The IFCN welcomes new applications to its Code of Principles beginning Jan. 16, 2024. Our website is currently under renovation, so new signatories should begin the application process by emailing their interest to info@ifcn.org with "New Signatory" in the subject line.

DELFI Melo Detektorius

Organization: DELFI Melo Detektorius
Applicant: Aistė Meidutė
Assessor: Martins Kaprans

Background

The applicant, Delfi Melo Detektorius, is a part of the largest online medium in Lithuania. Thus its fact checks can potentially reach very diverse audience. Importantly, the applicant has developed also the Russian-language version in 2021 that has provided opportunities to reach even broader and possibly more vulnerable audience.

Assessment Conclusion

The applicant fully meets the IFCN criteria. The applicant has advanced its fact checking capacity over the past year and has fostered its role as a reliable fact checker.

on 08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago)

Martins Kaprans assesses application as Compliant

A short summary in native publishing language

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Section 1: Eligibility to be a signatory

To be eligible to be a signatory, applicants must meet these six criteria

  • 1.1 The applicant is a legally registered organization, or a distinct team or unit within a legally registered organization, and details of this are easily found on its website.
  • 1.2 The team, unit or organization is set up exclusively for the purpose of fact-checking.
  • 1.3 The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application. For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track. Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.
  • 1.4 On average, at least 75% of the applicant’s fact checks focus on claims related to issues that, in the view of the IFCN, relate to or could have an impact on the welfare or well-being of individuals, the general public or society.
  • 1.5 The applicant’s editorial output is not, in the view of the IFCN, controlled by the state, a political party or politician.
  • 1.6 If the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, it provides a statement on its site setting out to the satisfaction of the IFCN, how it ensures its funders do not influence the findings of its reports.

Criteria 1.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain where on your website you set out information about your organization’s legal status and how this complies with criteria. Attach a link to the relevant page of your website.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

'DELFI Melo Detektorius' is a fact checking project of the largest Lithuania media outlet 'DELFI Lietuva'. Our fact checking unit was set up in 2018.

Starting as a project focused on checking solely speeches and claims made by Lithuanian political figures we now also check various public claims made online by users of social networks and information found on other Lithuanian news media outlets. 

Since 2020 we also do fact-checks in Russian language using the same information verification standarts.

You can find more information about our fact checking unit here (in Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie

And here (in Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=o-nas 

You can find more information about our parent organisation here: https://www.delfi.lt/apie/

Evidence of 'DELFI Lietuva' legal registration: see attached document 'Delfi pazymejimas.pdf'

Files Attached
picture_as_pdf Delfi pazymejimas.pd... (285 KB)
Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago)

The applicant has provided sufficient information about its legal status.


done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please answer the following questions – (see notes in Guidelines for Application on how to answer)

 1. When and why was your fact-checking operation started?
 2. How many people work or volunteer in the organization and what are their roles?
 3. What different activities does your organization carry out?
 4. What are the goals of your fact-checking operation over the coming year?

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

1. 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' was set up in 2018 to promote fairness and accuracy in Lithuanian news outlets and Lithuanian social network accounts and to increase confidence in media.

2. Currently there are 12 professional journalists that are doing fact-checks in 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' in Lithuanian and Russian language. Every 'DELFI Lietuva' journalist is free to join 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' after hearing short introduction on how to find and search claims to check, how to add new articles on our platform and comply with code of principles.

3. 'DELFI Lietuva' is the biggest news website in Lithuania and carries out wide range of activities. 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' is one of our projects dedicated solely to fact checking and maintaining quality journalism standarts.

4. Since 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' started it's operation in 2018 our fact-checking channel has vastly expanded. Considering the nature of disinformation in Lithuania and the fact that significant amount of our countries population are used to getting their news from Russian language sources since 2020 we added new fact-checking language to our initiative and now we are doing fact-checks in Lithuanian and Russian languages. Hovewer there are still many things we would like to achieve. For the coming year besides our regular fact-checking operation we are planning to pay more attention to educational initiatives and organize fact-checking and media literacy workshops to journalists from regional news outlets.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has provided sufficient answers to all four questions.


done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.3
Proof you meet criteria
- The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application.
- For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track.
- Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

All of the articles published in Lithuanian can be found here: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=naujienos

All of the articles published in Russian can be found here: https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=novosti 

In the spreadsheet above we listed all our articles published in 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' (Lithuanian and Russian version) over the course of the six months prior to the date of application.

