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.

FactChecker.in

Organization: FactChecker.in
Applicant: Krishna Karthik Madhavapeddi
Assessor: Surekha Deepak

Background

FactChecker is a fact-checking unit of The Spending & Policy Research Foundation, which is registered as a charitable organization.

The number of fact checks published is not consistent. The number of fact checks published have increased over the last couple of months. On average between Dec 2020 to May 2021 they have more than 60 fact checks.

Most of the stories they debunk have a strong impact. They have a clear nonpartisanship policy.

There is no evidence of any political influence on the stories selected or the way in which they are written.

Sources are clearly linked and referenced. The fact checks are replicable. They mostly use official data to debunk claims. These are hyper-linked.

Stories from all sides of the spectrum are covered. There is no evidence of any bias.

The applicant does not claim any financial dependence on the state or political actors, nor is there evidence of affiliation to any political party.

The fact checks cover a variety of subjects, and most aspects of the topic. The process followed is well explained and carried out. The claim is selected based newsworthiness it’s impact especially in the issues they focus on - health, sanitation, law and justice, education, environment, employment, innovation, science, environment and disadvantaged groups.

All claims are checked using similar standards.

The applicant mentions the sources used in the fact-checking process clearly.

There is no evidence that the sources that could influence their findings. The fact checks are replicable.

The website clearly shows the ownership, They are a fact-checking unit of the Spending & Policy Research Foundation. They have listed contributions of more than 5 % of their revenue.

The organizational structure and the roles of the team members is mentioned on the website

They use the same standards across all fact checks they publish.

The corrections policy is clearly listed on the website.

Assessment Conclusion

FactChecker is compliant with IFCN Code of Principles. 

on 01-Jul-2021 (2 years ago)

Surekha Deepak assesses application as Compliant

A short summary in native publishing language

The language is English 

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

FactChecker.in is a dedicated Fact Check initiative of The Spending & Policy Research Foundation which also runs www.indiaspend.org, India’s first data journalism initiative. We are located in Lower Parel in Mumbai and are registered as a Charitable Trust with the Charity Commissioner, Mumbai. (Details here: https://www.factchecker.in/about-us/ 

Factchecker.in has also listed its funders in much greater detail in this section https://www.factchecker.in/trustees-patrons/

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

In the about us page they have explained that they are registered as a Charitable Trust with the Charity Commissioner, Mumbai. They have also stated that FactChecker is a fact checking unit of The Spending & Policy Research Foundation


done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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?

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

1. When and why was your fact-checking operation started?

FactChecker is India’s first dedicated Fact Check initiative started in early 2013. We have been picking claims/statements made by public figures or government reports and check for veracity and context. In February 2014, we decided to spin it off into a separate website. We at FactChecker are committed to bringing our readers verified fact-checks on matters related to policy, health & sanitation, law & justice, education, environment and science.

2. How many people work or volunteer in the organization and what are their roles?

Here’s our team and their professional biographies: https://www.factchecker.in/our-team

3. What different activities does your organisation carry out?

We pick up on issues where we feel there is a strong need to examine data that is in public domain. We also right fact-files and dig deeper on issues that need to be put across in a better, educative manner through our ‘Explained’ section.

Also, we noticed that there was a barrage of fake contacts and helplines floating all over social media and decided to verify & re-verify numbers COVID-19 helplines. We started with a web page on Factchecker.in and then launched a web app sosindia4u.com for verified contacts on hospitals, oxygen, plasma, ambulances, telemedicine and government helplines.

4. What are the goals of your fact-checking operation over the coming year?

We want to ensure fact-checks are well rounded and aren’t limited to being true or false. Often, claims are found to be true, but misleading as the context and historical perspective is missing. In such cases, we provide context to the claim in question. We want to increase coverage and our social media presence to beat false news at the pace at which it travels.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

FactChecker started its operations in 2013 and started its website in February 2014.

They have listed 14 people on the website as members of the team. However it is not clear what each of their roles in the organization are. They mention both India Spend and Factchecker. Please clarify if they volunteer or work in the organisation.

