Information Density: IPSO (Independent Press Standards Organisation) – Signal Evidence & AI Readability

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We are the independent regulator for the UK digital and print news industry

Learn about what we do

We uphold high editorial standards to protect the public and freedom of expression

[H2] Thinking of making a complaint?

We consider complaints about the newspapers, magazines and digital news sites that we regulate
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[H2] Advice, guidance and support

We offer training, guidance, and confidential support for journalists, and advice and information for members of the public
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[H2] How we can help you

[H3] Harassment service

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[H3] Regulated publications

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[H3] Arbitration scheme

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Editors' Code of Practice
The framework we use to regulate print and digital news

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Latest IPSO News
Read our updates about our work:

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IPSO Annual Report 2025 shows good outcomes for complainants and improving press standards

14 May 2026

More than two-thirds (68%) of complaints investigated by IPSO in 2025 led to a favourable outcome for complainants, whether through a mediated settlement or an upheld ruling. This is one of the statistics appearing in IPSO’s Annual Report 2025, published today.

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Use our complaints form to avoid difficulties

13 May 2026

The IPSO complaints form helps users to avoid technical issues when submitting complaints

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Court reporting: why journalists report on court cases

30 April 2026

Why do news websites, newspapers, and magazines report on court cases? It’s a question we’re often asked - especially when coverage feels uncomfortable, upsetting, or confusing for those involved, as Head of Communications John Davidson discusses

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View all News

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Recent rulings
All IPSO's rulings and resolution statements

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Resolution Statement 06482-25 Loader v Daily Mail

Meinir Loader complained to the Independent Press Standards Organisation that the Daily Mail breached Clause 1 (Accuracy), Clause 2 (Privacy), Clause 3 (Harassment) and Clause 9 (Reporting of crime) of the Editors’ Code of Practice in an article headlined “Retired teacher giving [a named individual] ‘emotional support’”, published on 16 December 2025.

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06296-25 Moshelian v The National

Michelle Moshelian complained to the Independent Press Standards Organisation that The National breached Clause 1 (Accuracy) of the Editors’ Code of Practice in an article headlined “Corbyn airs concerns over hunger strike ‘political prisoners’”, published on 21 November 2025.

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Resolution Statement 06123-25 Right to Life UK v thenational.scot

Right to Life UK complained to the Independent Press Standards Organisation that thenational.scot breached Clause 1 (Accuracy) of the Editors’ Code of Practice, published on 14 November 2025.

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View all rulings

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News & analysis
Access all IPSO's latest news items

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IPSO Annual Report 2025 shows good outcomes for complainants and improving press standards

14 May 2026 · News | News story | Press Releases

More than two-thirds (68%) of complaints investigated by IPSO in 2025 led to a favourable outcome for complainants, whether through a mediated settlement or an upheld ruling. This...

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Use our complaints form to avoid difficulties

13 May 2026 · Uncategorized

The IPSO complaints form helps users to avoid technical issues when submitting complaints

Read more

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Court reporting: why journalists report on court cases

30 April 2026 · Comment & Analysis | News | Newsletter

Why do news websites, newspapers, and magazines report on court cases? It’s a question we’re often asked - especially when coverage feels uncomfortable, upsetting, or confusing for those...

Read more

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Beyond the headlines

17 April 2026 · News | Newsletter

Read IPSO's April newsletter as Jenny Watson succeeds Lord Edward Faulks as IPSO's Chair; and doorstepping: why journalists knock on doors

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Doorstepping: why journalists knock on doors and how it is regulated

17 April 2026 · Comment & Analysis | Newsletter

Doorstepping, also known as doorknocking, is when journalists approach people at their homes or workplaces to seek information or comment, or build relationships. It can serve the public...

