Source Policy

1. Source hierarchy

Primary government and legal sources should be used first: legislation, regulations, official departments, policy manuals, courts, embassies, consulates, border agencies, and recognized international institutions.

2. Required source fields

Each published page records the source title, issuing authority, URL, publication date, effective date where relevant, date last checked, geographic scope, and the claim supported.

3. Secondary sources

Academic papers, reputable research institutions, professional bodies, and established news organizations may provide context. They should not replace a controlling official source where one exists.

4. Broken or changed sources

Pages should be flagged when an official link changes, a program closes, a rule expires, or a source becomes inaccessible. High-risk pages require scheduled checks.

5. AI and automated assistance

Automated tools may assist organization and research workflows, but they must not be treated as a source. Important facts require human verification against reliable records.