The principle of correction
Accuracy and credibility are fundamental editorial values at Diffusi.
If we find an inaccuracy, factual error, ambiguous wording or other editorial mistake in published content, we correct it in a way appropriate to its significance.
The purpose of a correction is not to hide an error, but to provide readers with accurate information.
Our principle:
Correcting an error is not a weakness; it is an editorial responsibility.
When is a correction necessary?
A correction may be needed in cases including:
- incorrect factual information;
- an incorrect name, date or location;
- an incorrect technical specification;
- an incorrect price or financial figure;
- inaccurate statistics;
- an incorrect quotation;
- an incorrectly identified source;
- a misleading or inaccurate statement;
- a significant translation error;
- an error involving an image or caption;
- an editorial error that materially affects the conclusions a reader may draw.
Not every change requires a separate correction notice. We generally fix grammar, spelling and formatting errors without a notice, provided they do not change the meaning of the content.
Categories of error severity
Diffusi uses three basic categories.
Technical or editorial error
Examples include:
- typographical errors;
- spelling errors;
- formatting problems;
- minor language inaccuracies;
- broken links;
- minor caption errors.
These are generally fixed without a separate correction notice.
Factual inaccuracy
This includes any error affecting the substance of a specific piece of information.
For example:
- an incorrect product name;
- an incorrect specification;
- an incorrect release date;
- an incorrect price;
- incorrect company information;
- an incorrect statistic.
For these errors, we add a correction notice where necessary.
Substantial or significant error
We consider an error significant if it:
- changes the article’s main claim;
- could substantially mislead the reader;
- could materially affect the reputation of a person, company or organisation;
- could influence a financial or purchasing decision;
- makes the characteristics of a product or service substantially misleading;
- is relevant to legal, health or safety matters;
- materially changes the article’s conclusion.
We always give these errors priority.
The correction process
When an error is identified, the Diffusi editorial team follows this process:
1. Verify the error
An editor examines whether the issue is indeed an error.
Where necessary, we also check the original source, an official document, a statement or another reliable source of information.
2. Establish the significance of the error
We determine whether it is:
- a simple editorial error;
- a factual inaccuracy;
- or a significant error.
3. Correct the content
We correct the inaccurate information as soon as possible.
4. Add a correction notice
For a significant error, or one relevant to readers, we include a correction notice in the article.
5. Review the result
An editor checks that the rest of the article remains consistent with the corrected information.
Transparency in corrections
Diffusi does not silently change an article’s substantive claims in order to conceal an earlier error.
If an error is significant, we clearly inform readers that a correction has been made.
The correction must state:
- what was incorrect;
- what the correct information is;
- where necessary, when the correction was made.
Example
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated a memory capacity of 32 GB. The product’s correct capacity is 16 GB. We corrected the error on 5 September 2026.
A correction should be brief, factual and objective.
We do not erase errors from the record
When a significant editorial error occurs, our aim is not to remove every trace of it.
Alongside the corrected content, we indicate that a correction has been made where warranted.
This is especially important when the original information:
- may have spread widely;
- was shared on social media;
- was republished by other media outlets;
- may have influenced purchasing or business decisions;
- may have affected the reputation of a person or organisation.
Handling reader reports
Diffusi welcomes readers’ reports of errors.
However, a reader’s report does not in itself mean that the content is incorrect.
Every report must be checked.
If the report is substantiated, the responsible editor arranges the correction.
If it is not substantiated, the content may remain unchanged.
The editorial team is not obliged to change an article in response to every report.
Correcting opinions and interpretations
A distinction must be made between factual errors and opinions.
An author’s opinion is not an error simply because a reader disagrees with it.
An opinion may, however, require correction if it relies on an incorrect factual claim that materially affects the conclusion.
Example
A correction is not necessary for:
“In our opinion, this product does not offer particularly good value for money.”
A correction may be needed for:
“The product has a 5000 mAh battery.”
if it later turns out that the actual capacity is 4000 mAh.
Errors involving sources
If an article contains an incorrect, inappropriate or ambiguously cited source, we correct it.
If the incorrect source also casts doubt on the claim itself, we verify the claim again.
If information cannot be confirmed through a reliable source, we do not treat it as fact.
Correcting AI-generated content
Content produced with the help of artificial intelligence is subject to the same accuracy requirements as material written by humans.
If false information appears in AI-generated or AI-assisted content, it must be corrected in the same way.
Particular attention must be paid to:
- fabricated quotations;
- non-existent sources;
- incorrect statistics;
- incorrect technical data;
- confused person or product names;
- incorrect dates.
Corrections and author responsibility
The purpose of a correction is not to “blame” an individual author.
Diffusi aims to improve its editorial process, not to shift responsibility.
Where possible, we therefore review significant errors at editorial-team level to establish:
- what caused the error;
- why it was not caught earlier;
- whether the editorial process needs to change;
- whether similar errors could occur in other content.
Correction requests
Anyone may notify Diffusi if they believe an article contains an inaccuracy.
Where possible, a report should include:
- the title of the article;
- the statement being disputed;
- the information believed to be correct;
- a supporting source, if available.
The editorial team reviews the report and changes the content where justified.
Accepting or rejecting a correction request is an editorial decision.
Correction notice template
Diffusi may use the following standard format:
Correction — [date]: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated [incorrect information]. The correct information is: [correct information]. We have corrected the error.
For more significant cases:
Editorial correction — [date]: An earlier version of our article contained inaccurate information about [subject]. We have checked and corrected the erroneous claim. The change also affects [the relevant part] of the article.
Diffusi’s philosophy on corrections
Diffusi does not define a good editorial team as one that never makes mistakes.
A good editorial team is one that:
identifies an error → checks it → corrects it → communicates transparently → learns from it.
Credibility does not mean the complete absence of mistakes.
Credibility means that when we make a mistake, we correct it responsibly, promptly and transparently.
Diffusi — Accurately, clearly, responsibly.