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Lord Faulks reflects on six years steering IPSO through a changing media landscape

16 April 2026 · News | Newsletter

As he steps down as Chair of IPSO, Lord Faulks considers how digital disruption, newsroom pressures, and high‑profile rulings shaped his tenure

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WATCH: Forewarned & forearmed: Editorial standards in the age of AI

31 March 2026 · News | Podcast | Webinar

IPSO’s expert webinar on AI misinformation, responsible AI use, and the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism and public trust.

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Free, non-binding and confidential: IPSO offers advice to journalists ahead of publication

19 March 2026 · News | News story | Newsletter

If a journalist or editor has questions or concerns about an article, or needs guidance on approaching a subject for comment before publication, they are welcome to contact...

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Beyond the headlines

18 March 2026 · News | Newsletter

Read IPSO's March newsletter on editorial standards in the age of AI, pre-publication advice, and privacy notices

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IPSO receives valuable responses to its third biennial Publisher Consultation

16 March 2026 · News | News story | Press Releases

A consultation of IPSO-regulated publishers has revealed broad support for the regulator’s approach, purpose and effectiveness.

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Beyond the headlines

27 February 2026 · News | Newsletter

Read IPSO's February newsletter looking ahead to our forthcoming webinar: Forewarned & forearmed – editorial standards in the age of AI

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Does AI-generated content change editorial standards?

30 January 2026 · Comment & Analysis | News

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly familiar part of newsroom workflows. As IPSO’s Standards Policy Officer, Elizabeth Steigenberger explains, this is bringing new opportunities, but also new questions...

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[H1]
The Editors’ Code of Practice
The framework we use to regulate print and digital news

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All publishers regulated by IPSO have agreed to follow the Editors’ Code of Practice – the framework we use to uphold the highest professional standards.

The Editors’ Code of Practice sets out the rules that members regulated by IPSO have agreed to follow.
The Code is written and reviewed by the Editors’ Code Committee. It is enforced by IPSO.
The latest version of the Editors’ Code of Practice came into effect on 1 January 2025.
You can download the Code below.
Please contact us if you need a paper copy of the Code or a copy of an older version.

[H3] The Code
The Code – including this preamble and the public interest exceptions below – sets the framework for the highest professional standards that members of the press subscribing to the Independent Press Standards Organisation have undertaken to maintain. It is the cornerstone of the system of voluntary self-regulation to which they have made a binding contractual commitment. It balances both the rights of the individual and the public’s right to know.
To achieve that balance, it is essential that an agreed Code be honoured not only to the letter, but in the full spirit. It should be interpreted neither so narrowly as to compromise its commitment to respect the rights of the individual, nor so broadly that it infringes the fundamental right to freedom of expression – such as to inform, to be partisan, to challenge, shock, be satirical and to entertain – or prevents publication in the public interest.
It is the responsibility of editors and publishers to apply the Code to editorial material in both printed and online versions of their publications. They should take care to ensure it is observed rigorously by all editorial staff and external contributors, including non-journalists.
Editors must maintain in-house procedures to resolve complaints swiftly and, where required to do so, co- operate with IPSO. A publication subject to an adverse adjudication must publish it in full and with due prominence, as required by IPSO.

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Clause 1 – Accuracy

i) The Press must take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information or images, including headlines not supported by the text.
ii) A significant inaccuracy, misleading statement or distortion must be corrected, promptly and with due prominence, and — where appropriate — an apology published. In cases involving IPSO, due prominence should be as required by the regulator.
iii) A fair opportunity to reply to significant inaccuracies should be given, when reasonably called for.
iv) The Press, while free to editorialise and campaign, must distinguish clearly between comment, conjecture and fact.
v) A publication must report fairly and accurately the outcome of an action for defamation to which it has been a party, unless an agreed settlement states otherwise, or an agreed statement is published.

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Clause 2 – * Privacy

i) Everyone is entitled to respect for their private and family life, home, physical and mental health, and correspondence, including digital communications.
ii) Editors will be expected to justify intrusions into any individual’s private life without consent. In considering an individual’s reasonable expectation of privacy, account will be taken of the complainant’s own public disclosures of information and the extent to which the material complained about is already in the public domain or will become so.
iii) It is unacceptable to photograph individuals, without their consent, in public or private places where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.

