State-Affiliated Media Label Policy
This policy defines when Vibble applies the “state-affiliated media” label to media organizations, what it means, and how it is enforced and reviewed.
1. Definition of State-Affiliated Media
“State-affiliated media” refers to media entities where the state exercises significant control over editorial content, ownership, funding, or strategic direction. This may include:
- Direct state ownership or majority control.
- Legal or structural mandates linking editorial decisions to government policy.
- Funding dependence with documented influence on editorial independence.
- Governance bodies composed predominantly of state appointees.
Editorially independent public service broadcasters, with robust governance protections and legal safeguards, may be treated separately under the Government-Controlled Media Labeling Rules.
2. Purpose of the Label
The state-affiliated media label is intended to:
- Increase transparency for users about the funding and control of media outlets.
- Enable informed evaluation of information sources during civic, political, and crisis events.
- Align with global norms on media transparency and information integrity.
3. Criteria for Label Application
Vibble applies this label based on a combination of factors including public records, independent research, regulatory disclosures, and trusted third-party reports. Relevant criteria include:
- Ownership and funding structure (state-owned vs independent).
- Legal or governmental authority over appointments and governance.
- Documented history of editorial directives from state actors.
- Designation by credible international organizations or media freedom indexes.
4. Label Placement & Disclosures
When the label is applied, Vibble may show it:
- On the organization’s main profile page.
- Alongside individual posts originating from the labeled account.
- In media tooltips or info cards explaining what “state-affiliated media” means.
5. Impact on Distribution & Ads
Content from state-affiliated media may be:
- Subject to reduced amplification in recommendation systems in certain contexts.
- Restricted from running paid political or civic issue advertising in some regions.
- Subject to enhanced checks during elections and major civic events.
6. Appeals & Review Process
Media organizations may request a review or challenge their labeling status by providing evidence of editorial independence, governance reforms, or structural changes. Vibble may consult external experts during reassessment.
7. Relationship to Other Labels
This policy works in conjunction with:
- Government-Controlled Media Labeling Rules.
- Public Interest Labels Policy.
- Election Integrity & Political Content Policy.
8. Contact
Media Labeling & Integrity: media-labels@vibble.com
Civic Integrity: civic-integrity@vibble.com
Appeals & Reviews: appeals@vibble.com