Files Attached
insert_drive_file IFCN fact-checks 202... (53 KB)
Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided information demonstrates that the applicant fully meets criteria.


done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous three months. No additional information required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The fact checks published on applicant's webpage demonstrates that they focus on claims that could have an impact on the welfare or well-being of individuals.


done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain any commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship your organization has to the state, politicians or political parties in the country or countries you cover. Also explain funding or support received from foreign as well as local state or political actors over the previous financial year.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

'DELFI Melo Detektorius' is not funded by any state or political actors and does not accept such funding. We declare this information publicly: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=remejai (in Lithuanian) and here https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=sponsory (in Russian)

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided information shows that the applicant is a non-partisan organization.


done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.6
Proof you meet criteria
If you confirmed the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, provide a link to where on your website you set out how you ensure the editorial independence of your work.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

We do not accept funding from any state or political actors. We set out how we are funded here. None of our funding sources have the power to influence content of 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' : https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=remejai (in Lithuanian) and here https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=sponsory (in Russian)

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant's website sets out clear guidelines how its editorial independence is ensured.


done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 2: A commitment to Non-partisanship and Fairness

To be compliant on nonpartisanship and fairness, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 2.1 The applicant fact-checks using the same high standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims regardless of who made the claim.
  • 2.2 The applicant does not unduly concentrate its fact-checking on any one side, considers the reach and importance of claims it selects to check and publishes a short statement on its website to set out how it selects claims to check.
  • 2.3 The applicant discloses in its fact checks relevant interests of the sources it quotes where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided. It also discloses in its fact checks any commercial or other such relationships it has that a member of the public might reasonably conclude could influence the findings of the fact check.
  • 2.4 The applicant is not as an organization affiliated with nor declares or shows support for any party, any politician or political candidate, nor does it advocate for or against any policy positions on any issues save for transparency and accuracy in public debate.
  • 2.5 The applicant sets out its policy on non-partisanship for staff on its site. Save for the issues of accuracy and transparency, the applicant’s staff do not get involved in advocacy or publicise their views on policy issues the organization might fact check in such a way as might lead a reasonable member of the public to see the organization’s work as biased.

Criteria 2.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please share links to 10 fact checks published over the past year that you believe demonstrate your non-partisanship.
Please briefly explain how the fact checks selected show that (I) you use the same high standards of evidence for equivalent claims, (II) follow the same essential process for every fact check and (III) let the evidence dictate your conclusions.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

For each fact-check that we do in ‘DELFI Melo Detektorius’ we use the same methods described in our ‘Methodology’ section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija (in Lithuanian)

https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=metodologiya (in Russian)

At first, a journalist has to find a suitable claim to check. We do not check predictions nor information that is an obvious lie and does not need any proof. A journalist uses various sources to find doubtful claims – by listening to broadcasts, conducting search in social networks, listening to government discussions, reading articles in various media outlets as well as using dedicated information scraping and keyword searching platforms.

When a claim is selected a journalist must decide whether specific claim needs expert opinion or if it is provable by enclosing scientific studies, statistics and official information provided by competent institutions. We also use information verification tools such as Reverse Image Search, Invid We Verify, Storyful Multisearch, YouTube Data Viewer, WayBack, Google Public Data Explorer etc.

We encourage all our team members to link source page next to each important finding. It is also a must to include source table at the end of each fact-check so information we provide would be easy to trace by a reader.

Each of our fact-checks has the same structure. At first, we briefly introduce a claim that we are going to check, we also provide screenshot or link to dubious claim to prove its existence (either in article or cover picture). Then we start to analyse various sources considering this claim. We always give priority to primary sources. At the end of each fact check we briefly repeat original claim and decide (based on all evidence we have collected) if this claim is true, partly true, partly false, false or manipulation.

Our goal is to provide easy traceable information on most crucial topics so we always give priority to claims made about recent events or false claims that might do harm for the reader if not disproved and explained correctly.

Here are links to 10 articles that demonstrate how our methodology is reflected in our work:

1. Health Crisis (Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/skleidzia-mela-apie-neva-kauno-klinikas-uzpludusius-po-skiepo-kenciancius-senjorus.d?id=88650301

2. Pharmacy (Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/skleidzia-melagiena-kad-vaistas-arkliams-nuo-kirmeliu-gydo-covid-19.d?id=88525167

3. Protests (Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/manipuliacija/italu-policininko-protruki-melagingai-susiejo-su-judejimu-pries-covid-19-vakcinas-ir-zaliaji-pasa.d?id=88474053

4. Health Crisis (Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/neisnesioto-farmacininkes-kudikio-atvaizda-panaudojo-melagienoms-skleisti.d?id=88297543