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Clause 3 – * Harassment

i) Journalists must not engage in intimidation, harassment or persistent pursuit.
ii) They must not persist in questioning, telephoning, pursuing or photographing individuals once asked to desist; nor remain on property when asked to leave and must not follow them. If requested, they must identify themselves and whom they represent.
iii) Editors must ensure these principles are observed by those working for them and take care not to use non-compliant material from other sources.

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Clause 4 – Intrusion into grief or shock

In cases involving personal grief or shock, enquiries and approaches must be made with sympathy and discretion and publication handled sensitively. These provisions should not restrict the right to report legal proceedings.

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Clause 5 – * Reporting suicide

When reporting suicide, to prevent simulative acts care should be taken to avoid excessive detail of the method used, while taking into account the media’s right to report legal proceedings.

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Clause 6 – * Children

i) All pupils should be free to complete their time at school without unnecessary intrusion.
ii) They must not be approached or photographed at school without permission of the school authorities.
iii) Children under 16 must not be interviewed or photographed on issues involving their own or another child’s welfare unless an adult with legal parental responsibility or similarly responsible adult consents.
iv) Children under 16 must not be paid for material involving their welfare, nor parents or guardians for material about their children or wards, unless it is clearly in the child’s interest.
v) Editors must not use the fame, notoriety or position of a parent or guardian as sole justification for publishing details of a child’s private life.

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Clause 7 – * Children in sex cases

The press must not, even if legally free to do so, identify children under 16 who are victims or witnesses in cases involving sex offences.
In any press report of a case involving a sexual offence against a child –
i) The child must not be identified.
ii) The adult may be identified.
iii) The word “incest” must not be used where a child victim might be identified.
iv) Care must be taken that nothing in the report implies the relationship between the accused and the child.

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Clause 8 – * Hospitals

i) Journalists must identify themselves and obtain permission from a responsible executive before entering non-public areas of hospitals or similar institutions to pursue enquiries.
ii) The restrictions on intruding into privacy are particularly relevant to enquiries about individuals in hospitals or similar institutions.

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Clause 9 – * Reporting of crime

i) Relatives or friends of persons convicted or accused of crime should not generally be identified without their consent, unless they are genuinely relevant to the story.
ii) Particular regard should be paid to the potentially vulnerable position of children under the age of 18 who witness, or are victims of, crime. This should not restrict the right to report legal proceedings.
iii) Editors should generally avoid naming children under the age of 18 after arrest for a criminal offence but before they appear in a youth court unless they can show that the individual’s name is already in the public domain, or that the individual (or, if they are under 16, a custodial parent or similarly responsible adult) has given their consent. This does not restrict the right to name juveniles who appear in a crown court, or whose anonymity is lifted.

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Clause 10 – * Clandestine devices and subterfuge

i) The press must not seek to obtain or publish material acquired by using hidden cameras or clandestine listening devices; or by intercepting private or mobile telephone calls, messages or emails; or by the unauthorised removal of documents or photographs; or by accessing digitally-held information without consent.
ii) Engaging in misrepresentation or subterfuge, including by agents or intermediaries, can generally be justified only in the public interest and then only when the material cannot be obtained by other means.

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Clause 11 – Victims of sexual assault

The press must not identify or publish material likely to lead to the identification of a victim of sexual assault unless there is adequate justification and they are legally free to do so. Journalists are entitled to make enquiries but must take care and exercise discretion to avoid the unjustified disclosure of the identity of a victim of sexual assault.

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Clause 12 – Discrimination

i) The press must avoid prejudicial or pejorative reference to an individual’s race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or to any physical or mental illness or disability.
ii) Details of an individual’s race, colour, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental illness or disability must be avoided unless genuinely relevant to the story.