They work on examining data that is in public domain and provide context to the claim in question and increase coverage to beat false news at the pace at which it travels.

They also publish an ‘Explained’ section which is not a fact checking.

They have a web page for verified information on medical care and a web app sosindia4u.com 


done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Factchecker.in has published 76 articles in the past year. Attaching a spreadsheet with all the links. 

Files Attached
insert_drive_file Articles published.x... (51 KB)
Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The number of fact checks are not consistent. For instance in February 2021 they have fewer than one fact check a week. The number of fact checks have increased over the last couple of months. However, on average between Dec 2020 to May 2021 they have more than 60 fact checks. 


done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago)

The applicant complies with this requirement. Most of the stories they debunk have a strong impact. They cover a range of issues.


done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

We do not receive any such support. The funders have been mentioned in much great detail here https://www.factchecker.in/trustees-patrons/

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

They have explained who their Trustees and Patrons are. There are no direct dealings with any political parties or political actors. There is also no evidence of the applicant being influenced by them.  


done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Not applicable

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago)

They state they do not receive any funding from political sources within the country or foreign state or political sources and therefore their editorial decisions are not influenced.


done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

1. FactChecker Is Calling Up COVID-19 Helplines: https://www.factchecker.in/fact-check/factchecker-verified-covid-19-helplines-remdesivir-hospital-beds-oxygen-743175

2. Fact-check: Did WHO Really Praise UP Govt For COVID Testing? https://www.factchecker.in/fact-check/fact-check-did-world-health-organisation-really-praise-up-govt-for-covid-19-testing-748853

3. How many AIIMS were actually built by NDA govt? https://www.factchecker.in/fact-check/how-many-aiims-were-actually-built-by-nda-govt-upa-medical-institutions-misleading-claim-744810

4. Reuters Publishes Misleading Claim on Rise in COVID-19 Cases in Bengal: https://www.factchecker.in/fact-check/election-west-bengal-reuters-mohfw-covid-19-tamil-nadu-743551

5. Amit Shah's Claims on Fluoride and Jute in West Bengal False: https://www.factchecker.in/fact-check/amit-shahs-claims-on-fluoride-and-jute-in-west-bengal-false-in-an-interview-with-navika-kumar-of-times-now-home-minister-said-jute-trade-has-shut-down-in-state-and-30-of-its-population-drinks-fluoridated-water-743010

6. Congress' Claim of 25% Rise in Rape Cases in Kerala False: https://www.factchecker.in/fact-check/rape-gender-based-violence-ldf-ncrb-kerala-police-bjp-congress-739788

7. Fact-check: AAP Claims Delhi Will Have India's First Virtual School: https://www.factchecker.in/fact-check/fact-check-aap-claims-delhi-will-have-indias-first-virtual-school-four-virtual-schools-already-exist-manish-sisodia-739739

8. Did Uttar Pradesh Record No Custodial Deaths in 2019? A Fact-Check: https://www.factchecker.in/fact-check/judicial-custody-police-custody-torture-under-reporting-735194

9. Do Women Contribute More To Agriculture? A FactCheck: https://www.factchecker.in/fact-check/do-women-contribute-more-to-agriculture-a-factcheck-724547

10. Does Madhya Pradesh Have The Highest Incidences of Rape? A FactCheck: https://www.factchecker.in/fact-check/madhya-pradesh-rape-cases-ncrb-sitaram-yechury-shivraj-chauhan-716675

Factchecker.in focuses on the claims instead of who is making them. At FactChecker.in, we do not like adjectives, we do not like opinion. Emotion is not our thing. Data are. Facts are. Reportage is.

While we have factchecked claims by members of most political parties, we have also kept an eye on media organisations, government and institutional reports and other public figures. In the stories listed above, we have fact-checked claims by members of the Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress and the Communist Party of India, a report by the National Crime Records Bureau and political activist Yogendra Yadav.

