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.

NepalFactCheck.org

Organization: NepalFactCheck.org
Applicant: Umesh Shrestha
Assessor: Dharma Adhikari

Background

NepalFactCheck.org, a non-profit initiative by a media research center and a blog site, is based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Started in 2020, it is one of the two institutional fact checking efforts in the country. The small team comprises an editor, fact-checker and a researcher with experience and background in journalism. It also has monitors in the seven provinces. It is published in the Nepali language. Fact checks cover issues and topics of public interest in social media and online news contents.

Assessment Conclusion

The applicant has published an average of 4.1 fact checks a week over the course of six months prior to the date of application. Its posts are also shared on its social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. Within a short period of two years since it began, the applicant is helping to broaden and enrich the relatively nascent ecosystem of fact checking in Nepal. I am impressed by the applicant’s continued work in this area, in the face of challenges involved in sustaining a startup effort. My assessment shows that the organization is compliant with the IFCN code of principles. 
on 22-Apr-2023 (11 months ago)

Dharma Adhikari assesses application as Compliant

A short summary in native publishing language

नेपाल: तथ्यजाँच काठमाण्डौस्थित एउटा तथ्य जाँच गर्ने संस्था हो। सन् २०२० मा एक मिडिया अनुसन्धान केन्द्र र ब्लग साइटको सहकार्यमा गैर-नाफामूलक संस्थाको रूपमा शुरु भएको यो प्रयत्न संस्थागत रुपमा तथ्य जाँच गर्ने देशका दुई प्रयासहरू मध्येको एक हो। सामाजिक सञ्जाल र अनलाइन समाचार सामग्रीहरूमा आउने सार्वजनिक चासोका विषयहरूबारे तथ्य जाँच गर्ने यो साइट नेपाली भाषामा प्रकाशित हुँदै आएको छ। शुरु भएको केहि बर्षमै नेपाल: तथ्यजाँच देशमा गलत सूचना/दुष्प्रचार विरुद्ध उल्लेखनीय प्रयासको रूपमा उदाएको छ। यसले नेपालमा तथ्य जाँचको नवजात पर्यावरणअवस्थालाई फराकिलो र समृद्ध बनाउन मद्दत गरिरहेको छ। मेरो मूल्याङ्कनमा संस्थाले आइएफसीएन संहिताका मापदण्डहरू पूरा गरेको देखिन्छ।

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

NepalFactCheck.org is a joint initiative of the non-profit non-governmental organization - Center for Media Research – Nepal (registered with Nepal Government in Kathmandu Registration #636 and Social Welfare Council Registration #32438) and the first blog in the Nepali language, MySansar.com. CMR-Nepal is also a tax-exempt non-profit non-governmental organization equivalent to a US Public Charity (NGOSource).

Nepal's regulations states that blog sites need not to be registered.

Our about us page, available in Nepali and English, sets out information about the organization's legal status. https://nepalfactcheck.org/about-us/ 

Files Attached
picture_as_pdf CMR Certificates.pdf (3 MB)
Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant is compliant with this criterion. Its "About Us" (https://nepalfactcheck.org/about-us/) page identifies itself as a joint initiative of a legally registered parent organization. Attached documents as well as original registration certificates shared with the assessor also testify to its valid status.


done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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?

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

1. Our fact-checking operation started in March 2020 to fight viral misinformation on social media and media. It was started as a joint initiative of Center for Media Research - Nepal (CMR-Nepal) and mysansar.com - the first blog of Nepali language - because we felt the need for fact-checking initiative as a lot of viral misinformation was spreading on coronavirus.

2. There are two full-time staff (fact-check editor and fact-checker), seven misinformation monitors (one in each province of Nepal) and a part-time assistant researcher.

There is also an advisory editor and project head, who are volunteers.

3. NepalFactCheck.org conducts fact-checking trainings with CMR-Nepal. CMR-Nepal carries out various other activities relevant to media and media policy research; and journalists training. Mysansar.com runs a blog.