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Clause 13 – Financial journalism

i) Even where the law does not prohibit it, journalists must not use for their own profit financial information they receive in advance of its general publication, nor should they pass such information to others.
ii) They must not write about shares or securities in whose performance they know that they or their close families have a significant financial interest without disclosing the interest to the editor or financial editor.
iii) They must not buy or sell, either directly or through nominees or agents, shares or securities about which they have written recently or about which they intend to write in the near future.

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Clause 14 – Confidential sources

Journalists have a moral obligation to protect confidential sources of information.

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Clause 15 – Witness payments in criminal trials

i) No payment or offer of payment to a witness – or any person who may reasonably be expected to be called as a witness – should be made in any case once proceedings are active as defined by the Contempt of Court Act 1981. This prohibition lasts until the suspect has been freed unconditionally by police without charge or bail or the proceedings are otherwise discontinued; or has entered a guilty plea to the court; or, in the event of a not guilty plea, the court has announced its verdict.
*ii) Where proceedings are not yet active but are likely and foreseeable, editors must not make or offer payment to any person who may reasonably be expected to be called as a witness, unless the information concerned ought demonstrably to be published in the public interest and there is an over-riding need to make or promise payment for this to be done; and all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure no financial dealings influence the evidence those witnesses give. In no circumstances should such payment be conditional on the outcome of a trial.
*iii) Any payment or offer of payment made to a person later cited to give evidence in proceedings must be disclosed to the prosecution and defence. The witness must be advised of this requirement.

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Clause 16 – * Payment to criminals

i) Payment or offers of payment for stories, pictures or information, which seek to exploit a particular crime or to glorify or glamorise crime in general, must not be made directly or via agents to convicted or confessed criminals or to their associates – who may include family, friends and colleagues.
ii) Editors invoking the public interest to justify payment or offers would need to demonstrate that there was good reason to believe the public interest would be served. If, despite payment, no public interest emerged, then the material should not be published.

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The Public Interest (*)

There may be exceptions to the clauses marked * where they can be demonstrated to be in the public interest.
1. The public interest includes, but is not confined to:
Detecting or exposing crime, or the threat of crime, or serious impropriety.
Protecting public health or safety.
Protecting the public from being misled by an action or statement of an individual or organisation.
Disclosing a person or organisation’s failure or likely failure to comply with any obligation to which they are subject.
Disclosing a miscarriage of justice.
Raising or contributing to a matter of public debate, including serious cases of impropriety, unethical conduct or incompetence concerning the public.
Disclosing concealment, or likely concealment, of any of the above.
2. There is a public interest in freedom of expression itself.
3. The regulator will consider the extent to which material is already in the public domain or will become so.
4. Editors invoking the public interest will need to demonstrate that they reasonably believed publication – or journalistic activity taken with a view to publication – would both serve, and be proportionate to, the public interest and explain how they reached that decision at the time.
5. An exceptional public interest would need to be demonstrated to over-ride the normally paramount interests of children under 16.

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Common Questions about the Editors’ Code

You may have questions about the Editors' Code which we hope to answer here.

View the questions

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Editors' Code of Practice (2025)

Downloadable version of the Editors' Code (2025)
(96.1KB pdf)

This is a downloadable version of the Editors' Code of Practice (2025).

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Editors' Code of Practice (2021)

Downloadable version of the Editors' Code (2021)
(57.5KB pdf)

This is a downloadable version of the Editors' Code of Practice (2021) which applied from 2021 to 2024.

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[H3] Editors' Code Committee

Editors’ Code Committee

[H3] The Editors' Code Book

The Editors’ Code Book

[H3] Editors' Code resources

Editors’ Code resources

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Useful links
Links to sections you might find helpful

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Whistleblowing service

Journalists can call our Whistleblowing service if they feel under pressure to act in a way that is not in line with the Editors' Code of Practice

Read more

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Contact IPSO

Find out the ways that you can contact IPSO

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Press Office

Find out more about how to make media inquiries and inquiries for spokespeople from IPSO

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Harassment service
Around the clock support is available for people concerned about press intrusion. We can issue privacy notices speedily to protect people - especially in times of grief or shock

Journalists must not continue to question, telephone, pursue or photograph people once they have been asked to stop- unless in the public interest.

