Sašo Wimmer

This is a blog about the ethics of archiving.

About what? Well, every day, digital platforms accumulate massive archives of photos, videos, and stories. But what should happen to online content years after it is published? Should the mistakes of young people remain searchable forever? Should images of victims, protests, or private individuals be preserved without consent?

The ethics of archiving is becoming a complex challenge for journalists and news organizations. Removing information can create accusations of censorship—but keeping everything online can harm individuals, fuel harassment, or expose vulnerable groups to future risks.

Responsible archiving requires balanced judgement. Newsrooms may choose to redact names, remove identifying details, or unpublish certain content if it poses ongoing harm. They must also consider data protection laws, the right to be forgotten, and the wishes of families involved in trauma-related coverage.

Young journalists entering the profession must learn that publication is not the end of a story’s ethical life. Each piece of content has a digital footprint and legacy. Ethical archiving ensures that journalistic work remains both historically accurate and socially responsible, long after the news cycle ends.