5. Migrant Crisis (Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/manipuliacija/pasidalino-manipuliacija-apie-migrantu-krize-esa-apgrezti-migrantus-delsta-tik-del-europos-sajungos-pinigu.d?id=88292827

6. Vaccines (Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/is-dalies-melas/dauguma-siu-itakingu-organizaciju-reikalaus-is-darbuotoju-pasiskiepyti-nuo-covid-19.d?id=88074627

7. Technology (Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/ne-nuotraukoje-vaizduojami-elektromobiliai-nebuvo-apleisti-del-itin-tarsiu-ir-nekeiciamu-bateriju.d?id=87685029

8. Policy (Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/lozh/dezinformaciya-polsha-shveciya-i-norvegiya-podali-v-sud-na-vsemirnuyu-organizaciyu-zdravoohraneniya.d?id=88725239

9. Vaccines (Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/chastichnaya-lozh/lozh-vakcinaciya-vedet-k-uvelicheniyu-chisla-sluchaev-zarazheniya-i-smertej.d?id=88317665

10. Migrant Crisis (Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/chastichnaya-lozh/manipulyaciya-belorusskij-televizionnyj-kanal-sel-v-luzhu-s-lageryami-smerti-dlya-bezhencev-v-polshe.d?id=88068537


Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided examples compellingly demonstrate that the applicant consistently takes a non-partisan and balanced approach in selecting cases for fact checking.


done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 2.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you explain how you select claims to check, explaining how you ensure you do not unduly concentrate your fact-checking on any one side, and how you consider the reach and importance of the claims you select to check.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The information that is published on the applicant's webpage explains how claims are selected for fact-checking and how a balanced treatment of these claims is ensured.


done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 2.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The fact checks published over the previous year show that the applicant fully complies with this criterion. That is, the applicant discloses relevant interests of the sources it quotes.


done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 2.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The fact checks published over the previous year demonstrate that the applicant adheres to non-partisanship principles.


done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 2.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you publish a statement setting out your policy on non-partisanship for staff and how it ensures the organization meets this criteria.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

We respect different political views but we do not allow our team members to engage in any political activity or support candidates or advocacy organizations. In order to ensure this every 'DELFI Lietuva' employee has to sign a code of principles document in which they agree not to be involved in any political parties or advocacy organizations while working for 'DELFI Melo Detektorius'.

Here you can find a link to our code of principles which is publicly displayed: https://www.delfi.lt/apie/?wid=7268 

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has provided detailed information on how the organization ensures non-partisanship among fact checkers


done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 3: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Sources

To be compliant on sources, applicants must meet these four criteria

  • 3.1 The applicant identifies the source of all significant evidence used in their fact checks, providing relevant links where the source is available online, in such a way that users can replicate their work if they wish. In cases where identifying the source would compromise the source’s personal security, the applicant provides as much detail as compatible with the source’s safety.
  • 3.2 The applicant uses the best available primary, not secondary, sources of evidence wherever suitable primary sources are available. Where suitable primary sources are not available, the applicant explains the use of a secondary source.
  • 3.3 The applicant checks all key elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence save where the one source is the only source relevant on the topic.
  • 3.4 The applicant identifies in its fact checks the relevant interests of the sources it uses where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.

Criteria 3.1
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The selected fact checks suggest that the applicant provides relevant links to sources that are available online.


done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 3.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomly selected fact checks show the applicant is tend to use primary sources. Where suitable primary sources are not available, the applicant explains the use of secondary sources.


done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 3.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The selected fact checks suggest that the applicant largely assesses claims by using various sources of evidence.


done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 3.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomly selected fact checks indicate that the applicant consistently points to the relevant interests of sources.


done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 4: A commitment to Transparency of Funding & Organization

To be compliant on funding and organization, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 4.1 Applicants that are independent organizations have a page on their website detailing each source of funding accounting for 5% or more of total revenue for its previous financial year. This page also sets out the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
  • 4.2 Applicants that are the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization make a statement on ownership.
  • 4.3 A statement on the applicant’s website sets out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.
  • 4.4 A page on the applicant’s website details the professional biography of all those who, according to the organizational structure and play a significant part in its editorial output.
  • 4.5 The applicant provides easy means on its website and/or via social media for users to communicate with the editorial team.