[H2] IPSO operates a 24 hour emergency harassment helpline

[H2] 9am-5pm

0300 123 22 20

[H2] Out of hours

07799 903 929

If calling out of hours in cases of harassment by a journalist, or for pre-publication advice, please leave a message explaining your concerns. We will call you back. Please do not use the out-of-hours number for general enquiries or to make a complaint.

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Advice for handling unwanted approaches by journalists

Find out the journalist’s name and the name of the publication or agency they work for. Under the terms of Clause 3 of the Editors’ Code, journalists must provide this information if requested.
Tell the journalist clearly that you do not wish to speak to them or be photographed and that you are asking them to stop. You can add that under the Editors’ Code of Practice, journalists must not continue their activities once asked to stop. It may help if you tell them that you are saying the same to every journalist.
If you are at home and do not wish to answer your door, pin a short note to it to say that you do not wish to speak to journalists and do not want to be disturbed.
If you are being telephoned repeatedly and do not wish to speak to journalists you should change your answerphone message to say that only personal callers should leave a message as you do not wish to speak to the media.
If you feel physically threatened or in immediate danger call the police.

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How to respond to requests for comment from the press

You do not have to make a comment to the press if you do not wish to do so.
Some people find it helpful to ask a trusted person who is not closely associated with the story to deal with all press enquiries on their behalf.
If you are considering responding to questions, it may be helpful to ask for the questions to be put in writing.
If a newspaper or magazine contacts you to say that it intends to publish a story about you which you believe may breach the Editors’ Code you can contact IPSO for advice.

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How IPSO can help

IPSO can give specific advice about how the Editors’ Code applies to your situation.
In some cases IPSO is able to contact newspapers and magazine publishers to make them aware of concerns that the Editors’ Code may be breached via a privacy notice. IPSO does not have the formal power to stop a newspaper or magazine from publishing a story or from continuing to ask questions.
IPSO cannot investigate formal complaints about the actions of broadcast journalists and journalists who are acting on behalf of publications or agencies who are not regulated by IPSO. However a number of broadcasters and non-member publications do choose to participate in the pre-publication and anti-harassment services operated by IPSO.
Whether or not you make use of IPSO’s pre-publication and anti-harassment services you can still make a complaint if you believe that the Editors’ Code has been breached. Keep a record of your concerns at the earliest opportunity, particularly if it relates to harassment.

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IPSO guidance on press intrusion

Further help with press intrusion.

Read more

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Advice and resources for the public

Further advice and resources

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Contact IPSO
Find out the ways that you can contact IPSO

[IMG: An illustration shows a woman writing a complaint while referring to a newspaper laid out in front of her.]

To make a complaint about a publication regulated by IPSO click here

[H4] Phone: 0300 123 22 20 (from 9am to 5pm)
(To speak directly to one of our regulated publications, please visit their website for contact details).

We have an EMERGENCY advice line which can be used out of office hours. This is for cases of harassment by a journalist or for pre-publication advice. It should not be used for general enquiries or to make a complaint.
24 Hour emergency advice line: 07799 903 929
(Please leave a message explaining the nature of your concern and you will be phoned back)

[H4] Email: [email protected]
To get in touch regarding IPSO’s work, please email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Questions directly relating to possible complaints or queries regarding our regulated publications can be directed to [email protected]
Media inquiries should be directed via email to John Davidson, Head of Communications, via [email protected].

[H4] Write to us:
You can email us or write to us at the address below.

Independent Press Standards Organisation
10 Eastcheap
London
EC3M 1AJ

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[H3] Make a complaint

Complaints form

[H3] Harassment

Harassment service

[H3] FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions