PURPOSE
Team members at AutoScoop will maintain the highest ethical standards in the conduct of all company affairs. The intent of this policy is that each team member will conduct AutoScoop’s business with integrity and comply with all applicable laws in a manner that excludes considerations of personal advantage or gain.
The following is a summary of AutoScoop’s policy with respect to (1) gifts, press vehicles, favors, entertainment, and payments given or received by team members, (2) potential conflicts of interest, and (3) other related matters.
GENERAL POLICY APPLICATION
Gifts, Favors, and Payments by AutoScoop:
Gifts, favors, and payments may be given to others at AutoScoop’s expense if they meet all of the following criteria:
- They are consistent with accepted and ethical business or journalistic practices.
- They are of sufficiently limited value and in a form that will not be construed as a bribe or payoff.
- They are not in violation of applicable law and generally accepted ethical standards.
- Public disclosure of the facts will not embarrass AutoScoop.
Gifts, Favors, Entertainment, and Payments Received by AutoScoop Team Members:
Team members shall not seek or accept for themselves or others any gifts, favors, entertainment, or payments without a legitimate business purpose. Nor shall they seek or accept personal loans (other than conventional loans at market rates from lending institutions) from any persons or business organizations that do or seek to do business with, or are a competitor of, AutoScoop.
In the application of this policy:
a. Permissible Courtesies: Team members may accept common courtesies usually associated with customary business practices in the automotive industry. These include but are not limited to:
- Lunch and/or dinner with industry contacts (e.g., manufacturer representatives, PR).
- Gifts of small value from manufacturers or PR agencies, such as calendars, pens, scale models, or branded apparel.
- Tickets to events (such as races, auto shows, or car launches) are acceptable if offered by a manufacturer or event organizer, and ideally, the host accompanies the team member. These are not to be solicited by the team member and must be approved by senior editorial staff.
- Press Trips: Manufacturer-organized press trips (including travel and lodging) to test vehicles or attend events are acceptable, provided AutoScoop retains full editorial control over the resulting content.
- Gifts of perishable items (e.g., gift baskets) given during holidays are acceptable.
b. Strict Standards: A strict standard is expected with respect to gifts and entertainment from automakers, suppliers, and their representatives.
- Day outings such as track days, off-road experiences, or golf events are acceptable with prior approval from a senior editor. The host must be in attendance.
- Use of a host’s private facilities (e.g., vacation homes) is prohibited.
- It is never permissible to accept a gift in cash or cash equivalent (such as stocks or securities) of any amount.
Press Vehicles: The short-term loan of press vehicles for review purposes is a standard and accepted industry practice. These loans are to be used for professional evaluation and content creation only and do not constitute a gift. All vehicles must be returned as per the loan agreement. Long-term loans must be editorially justified and approved by senior management.
Management personnel should not accept gifts of more than limited value from those under their supervision.
Conflicts of Interest
Team members must avoid any situation that involves or may involve a conflict between their personal interests and the interests of AutoScoop. When dealing with automakers, suppliers, PR agencies, competitors, or any person doing or seeking to do business with AutoScoop, team members must act in the best interest of AutoScoop and our audience.
Each team member shall make prompt and full disclosure in writing to their manager of any potential situation which may involve a conflict of interest. Such conflicts include:
- Ownership by a team member (or a close family member) of a significant financial interest in any automaker, supplier, or competitor.
- Serving as a director, officer, partner, consultant, or in a paid capacity with an outside enterprise which does or is seeking to do business with, or is a competitor of, AutoScoop. Exceptions can be approved by the Editor-in-Chief.
- Acting as a broker, finder, or otherwise for the benefit of a third party in transactions involving or potentially involving AutoScoop.
- Any other arrangements or circumstances, including family or other personal relationships, which might dissuade the team member from acting in the best interest of AutoScoop.
Confidential & Embargoed Information
The revelation or use of any confidential or embargoed information—such as future vehicle plans, unreleased specifications, or other data obtained under non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)—without prior authorization is strictly prohibited. The misuse, unauthorized access to, or mishandling of confidential information will subject a team member to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination.
Compliance
Any violation of this policy will subject the team member to disciplinary action. Any team member having knowledge of any violation of this policy shall promptly report it to the appropriate level of management. The editorial leadership of AutoScoop is responsible for ensuring compliance.
Social Media Guidelines
Introduction
The guidelines are simple:
- Use good judgment.
- Remember that almost nothing you post is truly private.
- Remember that you are an automotive journalist and a professional.
If you remember only one thing, it’s this: When you publish on any platform, you are stepping up to a microphone. Your statements are public, permanent, and can be broadcast to everyone. What matters is how your statements are perceived. Perception is reality. So use good judgment.
Know and Respect AutoScoop Policies: Ensure your postings are consistent with this Code of Ethics. Inappropriate postings that include discriminatory remarks, harassment, and threats of violence will not be tolerated and may subject you to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Be Careful What You Post: You are personally responsible for your posts. Remember that anything you post may be public for a long time.
Speak for Yourself, Not AutoScoop: Your posts should reflect your personal point of view. If you post about the automotive industry, vehicles, or companies we cover, you must clearly identify yourself as an AutoScoop team member and include a prominent disclaimer stating that the views expressed are your own, not those of AutoScoop.
Be Respectful and Professional: Always be fair and courteous. If you post complaints or criticisms, avoid using malicious, obscene, or threatening language that disparages colleagues, industry contacts, or our audience. Be professional and respectful of others. Note: This policy does not preclude or dissuade employees from engaging in legally protected activities, such as discussing wages or working conditions.
Be Honest and Accurate: Ensure you are honest and accurate. If you make a mistake, correct it quickly and transparently.
Respect Laws & Confidentiality: Respect copyright, trademark, and privacy laws. Do not break embargoes or disclose confidential information obtained through your position at AutoScoop. Ask for permission before posting private conversations or media.
Report Your Concerns: If you believe another team member has violated this policy, please discuss your concerns with management. Retaliation for reporting concerns is prohibited.
Journalistic Standards
Plagiarism
At AutoScoop, as at all credible journalistic organizations, we have a zero-tolerance policy against plagiarism. All work must be original.
Fairness
Our writers and reviewers must seek to tell all sides of a story. When leveling negative accusations or significant criticisms against a person or product, we must provide an opportunity for a response. We will convey accusations in detail and allow for a complete and fair reply.
