Conflict of Interest Policy

A framework for ensuring the impartiality, objectivity, and unwavering trust of our readers.

I. Guiding Principles

The credibility of Truth Sider rests upon the absolute trust of our readers. This policy is built on three guiding principles:

• Integrity: Our primary allegiance is to the truth and to our audience, not to any external interest.
• Transparency: We believe that openness about potential conflicts is the best way to manage them.
• Accountability: We hold ourselves and our contributors to the highest ethical standards.

II. Definition of a Conflict of Interest

A Conflict of Interest exists when a contributor's personal interests, relationships, or activities could—or could be perceived to—compromise their professional judgment or objectivity in their work for Truth Sider. This applies to actual, potential, and perceived conflicts.

This policy applies to all individuals contributing editorial content, including staff, freelance writers, and guest authors.

III. Common Areas of Conflict

Contributors must be vigilant for conflicts in all forms. The following non-exhaustive list provides examples:

• Financial Conflicts: Holding investments in a company being covered; receiving payment or consulting fees from an entity in a related field; accepting paid travel or accommodation from a source.
• Personal & Relational Conflicts: Writing about or making editorial judgments on topics involving close family members, romantic partners, or close personal friends.
• Professional & Affiliation Conflicts: Current or recent employment with an entity being covered; serving on the board of a company or advocacy group relevant to one's area of coverage.
• Gifts & Hospitality: Accepting gifts, favors, or entertainment of more than a nominal value from any person or entity that could create a sense of obligation or be seen as an attempt to influence content.

IV. The Duty to Disclose

Transparency is mandatory. All contributors have an ongoing duty to proactively disclose any potential conflict of interest to the editorial leadership of Truth Sider before accepting or beginning any assignment.

Upon disclosure, editorial leadership will determine the appropriate course of action, which may include:

• Assigning the topic to a different contributor.
• Allowing the assignment to proceed, but with a clear, prominent disclosure of the conflict to the readers within the article.
• Requiring the contributor to divest from the conflicting interest or recuse themselves from the activity.

V. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Adherence to this policy is not optional; it is a fundamental condition of contributing to Truth Sider. A failure to disclose a conflict of interest is considered a serious breach of ethics. Such a breach may result in actions up to and including the termination of the contributor's relationship with the site, the retraction of the associated content, and a public correction.

VI. Policy Review & Questions

This Conflict of Interest Policy is a living document and will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective. We are committed to upholding these standards rigorously.

For questions about this policy or to make a disclosure, please contact the editorial team at conflict@truthsider.blog.

Last Updated: September 05, 2025.