual production, but never replaces human reporting or editorial judgment.
* The use of AI must be disclosed to an editor and to the public when substantively contributing to content.
* AI is never credited as a journalist or author.
10. Corrections & Updates
Errors are corrected promptly and clearly noted in the article’s update log. Cosmetic or stylistic edits are not flagged. For correction requests, please contact the appropriate writer or editor.
11. Plagiarism
Cointelegraph does not tolerate plagiarism. We offer attribution to other outlets when significant reporting is based on their work.
12. Sponsored Content
Sponsored Content is created and managed entirely by Cointelegraph’s business development team. It is never written, reviewed, or edited by Cointelegraph journalists.
All Sponsored Content is clearly labeled as such, distinguished visually from editorial work, and disclosed to readers as paid material. It is not held to the same editorial standards as independent reporting, and it does not reflect the views of our newsroom.
The editorial team has no visibility into Sponsored Content, no role in client relations, and no obligation to cover advertisers or their projects in our journalism.
Advertising and editorial operations are strictly separated, and commercial relationships have no influence over what we report, how we report it, or whether we cover a story at all.
13. Our Oath
In a media landscape often compromised by hype or hidden agendas, Cointelegraph stands firm on one principle: We place the public’s trust above all else.
Questions?
If you have questions about these policies or wish to comment to the editors about our coverage, please email us: [email protected]
