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1. Selection of Claims
We constantly follow statements made and released by governments, politicians, political parties, public personalities, institutions, news media and social media platforms for suspicious claims, misinformation or fake news. Our selection process is based on a variety of factors, including the quantity or degree of claimed evidence within the reporting, the potential relevance of the claim in shaping the public discussion, and the size of the claimer’s existing reach.
We specifically prioritise claims that impact health, public safety, law and order, propaganda and divisive content.
2. Investigation
We review articles and claims in a variety of media dispassionately. Where possible, we contact the person/organization who made the claim, to verify the accuracy of the original statement. We investigate any sources that the claimant provides. We use internet tools like Google Reverse Image Search, Reveye, Tineye, Bing, Exif, etc., to determine the origin of the viral video or image.
We also contact the subject of the claims, where possible, to hear their side of the story or seek to collect evidence from he/she/them/it.
Our fact checks are not just limited to the claim made but also looks at historical data to observe trends over time, etc.
3. Quality Check
Once a fact check is written, our editor checks it before being published. Additionally, we have a quality reviewer who reviews the story and ensures that the fact-checker has followed all the steps. This acts as another layer of check over the fact-checker and the editor, and also brings parity in all the languages we publish in.
4. Publishing/Verdict
The verified article is then published on our website describing the proceedings and findings during the fact check process.
In every fact check, we give a detailed description of how we concluded, and also separately call out the sources used for each story. A reader can replicate the steps and arrive at the same conclusion as we have.
5. Correction
Readers are encouraged to comment or write to us with any corrections. All such communication is taken very seriously and relevant corrections are made if they are found to be valid. The “+” button on every page allows a reader to send us feedback or complaints.
Ratings We Use
Satire: Content intended to be humorous or ironic but has the potential to cause harm due to misunderstanding.
Partly False: Claims that contain a mix of true and false information, where the false claims do not predominate.
Misleading Content: Misleading use of information to frame an issue or individual. This includes reframing the headline, using fragments of quotes to support a wider point, citing statistics in a way that aligns with a position or deciding not to cover something because it undermines an argument.
False (includes Fabricated Content and content shared in False Context): Genuine content (such as images, videos, or statements) is misrepresented by attributing it to the wrong event- place or person. A claim that has no basis in reality and is entirely false.
Altered Media: Media that has been significantly edited, manipulated, or fabricated to distort its meaning or context. This includes changes to visuals, audio, or text that misrepresent the original content.
Missing Context: Genuine content presented without sufficient or accurate contextual information, leading to a misunderstanding of its meaning or implications.
Other Categories
Opinion: True facts used to draw a conclusion or viewpoint, which may be partisan.
Not Verifiable: Claims cannot be verified with existing tools or ground verification.
True: The claim is accurate and supported by evidence.
