ETHICS & INDEPENDENCE

Global Communications Trust Council (GCTC) operates as an independent, non-profit, and non-commercial organisation dedicated to advancing trust, safety, and integrity in global digital communications.

Ethical conduct and independence are foundational to the Council’s credibility and effectiveness.

Principles of Independence

GCTC operates under the following principles:

• Vendor neutrality
• Independence from commercial influence
• No lobbying-for-hire
• Public-interest orientation

Membership, collaboration, or participation does not imply endorsement of any organisation, product, or service.

Conflict of Interest

All members, governing council participants, advisors, and contributors are required to:

• Disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest
• Act in the best interest of the Council’s mission
• Avoid influencing research or advisory outputs for commercial advantage

Conflicts are reviewed and managed transparently.

Responsible Research and Disclosure

GCTC follows responsible research and disclosure practices, including:

• Evidence-based analysis
• Protection of sensitive or confidential information
• Avoidance of operational or public harm
• Ethical handling of security-related findings

Non-Commercial Positioning

GCTC does not:

• Sell intelligence, data, or reports
• Promote vendors, platforms, or technologies
• Accept transactional or performance-linked incentives

All outputs are produced in the public interest.

Code of Conduct

All participants are expected to:

• Act with integrity and professionalism
• Respect confidentiality obligations
• Engage constructively and responsibly
• Uphold the mission and values of GCTC

Reporting Concerns

Ethical concerns or potential violations may be reported confidentially to:
info@commtrustcouncil.org

Reports will be reviewed objectively and handled with appropriate discretion.