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 “Report for Correction” button on every post allows a reader to send us feedback or complaints.