1. Corrections and updates. A correction fixes a factual error: a wrong name, date, figure, quote, title or location, or a misstatement of what a person or institution said or did. An update adds new information to a developing story that was accurate when published. The two are marked differently. An update is not used to disguise a correction.
2. Minor errors. A misspelled name or an incorrect date that does not change the meaning of the article is corrected directly in the text. A short note at the bottom of the article records what changed and when.
3. Significant errors. An error that affects the substance, fairness or overall impression of a story is corrected in the text and flagged with a notice at the top of the article. The notice states plainly what was wrong and what has been fixed.
4. Serious errors. An error that cannot be reasonably repaired in place leads to the removal of the article. The URL is retained where possible and carries an explanation of why the article was withdrawn.
5. How to report an error. A report should include the article URL and a description of the problem, and it should be sent to [email protected]. A human editor reviews every report. If the report is upheld, the correction is made under the tiers above. If the report is not upheld, the team explains why in reply.
6. Timeliness. Correction requests are reviewed as quickly as the facts allow. The age of an article is not a reason to leave a known error uncorrected.
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