This Author & Bylines Policy explains how authorship is attributed on Worldys News, under what conditions anonymity is permitted, and how conflicts or third-party involvement are disclosed. Bylines represent accountability and are regulated to maintain transparency and trust in published work.

1. Default Rule — Real Name Attribution

All published articles are attributed to the real, verifiable identity of the journalist, editor, or contributor responsible for the work. Anonymous or pseudonymous publication is not permitted except under the exceptions listed below.

2. Anonymous or Withheld Bylines (Exceptional Use Only)

A byline may be withheld and listed as “Worldys News Staff” only when:

• Publication poses a credible safety or retaliation risk to the author
• The story involves legal restrictions or sealed records
• The decision is approved by the Editor-in-Chief

Anonymous publication is not permitted for convenience, reputation management, or editorial preference alone.

3. No Ghostwriting or Undisclosed Authorship

Worldys News does not publish ghostwritten material. Articles submitted by or on behalf of institutions, PR agencies, political groups, or lobbyists must be transparently attributed or will be rejected.

4. AI-Assisted Work Disclosure

All editorial content is written and reviewed by humans. AI may assist in research or drafting but may not generate published text without human verification. Articles written entirely by AI are not accepted or attributed as journalism.

5. Conflict of Interest Declaration

If a contributor has a financial, political, personal, or professional connection to the subject of an article, that connection must be disclosed and may be appended publicly at editorial discretion.

6. Corrections and Bylines

When a published article is corrected or updated under the Corrections & Updates Policy, the original author’s byline remains intact unless a legal or ethical investigation determines otherwise.

7. Collective and Desk Bylines

For stories produced collaboratively by multiple staff or under rapid newsroom conditions, a collective byline such as “Worldys News Reporting Desk” may be used.

8. Removal or Transfer of Bylines

Bylines are not removed upon request except when:

• A court-ordered legal directive requires removal
• An author proves involuntary or fraudulent attribution
• There is a verified safety, asylum, or protection concern

Personal preference or reputational discomfort is not grounds for removal.

Last updated: October 2025