Cult of Mac ethics policy

This ethics policy applies to all editorial and commercial activities on Cult of Mac and associated newsletters, social channels and products. It covers everyone who produces content for the site, including full‑time staff, part‑time staff, contractors and freelancers.

Ownership and structure

Cult of Mac is an independently run Apple‑focused news site published by Cultomedia Corp., a Delaware‑based S corporation headquartered in San Francisco, Calif. Cultomedia Corp. also publishes Cult of Android, and both brands follow this ethics policy for their editorial work.

Core principles

Serve readers first with accurate, timely Apple and tech coverage, including news, reviews, analysis, how‑tos and deals.
Maintain strict separation between editorial judgment and commercial interests (ads, affiliate deals, store, buyback programs and other partnerships).
Act with integrity, transparency and accountability, correcting mistakes promptly and clearly.
Treat sources, partners, colleagues and readers with respect and without discrimination.

Editorial independence

All editorial decisions are made by the Cult of Mac editorial team, led by the editor and publisher and the managing editor, as listed on the masthead.
Advertisers, sponsors, affiliate partners, StackSocial (our partner that runs Cult of Mac Deals), store vendors and buyback partners have no control over what is covered, how it is written, or the conclusions of reviews and editorials.
This commitment to independence applies equally to work done by staff and freelancers. All contributors are required to follow this policy as a condition of publishing on the site.

Accuracy, corrections and updates

Editors and writers must verify information with reliable sources and clearly distinguish news reporting from opinion or commentary.
When a story contains a material error, Cult of Mac will correct it as quickly as possible and note that a correction or update has been made, using the site’s feedback and corrections email as the primary contact point listed on the About page.
For stories that evolve over time (e.g., software updates, product availability, security issues), significant changes will be labeled as updates so readers understand what changed and when.

Reviews, deals and commercial offerings

Reviews and buying guides are written to help readers make informed decisions about products from Apple and other manufacturers, not to promote specific brands or partners.
The existence of a commercial relationship (e.g., affiliate program, store vendor, buyback partner or StackSocial deal) does not guarantee favorable coverage, and no partner may demand or purchase positive reviews.
The Cult of Mac Store and Cult of Mac Deals are curated offerings separate from the newsroom. While they are part of the Cultomedia business, editorial content about these products is guided by the same independence and honesty standards.

Affiliate links and advertising

Cult of Mac may use affiliate links in articles, guides and deal posts, which can generate commissions when readers purchase products through those links, at no extra cost to the reader.
Affiliate status does not determine whether a product is covered or how it is reviewed. The editorial team decides coverage based on reader value, relevance and newsworthiness.
Display ads, sponsored posts and native advertising are clearly labeled and designed so they are visually distinct from independent editorial content.

Conflicts of interest and outside activities

Staff and freelancers must disclose any personal, financial or professional relationships that could reasonably be perceived as affecting their independence, including investments, consulting work or close relationships with companies and individuals they cover.
Contributors should not accept substantial gifts, paid travel or hospitality from companies they report on, beyond items necessary for coverage (e.g., review units) and low‑value items that do not create a sense of obligation.
The editorial leadership may reassign stories, add disclosures or decline projects when conflicts of interest cannot be adequately mitigated.

Freelancers and contributors

Freelancers and guest writers are held to the same standards of accuracy, independence and disclosure as staff.
Before commissioning or publishing freelance work, editors will communicate this ethics policy and may request disclosures of potential conflicts related to the assigned topics.
Cultomedia Corp. reserves the right to decline or remove content that violates this policy, regardless of employment status.

Privacy, data and user protection

Cult of Mac respects reader privacy and handles personal data in accordance with its published privacy policy and applicable law.
Any tracking technologies, analytics services and third‑party tools are used with appropriate disclosures and, where required, user consent mechanisms.

Sources, attribution and intellectual property

Information from other outlets is credited with appropriate attribution and linking, and direct copying is avoided except where brief quotations are necessary and legally permitted.
Anonymous or confidential sources are used sparingly and only when necessary, with reasons vetted by editors and efforts made to corroborate information.
The site respects intellectual property and copyright, and expects staff and freelancers to do the same in all text, images, video and code.

Community behavior and moderation

Comment sections, social channels and other community spaces associated with Cult of Mac are moderated to encourage civil, constructive discussion of Apple and technology.
Harassment, hate speech, personal attacks, doxxing and similar abuse may lead to removal of content or account restrictions, at the site’s discretion.

Governance, enforcement and contact

This ethics policy is overseen by Cultomedia Corp. leadership in consultation with the Cult of Mac editorial team.
Questions or concerns about accuracy, possible ethics issues or conflicts of interest can be sent to the editorial feedback and corrections email listed on the About page, or via the site’s general contact channels.
Cultomedia Corp. may update this policy to reflect new laws, technologies and business models. If so, we will indicate the date of the most recent update on this page.