Rhine Labs News Gathering Policy!

Purpose

Rhine Labs engages in news gathering, reporting, and commentary activities. This policy sets forth the standards and practices for collecting, storing, and using information during the course of journalistic work.

Scope

This policy applies to all staff, contractors, partners, and contributors involved in Rhine Labs’ news gathering and reporting activities.

Policy

1. Recording of Conversations

   • All conversations, whether conducted in person, by phone, video conference, or electronically, are subject to recording.

   • By participating in any conversation with Rhine Labs, you acknowledge and consent to such recording.

   • Recordings may be used for editorial, archival, compliance, or training purposes.

2. Transparency

   • Whenever feasible, participants will be notified at the start of a conversation that recording is taking place.

   • Exceptions may apply in cases where prior notice would compromise the integrity of journalistic work.

3. Confidentiality & Source Protection

   • Rhine Labs is committed to protecting confidential sources as permitted under applicable shield laws and journalistic ethics.

   • Requests for anonymity will be respected where possible and balanced against legal obligations.

4. Data Security

   • Recordings and transcripts will be securely stored and accessible only to authorized personnel.

   • Retention and deletion of recordings will follow Rhine Labs’ data management standards.

5. Compliance with Law

   • All recordings will be made in compliance with applicable federal, state, and international laws governing consent and privacy.

   • Where two-party or all-party consent is required, Rhine Labs will take reasonable steps to comply.

6. Use of Gathered Material

   • Information collected through recordings may be published, quoted, or referenced in news stories, reports, or commentary.

   • Editing of material will be done accurately and in good faith to preserve the meaning and context.

7. Corrections and Omissions

   • Rhine Labs is committed to accuracy and fairness in all published material.

   • If errors, inaccuracies, or significant omissions are identified, corrections will be made promptly and transparently.

   • Corrections may take the form of an updated article, editor’s note, or public clarification, depending on the nature of the error.

   • Requests for correction or clarification can be submitted to Rhine Labs, and all such requests will be reviewed in good faith.

8. Email Correspondence Disclosure

   • Any email sent to or received by Rhine Labs may be retained, reviewed, and disclosed at Rhine Labs’ sole discretion.

   • Such correspondence may be published in full or in part, quoted, or otherwise referenced in editorial, investigative, or reporting activities.

   • By communicating with Rhine Labs via email, you acknowledge and consent to this possible disclosure, except where restricted by law.

9. Binding Arbitration

   • Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to this policy, including but not limited to recordings, publication, correspondence, or corrections, shall be resolved through binding arbitration.

   • Arbitration shall be conducted under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or a mutually agreed-upon arbitration service.

   • The arbitration shall take place in the state and county where Rhine Labs maintains its principal office.

   • The party bringing the complaint shall be solely responsible for all arbitration fees and related costs, unless otherwise required by law.

   • By engaging in conversations or interactions with Rhine Labs, all parties waive the right to pursue claims through litigation in court, including jury trials, except where prohibited by law.

Policy Created February 03 2021
Policy Updated July 05 2023 (Added Binding Arbitration)

Correspondence
Rhine USA Corp.
9801 NE 65th St
Vancouver WA 98662

Last Updated on July 5, 2023 by Steven Rhine