4. Our goal for the fact-checking operation over the coming years is to expand the fact-checking base to the volunteers fact-checkers by providing training to them so as to fact-check as much misinformation as possible. We are also expanding our fact-checking to provincial levels.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant complies with this criterion. 


done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

Since establishment on March 2020, we have published 199 fact checks (the number if visible in homepage).

We have published following number of fact-checks in past six months:

August 2022: 3 fact-checks

September 2022: 3 fact-checks

October 2022: 4 fact-checks

November 2022: 4 fact-checks

December 2022: 6 fact-checks

January 2023: 5 fact checks

There is inconsistency in the number of fact-checks per month because of the lack of fact-checkable information. We constantly monitor media and social media for viral misinformation (we define viral information as either those posts having more than 10 shares/retweets or generating public debate/discourse in social media). For misinformation which we feel do not require fact-checking (such as news of a Nepali nurse arrested in Australia or a viral video stating the PM was thrown stones at), we publish them as #quickfactcheck on our social media accounts. 

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant has published  an average of 4.1 fact checks a week over the course of six months prior to the date of application. The applicant is from a country that has so far only one verified IFCN signatory.


done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago)


Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

A total of 25 fact checks were published during four months prior to this assessment. Most fact checks concern topics in the news or viral posts. There were 12 posts primarily about governance and national politics, looking into the veracity of a public announcement by the government, claims by political leaders relating to electoral issues, judicial and legislative procedures, the national anthem, government approval of a university in one of the remote parts of the country, among others. There were six fact checks on sports, surrounding topics in the news at that time – the World Cup and a scandal involving a national cricket star. The applicant also published 3 fact checks on topics with implications for transportation safety/public infrastructure. There was 1 post each on a claim about public IQ, banking regulation, expiry date of cooking gas, and news scripting. Those spoke to consumer concerns. In general, the posts relate to one or the other public interest issues, however, fact checks appeared to cover a limited range of public interest issues or topics, of significant impact. 


done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

No such relationship with the state, politicians, or political parties.

We have received funding from the Open Society Foundation, the Asia Foundation, the Center for Media, Democracy and Society (at Central European University), The Asia Foundation, and the Meta Company. We have received no funding from any state or political actors ever. 

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant does explain its apolitical and non-partisan status. Funding sources and support received from non-governmental organizations or agencies have been clearly identified. 


done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

We do not receive funding from a local or foreign state or political source. 

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant has clarified that they do not receive funding from local or foriegn state or political sources.


done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

1. https://nepalfactcheck.org/2022/12/sandeep-lamichhane-dharauti/

2. https://nepalfactcheck.org/2022/12/bhim-upadhyaya-disinfo/

3. https://nepalfactcheck.org/2022/12/argentina-nepal-flag-burn-factcheck/

4. https://nepalfactcheck.org/2022/12/capital-change-misinfo/

5. https://nepalfactcheck.org/2022/12/nemakipa/

6. https://nepalfactcheck.org/2022/11/chitwan-matganana/

7. https://nepalfactcheck.org/2022/11/fake-screenshot/ 

8. https://nepalfactcheck.org/2022/11/naya-patrika-misleading/ 

9. https://nepalfactcheck.org/2022/11/election-holiday/ 

10. https://nepalfactcheck.org/2022/10/prachanda-viral-video/ 

The above 10 links of fact-checks not only followed the standard fact-checking methodology and high standards but also shows our non-partisanship as they are representative of different sides or political parties or leaders. In all those fact-checks, our conclusions are based on what evidence that we were able to publicly display. 

