Trust.txt is designed to help distinguish legitimate news sources from pink-slime journalism. Its first method was by sending a signal to search engines as to which trusted networks the organization is a part of.[1][2][3] The open-source project[2] is run by JournalList.net.[4][5] It was launched in 2018.[6] It draws inspiration from robots.txt and ads.txt which also sends signals to search engines and other bots on the web.[4][1][2] A browser extension was published by 2025 to allow consumers to easily view the signals as well.[6] There were 3000 publishers who participated as of 2024.[6] Some of the publishers include the Florida Press Association and the Associated Press.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ Swiderski, Thad (February 28, 2024). "Build trust for your readers with Trust.txt" (Column). Texas Press Association
  2. ^ Willens, Max (2021-02-19). "WTF is trust.txt?". Digiday. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
  3. ^ Innovation OF THE MONTH. By: R. B., Editor & Publisher, 0013094X, Oct2021, Vol. 154, Issue 10
  4. ^ Blinder, Mike (2021-09-11). "One Small File Can Help Distinguish Between Real & Fake News Online". Editor and Publisher. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
  5. ^ "Trust.txt is a silent partner in legitimizing news organizations". WTOP News. 2021-10-28. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
  6. ^ Fitzgerland, Austin (2025-02-21). "Trust.txt launches browser extension, making verification of trusted news sources easier for publishers and audiences alike". Reynolds Journalism Institute. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
  7. ^ Picht, Randy (2022-02-16). "Trust.txt puts the robots to work fighting misinformation". Reynolds Journalism Institute. Retrieved 2026-04-03.