As a rule, all persons appear in SBC publications under their real names (for exceptions, see 6.10 Naming names in criminal proceedings).

In exceptional cases, requests for anonymity may be granted. This is subject to the condition that the request for anonymity is based on a legitimate interest (e.g. informants from Afghanistan who fear the Taliban regime). There must also be significant public interest in what a source who wishes to remain anonymous has to say. In any case, the quality of the statement must be verifiable (second source). In addition, the persons affected or accused by the anonymous statement must have the opportunity to express themselves appropriately. Anonymous statements made on camera, on the microphone or in a written interview must be agreed with the supervisor and the senior editorial management. Transparency and openness are particularly important in political and social controversies. Masking and voice anonymisation (e.g. voice distortion, dubbed statements) are only used in justified exceptional cases.

In special cases, it makes sense for the editorial team to anonymise individuals for their own protection, even if they wish to appear openly. When using anonymous statements from third-party journalistic sources, SBC employees must verify their authenticity as far as possible.

Guaranteed anonymity must be ensured under all circumstances (see 9.10 Editorial secrecy, refusal to testify).

Employees must disclose their anonymous sources to their managers. Anonymous appearances by individuals, especially in connection with political actions or demonstrations, must be approved by the senior editorial management.