The claim, be it true or false, often requires more perspective. One such example of that is the above-mentioned article on cases of rape in Madhya Pradesh. While CPI Leader Sitaram Yechury's claim that Madhya Pradesh has the highest cases of rape in India is not completely true, “the state government's solution to protect women and prevent instances of rape have also been criticised”.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago)

The fact checks cover a variety of subjects and the fact checks cover a range of the political spectrum too. Mostly the fact checks rely on official sources and data, studies. They follow the same process for all claims they fact check.


done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Here is the methodology Factchecker.in follows from selecting to publishing a story: https://www.factchecker.in/about-us

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The website clearly explains the process of how they select claims so they are not one sided. They also monitor news and social media platforms for claims/statements made by public figures or government reports and fact check them. Reader's also send them claims to be fact checked. 


done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

They mostly use official data like government databases, global think tanks, research firms and other trustworthy sources to verify or debunk the claims. These are hyper linked to help readers. 


done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago)

There is no evidence of the organisation’s affiliation to any political party and they clearly state their non-partisan policy.


done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Presenting facts objectively and portraying events/issues in a neutral and unbiased manner are FactChecker’s priorities. Here is the link to our non-partisanship policy mentioned on the website https://www.factchecker.in/non-partisanship-policy

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

  They state their non-partisan policy clearly on the website. Team members are not allowed to affiliate with any political party or advocacy organisation to avoid any potential conflict of interest. They list out activities that are not allowed for their staff which is in line with this policy.


done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago


Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago)

The applicant identifies the source of evidence in detail, they hyper links documents and data bases they use for debunking. They also contact experts and primary sources for verification. The fact checks are replicable


done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago)

The applicant identifies the sources, in most cases, they use official sources, databases, documents to debunk the claims. The sources are listed and if there is a reference to data or other reports they are hyper linked


done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago)

They use official data, reports, contact the sources directly and speak to experts to bring in context to the fact check.


done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago)

The sources are clearly identified so the reader can conclude if there is any influence of a source on the story.


done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

FactChecker.in is an initiative of The Spending & Policy Research Foundation which also runs www.indiaspend.org, India’s first data journalism initiative. So, Factchecker.in is the fact-checking unit of a parent organization.

Also, attaching documents to show the legal status of the organisation.

Files Attached
picture_as_pdf 12AA IT Exemption Ce... (606 KB) picture_as_pdf Certificate Under Se... (478 KB) picture_as_pdf 12AA IT Exemption Ce... (606 KB) picture_as_pdf Certificate Under Se... (478 KB)
FactChecker.in
28-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

FactChecker.in is an initiative of The Spending & Policy Research Foundation which also runs www.indiaspend.org, India’s first data journalism initiative. So, Factchecker.in is the fact-checking unit of a parent organization. Also, attaching documents to show the legal status of the organisation.

The organisation that contributed more than 5% of total donations in the financial year 2020-21 is Lal Family Foundation. This has been mentioned on the 'Trustees & Patrons' page on the website: https://www.factchecker.in/trustees-patrons/

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

They are a fact checking unit of the The Spending & Policy Research Foundation. While they list who the patrons are there is no record to show who among them have contributed to more than 5 % of their revenue.


cancel 4.1 marked as Request change by Surekha Deepak.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
30-Jun-2021 (2 years ago)

They are a fact checking unit of the The Spending & Policy Research Foundation. While they list who the patrons are they have listed  contributions of than 5 % of their revenue.


done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

FactChecker.in is an initiative of The Spending & Policy Research Foundation (Details here: https://www.factchecker.in/about-us). The details of how we are funded are public, updated periodically and can be accessed here: https://www.factchecker.in/trustees-patrons/

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Factchecker is the fact checking unit of the Spending & Policy Research Foundation the website clearly lists out the details of the trustees and patrons.


done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The editorial team is mentioned on the 'Our Team' page here https://www.factchecker.in/our-team  

FactChecker.in
28-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The editorial team is mentioned on the 'Our Team' page here https://www.factchecker.in/our-team . This has been updated to show just the core team and their roles in the functioning of the initiative. 