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

A randomized sample of fact checks done during the past year included claims made mostly by social media users, and on a few occasions, by legacy news outlets. Posts mostly concerned political/electoral issues, sports, court proceedings, foreign affairs, etc. The applicant often cited evidence from official websites (district court, government ministries, the Election Commission, the Federation of Nepali Journalists), and other sources such as the national constitution, national news agency, magazines or periodicals, online archives of newspapers, etc. When claims involved photographs or videos, it relied on online search engines or reverse image search. Often, a single claim (hardly contending claims), propagated via different social media channels, was checked via available multiple authoritative, authentic sources. The applicant followed the same process for every fact check, laying the context of the fact check, followed by details on the claim(s), the claimant(s), and the fact(s). A fact check concluded with a quick bulleted summary, based on the contents of the evidence.


done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

We clearly state our procedure of select issues to fact-check here: https://nepalfactcheck.org/our-fact-check-procedure/ 

NepalFactCheck.org is committed to neutrality and apolitical, and all staff sign our editorial independence and impartiality policy (also available in our website).

it does not agree or disagree with any political principle or political group or their opinions. It does not intend to blame anyone but rather want to create awareness around disinformation, misinformation, and fake news among media, social media users, and the general public.

Editorial Independence and Impartiality Policy

NepalFactCheck.org’s works are based on human rights, liberal democracy, and responsible media. We are committed to remaining independent and free from any other biases.

The editor, fact-checkers, disinformation monitors, researchers and other affiliated to NepalFactCheck.org have expressed committment not to impact fact-checking works and products by any biases. They have also expressed committment not to involve themselves in activities or make statement that undermines the impartiality of the fact-checking works.

They all have also committed to adhere by the Code of Principles of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).

NepalFactCheck.org doesn’t give support – directly or indirectly to any political group or one-sided group. We do not take side based on the political ideology or controversial or debated issues; and it is editorially independent.

Although CMR-Nepal funds its operations under projects and provides workstations for fact-checkers, the editorial team is independent of CMR-Nepal or mysansar.com.

To ensure editorial independence as well as make the editorial team accountable, its works are supervised by a five-member advisory committee (in which at least three members are independent of CMR-Nepal and/or mysansar.com). The committee receives reports from the editor, analyzes complaints from the public, and is responsible for the assessment of its work as well as the performance of the editor.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant has published a statement on its website describing the procedures in selecting the claims and the reach and importance of claims selected to check https://nepalfactcheck.org/our-fact-check-procedure/. Selection is based on editorial judgement on "whether the information is viral or how likely the information impact people’s right or democracy or have a negative impact on the general public or society." In order that fact checks do not unduly concentrate on any one side, an indepedent oversight team evaluates the fact checks on a quarterly basis. 


done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant often used authoritative sources (government websites, court documents, professional organizations, etc.); the randomized sample of fact checks included no partisan source with political or commercial interest. My review of its fact checks during the past year mostly included claims in social media posts and, on a few occasions, by in legacy media outlets. They show no pronounced cases of a source’s commercial relationships. Individual social media users were simply identified as “…, a Facebook user” or “…, a YouTuber”. Individual news outlets were identified solely by their titles or names. Given that many news outlets in Nepal are openly partisan, the applicant could strive to be a bit more specific in identifying their political interests, when possible, by ownership, location, or party-affiliation, etc. For instance, “a newspaper owned/edited by…”, “a news portal run by…”,  “a mouthpiece of the government”, "a publication close to the opposition party”, "a left- or -right-leaning publication”, etc.


done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

Based on the review of fact checks published over the past year, no evidence of such partisan affiliation could be found. It has fact checked claims from across the political spectrum.


done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The page in our website that sets out introduction and editorial and non-partisanship policy as well as how we ensure that: https://nepalfactcheck.org/about-us/ 

The FAQs page in our website that also sets out our policy of non-partisanship, and how we meet that criteria: https://nepalfactcheck.org/faqs/ 

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
The applicant has published a statemnt on its non-partisanship policy for staff https://nepalfactcheck.org/about-us/ It adheres to editorial independance.Code of conduct and internal supervision mechanisms are used to ensure that the organization meets this criteria.




done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

In the randomized samples analyzed, the applicant often used screenshots of relevant posts by claimants. It also often used hyperlinks to significant evidence (websites, social media accounts, online archives, documents, photographs, videos, etc.). Many of these sources appear replicable. No instance of unidentified source was found. 


