Source Protection & Security

Afghanistan Spiegel recognises that communicating with journalists and human rights organisations can expose sources, witnesses and affected individuals to serious risks.

Risk Assessment

Before collecting or publishing sensitive information, we consider foreseeable risks to the source, relatives, witnesses and other affected people. The level of protection should correspond to the seriousness of the risk.

Confidentiality

We may agree to protect a source’s identity when disclosure could lead to retaliation, prosecution, discrimination, violence or other significant harm. Access to identifying information should be limited to people who genuinely require it for editorial or verification purposes.

We do not promise absolute anonymity or security. Digital communications, devices, service providers and legal processes may create risks beyond our control. Any limitation that could materially affect a source should be explained honestly.

Data Minimisation

We seek to collect only the personal information reasonably necessary for verification and reporting. Unnecessary copies of identity documents, addresses, contact lists or sensitive files should not be requested or retained.

Secure Communication

Ordinary email and social media messaging may not be appropriate for highly sensitive information. Sources should avoid sending identifying or dangerous material through an insecure channel. They may first contact us with minimal information so that an appropriate communication method can be considered.

Publication Decisions

A source’s name, image, voice, location or identifying details should not be published without a clear editorial justification and an assessment of potential harm. Consent does not by itself eliminate our responsibility to consider safety.

Children and Survivors

Identifying information concerning children, survivors of sexual or gender-based violence, detainees and other highly vulnerable individuals requires exceptional caution. Anonymisation should normally be used unless identification is demonstrably in the person’s interest and can be justified safely.

Storage and Access

Sensitive files should be separated from public publishing systems where reasonably possible. Access should be restricted, and information that is no longer necessary should be reviewed for secure deletion, subject to legal, evidentiary and documentation requirements.

Immediate Danger

Afghanistan Spiegel is not an emergency service and cannot guarantee physical protection, evacuation, legal representation or immediate assistance. Anyone facing immediate danger should use the safest locally available emergency or support channel.