unidentified source
[/ˌʌn.aɪˈdɛn.tɪ.faɪd ˈsɔrs/]
nounpl: unidentified sources
fonte não identificada
1. A person, document, or origin of information whose identity is unknown or deliberately concealed
According to unidentified sources, the company is planning a major restructuring.
De acordo com fontes não identificadas, a empresa está planejando uma reestruturação importante.
2. In journalism and media, information attributed to an anonymous informant
The report cited several unidentified sources within the government.
O relatório citou várias fontes não identificadas dentro do governo.
3. In scientific or academic contexts, a reference or origin that cannot be determined or verified
The data came from unidentified sources and therefore lacks credibility.
Os dados vieram de fontes não identificadas e, portanto, carecem de credibilidade.
This term is commonly used in both Brazilian and American journalism when protecting informant identities due to safety concerns, confidentiality agreements, or protection of whistleblowers. In Brazil, it's frequently seen in political reporting and investigative journalism. The use of unidentified sources remains controversial regarding journalistic ethics and transparency, particularly in discussions about source accountability and public trust in media.
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