DNPA Code of Ethics — Chronicle by The Trending People
Effective Date: January 01, 2026
Last Updated: January 01, 2026
Chronicle by The Trending People voluntarily adheres to the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Code of Ethics, which outlines the responsibilities, standards, and practices expected from credible digital news publishers in India. This Code affirms our commitment to responsible journalism while upholding the freedoms guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India.
The DNPA Code does not interfere with the day-to-day editorial independence of publishers. Instead, it establishes broad ethical standards that guide digital journalism.
1. Purpose of the DNPA Code of Ethics
The objectives of this Code are to:
- Maintain high standards of accuracy, integrity, and fairness in digital news publishing.
- Protect editorial independence and ensure freedom of the press.
- Encourage ethical journalistic practices and responsible newsroom behavior.
- Promote transparency in news dissemination.
- Ensure compliance with Indian laws and regulations applicable to digital news organizations.
2. Commitment to the Laws of India
Chronicle follows all relevant Indian laws, including:
- The Constitution of India
- Information Technology Act, 2000
- Over 30 legislations applicable to media
- Applicable provisions of IPC and CrPC
- Copyright, privacy, and defamation laws
- POCSO Act (where relevant)
- Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act
- Juvenile Justice laws
- Relevant state and central media guidelines
We also uphold globally accepted journalistic norms and newsroom ethics.
3. Accuracy, Transparency, and Fairness
We are committed to publishing accurate, verified, and balanced information:
- No inaccurate, baseless, or distorted content.
- Pre-publication verification is mandatory.
- Defamatory or misleading material is avoided.
- All applicable laws and rules must be followed.
- News must be free of bias, manipulation, or misrepresentation.
Accuracy is prioritized over speed.
4. Right of Reply
Chronicle ensures fairness by offering individuals and organizations the opportunity to respond:
a. Inclusion of Response
If allegations are made, the concerned person or organization should be given a chance to comment. Their version should be included in the article.
b. Updates & Revisions
If the response arrives later or if developments occur:
- The article should be updated appropriately.
- The date of the update must be clearly displayed.
5. Take-Down, Delete, or Edit Policy
If a published article is found to contain inaccuracies:
- On receiving a valid request with evidence from the concerned party, the incorrect portion shall be edited or removed.
- If the entire article is based on false or inaccurate information, it shall be deleted in full.
This applies to factual errors, misreporting, or inadvertent misinformation.
6. Respect for Intellectual Property Rights
Chronicle respects all intellectual property laws:
a. Copyright
- Text, photographs, graphics, diagrams, videos, and cartoons must not be used without permission.
- If copyrighted material is used, proper permission and attribution are required.
b. Fees and Licenses
- If a license requires payment of fees or royalties, they must be paid.
c. Trademarks
- Third-party logos, trademarks, and service marks must not be used without permission, unless permitted under fair use.
d. On Infringement Complaints
- Upon receiving a legitimate copyright or IP violation notice, the concerned content will be corrected, removed, or taken down as required.
7. Reporting on Sensitive, Crime, and Legal Matters
While reporting crime or sensitive issues:
- Presumption of innocence must be upheld.
- Speculation about evidence, witnesses, victims, or accused must be avoided.
- Reports must remain fact-based, balanced, and unbiased.
Special care should be taken in stories involving:
- Sexual harassment
- Child abuse
- Rape or molestation
- Minors (victims or accused)
- Matrimonial disputes
- Custody, adoption, or family matters
- Communal or religious disputes
- Workplace misconduct
Under no circumstances should reporting promote prejudice, fear, or sensationalism.
8. Compliance with IT Act, Sections 67, 67A, and 67B
These sections pertain to:
- Publishing obscene material
- Publishing sexually explicit material
- Depictions of children in sexual acts
Chronicle strictly avoids any content that violates these provisions.
9. Avoiding Disclosure of Victims’ Identities
We strictly avoid:
- Publishing names or details that identify victims of sexual offences.
- Publishing identifiable information about minors (victims or accused).
- Revealing a victim’s residence, workplace, or photographs without consent.
Privacy takes precedence over public curiosity.
10. Reporting on Communal or Sensitive Public Issues
When reporting on communal, caste-based, or religious conflicts:
- Only verified facts are published.
- No content that may escalate tensions or disrupt harmony.
- Language must remain neutral, cautionary, and sensitive.
- Reports must promote peace, harmony, and public order.
11. Court and Judicial Reporting
Journalists must be aware of:
- Legislative privileges
- Rules governing court reporting
- Restrictions on sensitive judicial matters
Coverage must be fair, accurate, and free from commentary that prejudices proceedings.
Both the victim’s and accused’s sides should be presented without editorial bias.
12. Respect for Privacy
Chronicle respects the privacy of individuals, especially:
- Private citizens
- Minors
- Victims of crimes
- Individuals in distressing personal circumstances
We avoid publishing unnecessary personal details unless there is a compelling public interest.
13. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
As required under IT Act and Intermediary Guidelines (where applicable):
- A designated Grievance Officer is appointed.
- Contact details are displayed on the website.
- Complaints must be acknowledged within 36 hours.
- Complaints must be resolved within one month.
Grievances may involve factual errors, takedown requests, or concerns about content.
14. Training & Awareness for Editorial Staff
Chronicle regularly trains journalists and editors on:
- Indian Constitution and freedoms
- Media-related laws
- Legal risks: defamation, copyright, privacy
- Reporting standards for minors and sexual offences
- Reporting on vulnerable communities
- Ethical newsgathering and fact-checking
- Communal reporting guidelines
- Court reporting protocols
Training ensures adherence to ethical journalism and legal compliance.
Conclusion
By adhering to the DNPA Code of Ethics, Chronicle reinforces its commitment to:
- Responsible digital journalism
- Protecting freedom of the press
- Maintaining high editorial standards
- Ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability
This Code guides all editorial decisions and newsroom practices at Chronicle by The Trending People.
