What is the policy on using anonymous sources in Forbes articles?

• A. Anonymous sources may be used only when essential, with strong corroboration, minimal identifying details, and editorial approval; identify risks.
• B. Anonymous sources are never permissible.
• C. Anonymous sources are allowed if the source is high-profile.
• D. Anonymous sources should be avoided entirely regardless of necessity.

Answer: (B)

At the core of this policy is trust and accountability in reporting. Forbes requires that information be traceable to a real person who can be identified by editors and, ideally, by readers. Anonymous sources obscure who is providing the information, making it hard to assess reliability, bias, or potential motives, and it hinders verification. Because of that, anonymous sources are not permissible in Forbes articles. Reporters rely on named sources or on verifiable documents and data that can be independently checked. If a claim can’t be supported by identifiable sources, the information should not be published, or it should be corroborated by multiple identifiable sources. This standard helps maintain credibility and accuracy for readers.