Criteria 4.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please confirm whether you are an ‘independent organization’
or ‘the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization’ and share proof of this organizational status.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

'DELFI Melo Detektorius' is a fact-checking project lead by one of the biggest news outlets in Lithuania 'DELFI Lietuva'. We declare this status publicly here (in Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=remejai ; https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie  and here (in Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=sponsory ; https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=o-nas

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has provided sufficient information confirming that its legal status meets the IFCN criteria. The applicant is an independent organization that has a page on their website detailing each source of funding for its previous financial year. This page also sets out the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).


done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 4.2
Proof you meet criteria
If your organization is an “independent organization”, please share a link to the page on your website where you detail your funding and indicate the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
If your organization is “the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization”, please share a link to the statement on your website about your ownership.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Our status described in 'About Us' section (in Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie

(in Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=o-nas

Our status described in 'Support' section (in Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=remejai  

(in Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=sponsory 

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided links detail funding and indicate the legal form of the applicant. The applicant demonstrates full transparency as regards its ownership.


done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 4.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out your organizational structure, making clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

In 'About Us' section under pharagraph 'Journalists' we have listed all our staff members with their functions and short biographies: (in Lithuanian) https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie (in Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=o-nas 

All 'DELFI Lietuva' journalists willing to take place in 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' project are free to join. In order to start fact-checking new team member must participate in short presentation about how to find claims to check, how to add new fact-checks to our system and what methodology we use to verify content. https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided links set out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.


done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 4.4
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out the professional biographies of those who play a significant part in your organization’s editorial output.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided links detail the professional biography of Delfi journalists who are involved in producing the editorial output.


done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 4.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you encourage users to communicate with your editorial team.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

We encourage our readers to send claims to verify or contact us in case they spotted a mistake made by us or our claims lack evidence or there are new circumstances that are important to mention in our aticles in 'About Us' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie (in Lithuanian), https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=o-nas (in Russian) or 'Methodology' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija (in Lithuanian), https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=metodologiya (in Russian)

We also have two dedicated fields within our page layout and a form we publish at the end of each fact-check to encourage communication with us in both Lithuanian and Russian version (marked in red in screenshots provided). 

Files Attached
DELFI Melo Detektori... (969 KB) Siųsk Faktą 2021.png (152 KB) Siųsk Faktą RU 2021.... (83 KB) DELFI RU Melo Detekt... (829 KB)
Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant provides users with convenient means on its website to communicate with the Melo Detektorius editorial team.


done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 5: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Methodology

To be compliant on methodology, applicants must meet these six criteria

  • 5.1 The applicant publishes on its website a statement about the methodology it uses to select, research, write and publish its fact checks.
  • 5.2 The applicant selects claims to check based primarily on the reach and importance of the claims, and where possible explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.
  • 5.3 The applicant sets out in its fact checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.
  • 5.4 The applicant in its fact checks assesses the merits of the evidence found using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.
  • 5.5 The applicant seeks where possible to contact those who made the claim to seek supporting evidence, noting that (I) this is often not possible with online claims, (II) if the person who makes the claim fails to reply in a timely way this should not impede the fact check, (III) if a speaker adds caveats to the claim, the fact-checker should be free to continue with checking the original claim, (IV) fact-checkers may not wish to contact the person who made the claim for safety or other legitimate reasons.
  • 5.6 The applicant encourages users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable.

Criteria 5.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to the statement on your website that explains the methodology you use to select, research, write and publish your fact checks.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided links explain the methodology that the applicant uses to select, research, write and publish its fact checks.


done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomly selected sample shows that the applicant selects claims on the basis of its reach and importance and, where possible, it explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.


done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomly selected sample suggests that the applicant sets out relevant evidence in its fact checks that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.


done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomly selected sample shows that the applicant assesses the merits of evidence in its fact checks by using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.


done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.5
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The randomly selected sample suggests that the applicant seeks to contact those who made the claim to question supporting evidence. If the person who makes the claim fails to reply, this does not impede the fact check. If a speaker adds caveats to the claim, the fact-checker continues checking the original claim.


done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.6
Proof you meet criteria
Please describe how you encourage users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable. Include links where appropriate. If you do not allow this, explain why.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

We describe requirements we apply when searching for claims to verify in our 'Methodology' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija (in Lithuanian) and https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=metodologiya (in Russian)

Under the same section we provide our email and encourage readers to contact us if they have found suspicious claim.

We also include form to send us claims to check under every fact-check, in the main menu under section 'Siųsk faktą' and in the right side of our page both in Lithuanian and Russian version of a page (see screenshots included). 

