At CPCTTest.com, we are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards. This code ensures that our team members act with integrity, follow all laws and regulations, and prioritize the best interests of the company and our users over personal gain.
The basic principles of our Code of Ethics are to uphold the standards of digital publishing and maintain the independence of journalists, content creators, and publishers.
1. Compliance with Laws
Digital News Websites follow the laws of the land, including the Constitution of India, media-related laws, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, where applicable.
2. Adherence to Journalistic Ethics
We adhere to accepted norms of journalistic ethics and practices, maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct. This includes multiple layers of self-regulatory ethics and codes.
3. Accuracy, Transparency & Fairness
Members should avoid publishing inaccurate, baseless, or distorted material. Pre-publication verification is mandatory. Defamation should be avoided, and adherence to applicable laws and rules is necessary.
4. Right of Reply
a) News reports and articles should include comments or versions of a person or party in respect of whom allegations are carried. If their response is received later, it should be incorporated. b) If there are developments in the news, the concerned person or party’s request for an update must be carried out appropriately. The date of the update should appear in the news item.
5. Correction and Deletion
If a news report or article contains false or inaccurate information, it should be corrected or deleted upon receiving correct information from the concerned person or party. If the entire article is found to be false or inaccurate, it should be deleted.
6. Respect for Intellectual Property
a) Copyright in text, photographs, plans, diagrams, cartoons, etc., must be respected. Prior permission should be taken, and publication must acknowledge moral and ownership rights. b) Any required fees or royalties for using copyrighted material must be paid. c) Trademarks and service marks of third parties should not be used without permission or unless it constitutes fair use. d) In case of infringement, the concerned content should be edited, deleted, or taken down upon receiving necessary documents.
7. Reporting Sensational Matters and Crime
Care should be taken to avoid bias and preserve the presumption of innocence. Reporting should be based on facts, avoiding comments and speculation on evidence, witnesses, accused, and victims.
8. Reporting Sensitive Issues
Special care should be taken while reporting on sexual harassment, child abuse, rape, matrimonial issues, riots, divorce, custody cases, and adoption matters. Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000, should be followed where applicable.
9. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
As intermediaries under the Information Technology Act, 2000, we follow the grievance redressal mechanism outlined therein. This includes appointing a grievance officer whose contact details are displayed on the website and who acts within 36 hours of receiving a complaint and resolves it within one month.
10. Conflicts of Interest
Associates should avoid situations involving conflicts between personal interest and the company’s interest. Associates should disclose any potential conflicts of interest to their manager. Such conflicts include: a) Ownership of a significant interest in an outside enterprise doing business with or competing with the company. b) Serving in a managerial or technical capacity in an outside enterprise doing business with or competing with the company. c) Acting as a broker for a third party in transactions involving the company. d) Any other arrangements or relationships that might dissuade the associate from acting in the company’s best interest.
11. Confidential Information
Unauthorized use or revelation of confidential product information, data on decisions, plans, or any other company information is prohibited. Misuse or mishandling of confidential information will lead to disciplinary action or immediate discharge.
12. Compliance
Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action or discharge. Associates with knowledge of any violation should report it to the appropriate level of management. Each vice president and company officer is responsible for compliance in their area. For questions, contact the Corporate Vice President of Human Resources.
13. Plagiarism
Plagiarism in any form is unacceptable and prohibited.
14. Fact-Checking
We prioritize accurate information over breaking news. We wait for sufficient information before sharing and avoid speculation. Our aim is to prevent false or inaccurate information from being circulated.
By adhering to these ethical standards, we ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of CPCTTest.com as a reliable source of information.