offtherecord

Offtherecord is a term that mirrors the phrase off the record, used to describe information or statements that are provided with expectations of confidentiality and not intended for public attribution. In journalism, diplomacy, and some professional settings, off-the-record information may be shared to inform reporting or decision-making while the source seeks protection from direct attribution. The precise terms and practices can vary by organization and jurisdiction, but common distinctions include off the record (no attribution) and on background (the information can be used but not linked to the source by name).

In journalistic practice, the notion of off the record relies on a mutual understanding between the source and the reporter. Newsrooms typically require explicit consent to treat material as off the record, and policies may define limits on what can be discussed or published. Ethical considerations, source trust, and legal constraints all influence how such material is handled. Variants such as on background or on deep background describe graduated levels of attribution and context, with progressively fewer identifying details allowed.

As a written form or brand name, offtherecord can appear as a stylized variant of the term in titles, projects, or online identifiers. There is no single, universally recognized organization or standard that uses the exact name offtherecord, and the term is generally understood as a language variant of the broader concept rather than a specific entity.

See also: off the record, on background, background (journalism), attribution, source confidentiality.