Files Attached
DELFI Melo Detektori... (969 KB) Siųsk Faktą 2021.png (152 KB) Siųsk Faktą RU 2021.... (83 KB) DELFI RU Melo Detekt... (829 KB)
Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided description and evidence demonstrate that the applicant encourages users to send in claims for fact checking via webpage.


done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 6: A commitment to an Open & Honest Corrections Policy

To be compliant on corrections policy, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 6.1 The applicant has a corrections or complaints policy that is easily visible and accessible on the organization’s website or frequently referenced in broadcasts.
  • 6.2 The policy sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled, and the fact that some complaints may justify no response. This policy is adhered to scrupulously.
  • 6.3 Where credible evidence is provided that the applicant has made a mistake worthy of correction, the applicant makes a correction openly and transparently, seeking as far as possible to ensure that users of the original see the correction and the corrected version.
  • 6.4 The applicant, if an existing signatory, should either on its corrections/complaints page or on the page where it declares itself an IFCN signatory inform users that if they believe the signatory is violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN, with a link to the IFCN site.
  • 6.5 If the applicant is the fact-checking unit of a media company, it is a requirement of signatory status that the parent media company has and adheres to an open and honest corrections policy.

Criteria 6.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to where you publish on your website your corrections or complaints policy. If you are primarily a broadcaster, please provide evidence you frequently reference your corrections policy in broadcasts.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

You can find our corrections or complaints policy here, under 'Taisymų politika' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija  and under 'Политика поправок' section in Russian version: https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=metodologiya 

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has a corrections and complaints policy that is explained in details on the organization’s website.


done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant's webpage sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled.


done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 6.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a short statement about how the policy was adhered to over the previous year (or six months if this is the first application) including evidence of two examples of the responses provided by the applicant to a correction request over the previous year. Where no correction request has been made in the previous year, you must state this in your application, which will be publicly available in the assessment if your application is successful.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Our corrections policy as well as invitation to contact us via email if any mistake is spotted or conclusion made by us requires deeper explanation can be found here: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija (in Lithuanian) and here https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=metodologiya (in Russian).


During previous year we have recieved two correction requests and made these steps - answered to correction requests immediately; edited articles in concern adding red note to the headline that original article was altered. We have also received few requests to change the rating of certain posts marked as false but we were not able to do that because declarants refused to correct false information. We have immediately answered these inquiries by providing information why we rated certain claims as false.

Here we provide two examples of how we altered our articles after receiving correction requests.

1. https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/klaidina-skaitytojus-esa-lietuva-stabdo-skiepijima-astrazeneca-vakcina.d?id=86701433

After we published this article on March 16th at 10 a.m. we have received a message saying information provided in our article was false because eventually Lithuanias Health minister later that day officially declared that vaccination with AstraZeneca vaccine from COVID-19 (one certain batch) is temporarily stopped. In our article we have stated that currently there are no official claims that Lithuania is going to stop inoculation with certain batch of AstraZeneca vaccine. A decision of the Ministry was announced only few hours after our article was published so at the time of writing content we provided was accurate. When new information was released we have altered our article and informed our readers about the new decision announced. A sign signaling that article was edited is shown on the headline as well as a note that correction was made in the article.

2. https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/oksfordo-mokslu-daktaru-prisistates-vyras-pazere-melagingos-informacijos-covid-19-vakcinu-tema.d?id=88172525

After publishing this article we have received a request from Lithuanian specialist of epidemiology practicing in Sweden Gytis Dudas to clarify description of an effect called 'Antibody-dependent enchancement' because the one we provided was not accurate. We have kindly accepted to correct our mistake and included approriate description provided by Gytis Dudas. A sign signaling that article was edited is shown on the headline as well as a note that correction was made in the article.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has provided explanation on how its correction policy was implemented during the previous year.


done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 6.4
Proof you meet criteria
If you are an existing signatory, please provide a link to show where on your site you inform users that if they believe you are violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN of this, with a link to the complaints page on the IFCN site.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

We include this information in our 'Methodology' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija (in Lithuanian)

https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=metodologiya (in Russian)

Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The provided link clearly shows that the applicant presents itself an IFCN signatory and informs users that if they believe the signatory is violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN with a link to the IFCN site.


done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 6.5
Proof you meet criteria
If you are the fact-checking unit of a media company, please provide a link to the parent media company’s honest and open corrections policy and provide evidence that it adheres to this.

DELFI Melo Detektorius
22-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
You can find 'DELFI Lietuva' corrections policy here under 'Netikslumų pataisymo politika' section: https://www.delfi.lt/apie/ It is valid for all 'DELFI Lietuva' units. 
Martins Kaprans Assessor
08-Jan-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant has provided sufficient information that demonstrates that the parent media company, Delfi Lietuva, adheres to an open and honest correction policy.


done_all 6.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.