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The Editor and Asst. Editor are listed. Not all the members of the team have a clear role listed on the page. Some of them are listed as working for India Spend. 


cancel 4.3 marked as Request change by Surekha Deepak.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
30-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Members of the team and their roles are clearly mentioned.


done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The ‘Our Team’ page (https://www.factchecker.in/our-team) on the website has detailed bios of all our regular authors. The bios of our contributors are mentioned below their stories.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The biographies of the fact checking team is available on the website.


done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Our 'Contact Us' page invites readers to send in suggestions, and share knowledge, insights, ideas, etc (https://www.factchecker.in/contact-us). We are also accessible through our social media handles (https://twitter.com/FactCheckIndia & https://www.facebook.com/factcheckerindia/), and engage with readers.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Contact details are clearly provided on the website they also list out social media handles for readers to contact them. 


done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Here is a detailed description of the process FactChecker follows right from identifying claims to publishing fact-checks: https://www.factchecker.in/about-us

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

 The methodology is clearly explained on the website.


done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The process to select a claim to fact check is explained. They monitor news, social media, and statements of politicians and people in position of authority. Also readers send them links to be fact checked.

The claim is selected based newsworthiness it’s impact especially in the issues they focus on - health, sanitation, law and justice, education, environment, employment, innovation, science, environment and disadvantaged groups.


done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Yes the applicant explains the claims and the sources for the claim. The fact checks provide explanations for the evidence they use to counter the claim and offer a context to many claims. 


done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

They have a process where claims are fact checked and all evidence is considered and are of the same standard. They sate the process followed for each story they debunk :

Use official data and provide context to the claim

Contact the person/institution who made the claim

Speak to experts

Write and then the report is checked again before publishing


done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

In most cases they contact the person or institution making the claim as part of the process they follow.


done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

We encourage users to write to us if they come across any claims that need verification. It's mentioned on FactChecker's website here https://www.factchecker.in/contact-usWe are also accessible through our social media handles (https://twitter.com/FactCheckIndia & https://www.facebook.com/factcheckerindia/).

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The website gives details for readers to send in claims to check. They have a helpline number social media contacts well as an email.


done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

We urge readers to write to us if they find any discrepancy or error on our website. Any corrections we make to fact-checks are prominently acknowledged. Here is our corrections policy https://www.factchecker.in/correction-policy

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The corrections policy is clearly listed on the website. 


done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The policy clearly states they will make the correction and acknowledge any errors. 


done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

Every effort is made to ensure that our fact-checks represent correct, latest and the most relevant data. We also provide links to the original sources so that our readers can verify the claims themselves. We acknowledge all errors and clarifications, and publish them prominently on the website and our social media handles. We have had one such instance in the past year:

On March 20, 2021, in the article titled ‘UP Not Riot-Free in Four Years, Yogi's Claim False’, FactChecker erroneously mentioned UP CM Yogi Adityanath said in the Lok Sabha that the state saw 195 cases of communal violence in 2017. It wasn’t him. The statement was made by the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir. We corrected and put the following note on the web page.

“Editor's note: This article, which was originally published on March 20, 2021, was corrected the next day to reflect the fact that the Lok Sabha response was given by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir and not UP CM Yogi Adityanath. We regret the error."

https://www.factchecker.in/fact-check/riots-communal-incidents-uttar-pradesh-bjp-736914

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant is compliant and has provided an example where an editor's note was added to the story. This is in accordance to the stated policy. 


done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

FactChecker's certificate has expired.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The IFCN certification is not currently valid. They have an expired certificate. 


done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.

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.

FactChecker.in
19-May-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

FactChecker is an initiative of the Spending & Policy Research Foundation, which is a policy research organisation and not a media company.

Surekha Deepak Assessor
19-Jun-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

The applicant does not have a parent media company. The Spending and Policy Research Foundation is not a media company.


done_all 6.5 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.