done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant used relevant primary sources, most of the time. It often triangulated different authentic sources. Sometimes, when documental sources were not available (for instance, in verifying a candidate’s poll lead in the Chitwan-2 constituency), the applicant conducted first-hand interview with an election observer. 


done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant, in general, checked all key elements of a claim, often citing more than one named source of evidence. 


done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Compliant, as mentioned in criteria 2.3.

done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago)

NepalFactCheck.org is the fact-checking section of the Center for Media Research - Nepal which is a non-profit non-governmental organization duly registered with the government of Nepal.

Files Attached
picture_as_pdf CMR Certificates.pdf (3 MB)
Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant is a fact-checking section or unit of a joint-initiative parent organization. It has a page here https://nepalfactcheck.org/our-funders/ detailing each source of funding for its previous financial years. 


done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

https://nepalfactcheck.org/about-us/ 

NepalFactCheck.org is a joint initiative of the non-profit Center for Media Research – Nepal (registered with Nepal Government in Kathmandu Registration #636 and Social Welfare Council Registration #32438) and the first blog in the Nepali language, MySansar.com. Nepal's regulations state blogs are not required to be registered to operate.

Funding of NepalFactCheck.org is clearly indicated at https://nepalfactcheck.org/our-funders/ 

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant is compliant. The About page has a statement on the ownership https://nepalfactcheck.org/about-us/



done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

https://nepalfactcheck.org/about-us/ states that: 

Although CMR-Nepal funds its operations under projects and provides workstations for fact-checkers, the editorial team is independent of CMR-Nepal or mysansar.com.

To ensure editorial independence as well as make the editorial team accountable, its works are supervised by a five-member advisory committee (in which at least three members are independent of CMR-Nepal and/or mysansar.com). The committee receives reports from the editor, analyzes complaints from the public, and is responsible for the assessment of its work as well as the performance of the editor.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant provides statements on the organizational structure and the nature of internal editorial supervision https://nepalfactcheck.org/about-us/ 


done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

https://nepalfactcheck.org/our-team/ is the page where the key members of the fact-checking teams are identified with their professional biographies.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant is compliant. It sets out the professional bios of the team members https://nepalfactcheck.org/our-team/ 


done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The page where our audience can communicate back for fact-check request or complaint https://nepalfactcheck.org/request_factcheck/

There is also a page where encourage our audience to join our webinar or fact-check training: https://nepalfactcheck.org/our-fact-checking-training/ 

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant provides an HTML email form for users to submit requests for fact checks as well for complaints and general queries.  


done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

Our page on our fact-check procedure explains this: https://nepalfactcheck.org/our-fact-check-procedure/ states

The fact-checking procedure of NepalFactCheck.org:

Receiving information for fact-checks

Our fact-checkers monitor the content on mainstream media and social media daily.

We also receive fact-check requests from our audience through email, social media, Viber group, and the form on the website.

Selection of material

Fact-checkers or editor selects material for fact-checks based on the following criteria:

Is it necessary to fact-check the information? (editorial consideration)

Can it be fact-checked based on available facts? (technical consideration)

Is there a fact-checker and resources to fact-check? (administrative consideration)

Normally the selection is a subjective analysis of whether the information is viral or how likely the information impact people’s right or democracy or have a negative impact on the general public or society.

We have a limited number of fact-checkers and limited resources therefore the fact-checkers do their best to fact-check as much as possible.

The fact-checking process

Once selected, the fact-checkers normally follow the following process to fact-check:

Finding the primary source of information

Finding content on which the information is based (audio, video, document, data, or report)

Establishing the authenticity of proofs (whether audio, video, document, fact, or report are correct and unmodified)

Additional research (expert, concerned people, and publications)

Normally, all or some of the following tools are used: internet search, advanced search, reverse image search, meta-analysis, information from experts, information from concerned person or institution or group, and library search.

