The SunstoneCode of Ethics

We maintain absolute editorial independence from our owners, donors, partners, sources, and the subjects of our reports. No one can interfere with our science or journalism. We accept donations only with the explicit understanding that Sunstone retains full control over its research and journalism. All staff and Sunstone Fellows disclose any personal, financial, organisational, political, or other interests that may affect their independence, integrity or impartiality.

We publish the datasets and methodologies behind our findings so they can be audited by the public and the scientific community. When we make a mistake, we correct it promptly with a transparent note explaining what changed and why. We explain the limitations of our datasets and resist the temptation to sensationalise. We actively guard against selection bias, seeking out patterns that affect marginalised populations as rigorously as those that affect the powerful.

We clearly state the sources of our data and information. We verify the accuracy of all information – whether from human sources or datasets – before it enters our work. We seek a diverse range of sources to ensure our findings are relevant and comprehensive. We grant anonymity only to sources at risk of professional or physical harm, and when we do, we explain why the source’s identity is protected and why its information is credible. Whenever our findings put persons or institutions in a negative light, we give them the opportunity to respond.

We protect the privacy of individuals represented in our data and stories. We weigh the public’s right to know against the potential for harm, particularly when dealing with sensitive information – and when in doubt, we are on the side of caution. We actively seek out diverse perspectives to ensure our work does not reflect a narrow worldview. We do not omit factors of major significance or mislead the public in any way.

Every project serves the public good. We do not use our data capabilities for trivial pursuits or to serve private or governmental interests. We translate fragmented data into clear, actionable insights that the average citizen can understand and use. Complexity is not an excuse for obfuscation.