We use various internet tools and software to fact-check.

Verification of fact-check

The editor (or another fact-checker) verifies the fact-check and decides on whether to publish or not to publish that fact-checks.

We usually don’t publish fact-checks of information that are found to be factual unless it’s contested in social media or elsewhere.

If the information is found to be correct, and there is no debate around it, we decide not to publish the fact-check.

Writing the fact-check

Fact-checker writes the fact-checks with all the proofs (with a link whenever possible) and conclusion on categorization. Our four categories and their meaning are here.

Publication of fact-check

Only the editor publishes the fact-check.

Correction Policy

We are committed to publishing correct and factual information as far as possible.

We are ready to public correction in a transparent manner as soon as we are aware of any mistake.

So far, we haven’t corrected any our publication leading to change in the categorization and we are committed to remaining so. 

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant is compliant. This page explains the procedures https://nepalfactcheck.org/our-fact-check-procedure/ 


done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant selected claims based on the reach (immediacy of viral social media posts, news articles in legacy outlets, etc.) and significance (prominence of people involved, most often political leaders, public officials, personalities/celebrities, and the currency or public import of the issues). The applicant could, however, do more in explaining the reason for choosing a particular claim it checks. 


done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The randomized samples show that the applicant verified both sides of the claim. Fact checks that turned out to be misleading were more likely to cite such evidences. 


done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

Most fact checks by the applicant involved specific and singular claims, sometimes propagated through different channels, but most often via social media posts. The applicant appears consistent in the quality of sources used to assess the merits of evidences on claims made, regardless of who made the claim. It often used authoritative primary sources and sometimes, first-hand interviews.


done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The review of a randomized sample of fact checks included online claims only. In at least one occasion, the applicant did a first-hand interview to gather corroborating evidence. 


done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

We have clearly marked link stating 'Fact-Check Request' on top of our homepage which leads to a page where there is a form: https://nepalfactcheck.org/request_factcheck/ 

Most of our fact-checks carries an image (attached) at the bottom that states audience can send in request to fact-check and includes QR code and number to join our WhatsApp and Viber group as well as email address to contact.

The Twitter and Facebook page of NepalFactCheck carries banner image encouraging audience to email us anything they want to be fact-checked. 

What's fact-checkable or not, we have mentioned them at https://nepalfactcheck.org/faqs/ and in our procedure: https://nepalfactcheck.org/our-fact-check-procedure/

Files Attached
nfc-request.jpeg (51 KB)
Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant is compliant. It encourages usersto send in claims to check https://nepalfactcheck.org/request_factcheck/The procedures explain what facts can be checked or cannot be checked https://nepalfactcheck.org/our-fact-check-procedure/ 


done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

We have our correction and complaints policy here: https://nepalfactcheck.org/our-correction-policy/

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The corrections policy is clearly stated here https://nepalfactcheck.org/our-correction-policy/


done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant's corrections policy (https://nepalfactcheck.org/our-correction-policy/) covers minor errors such as spelling, langauge, style that have no overall impact on categorization. Such errors noted at the end of the related post. Major errors (including in headlines) are also corrected, and they are marked in the headline itself and published on the front page as well as re-shared on the applicant's social media platforms.


done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago)

Since our establishment, we have received no request for correction.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

The applicant has stated it has received no correction request yet. 


done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago)

We are not signatory of IFCN. When we become one, we plan to use the IFCN logo and text with a link informing users they can complaint about us to IFCN in the homepage and all pages of fact-check.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

Not applicable at this stage of the application process. If and when the application is accepted by IFCN, the applicant should make the necessary update on its website with relevant links. 


done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.

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.

NepalFactCheck.org
29-Dec-2022 (1 year ago)

We are NOT fact-checking unit of a media company.

Dharma Adhikari Assessor
02-Apr-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago

Not applicable. The applicant is not a fact-checking unit of a media company. 


done_all 6.5 marked as Compliant by Dharma Adhikari.