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.

Raskrinkavanje

Organization: Raskrinkavanje
Applicant: Emir
Assessor: Milica Šarić

Background

Raskrinkavanje is an important fact-checking project. It carries media literacy to many people, and it constantly guards the gates of truth in a very issued country such as BiH, where democracy is under persistent attack. Raskrinkavanje tackles issues outside its home country as well, thus providing guidance for more people from the Balkans.

Assessment Conclusion

Raskrinkavanje is ready for its readers. It is transparent in its work and up to the high IFCN standards.

on 04-Aug-2020 (3 years ago)

Milica Šarić assesses application as Compliant

A short summary in native publishing language

Vaša uloga u BiH je nezamenljiva u procesu napretka tog društva, kroz dosledno unapređivanje informisanosti njegovih građana. Srećno!

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Raskrinkavanje is a fact-checking project developed by the Civic Association "Why not" (Udruženje građana “Zašto ne”), as specified in our “About” page - https://raskrinkavanje.ba/o-raskrinkavanju

CA “Why Not” is a legal entity registered in the register of civic associations within the Ministry of Justice of FBiH on January 9th 2001 under No. 56, Book 1 of the register, with registration number 03-054-992/97-2. Scanned copy of the Decision on the Registration, is in the attachment.

Files Attached
picture_as_pdf CA Why Not - Registr... (929 KB)
Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

The applicant is a fact-checking website founded by a legally registered organization "Why not" (Udruženje građana “Zašto ne”), and details of this are easily found on its website.


done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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?

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

1-Raskrinkavanje was launched in December 2017. by citizen association “Zašto ne”. Since 2020, our organization has been running another fact-checking platform, Istinomjer, which checks accuracy and consistency of statements by public officials and monitors the fulfilment of their parties’ pre-election promises. In that work, we noticed a growing need for a similar approach in the sphere of media accountability. We have often faced problematic claims that were not coming from politicians, but rather from the media which reported on their statements. Since Istinomjer is committed to strengthening the political accountability of public officials and does not deal with the verification of media information, such claims were never rated on that platform. Starting a separate platform for fact checking the media was, therefore, the next logical step for us.

2- Across the organization, 15 full-time employees are currently working on all platforms and projects. Out of the total number, 6 of them work on Raskrinkavanje full time, as members of editorial board and/or journalists for the platform. We also have 2 part-time employees who only work on Raskrinkavanje. The platform uses other organization's resources for financial and project administration, design, web development, etc. as needed.

*Note for the assessor: During the COVID-19 pandemic, several members of our other fact checking project’s team (Istinomjer) were onboarded to help with increased workload on "Raskrinkavanje". They appear as "external collaborators" in our impressum, as they are not a part of the website's core team.

Information about Raskrinkavanje’s team can be found on our Impressum page.

3- CA Why not is an organization that works on the creation of a safe, secure, healthy, active, efficient and accountable society. We aim to achieve that through increasing civic participation, influencing government accountability, promoting the use of new technology tools in the whole of BiH, in partnership with other stakeholders including formal and informal groups, organizations, institutions and individuals.

The organization’s goals are grouped in 7 main program areas:

  1. Fact-checking and promotion of accountability
  2. Civic participation
  3. Monitoring of the government and political processes
  4. Research and advocacy
  5. Promoting the use of technology
  6. Civic education for elections
  7. “Why Not” Knowledge Factory

More detailed information about our individual projects within these program areas is available on our website.

When it comes to our fact-checking program, other than our two fact-checking platforms, we carry out activities like trainings for journalists and students in the field of fact-checking and media literacy, develop educative online content about media literacy and we continue to develop interactive learning tools such as media-literacy themed quizzes and games. We are also one of the founders of SeeCheck, a network of platforms engaged in fact-checking and fight against disinformation in Southeast Europe.

4- In the next year we will continue to grow and develop, both in terms of staffing and scope of our work. We intend to work on the video content production, specifically to grow our YouTube presence; continue to build on our pioneer research of disinformation in BiH and the region (see here) with new studies of similar nature; build our partnerships with other fact-checkers in the region, including joint projects and research; build stronger partnerships with IFCN and develop pivotal partnerships for fighting disinformation with tech companies like Facebook and Google. Additionally, in the near future we plan to launch an English version of our website, where we will translate and publish fact-checks with relevance outside of BCS speaking area.

We will also continue to work on the development of new technologies and functionalities on our existing platform, including the largest searchable database of media outlets in the region.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

The applicant was founded because of a growing need to verify media information in BiH. Today it is still dedicated to fact-checking such information. As an increasing disinformation expansion is ongoing in the Balkans, and media outlets have big role in it, fact-checking websites such as Raskrinkavanje are very much needed. During the COVID-19 crisis, this need was even more evident.

The organization that founded the applicant has one more fact-checking platform (Istinomjer.ba), and they, as stated in the application, also "carry out activities like trainings for journalists and students in the field of fact-checking and media literacy, develop educative online content about media literacy".

On the applicant's website it is stated clear that their team consists of 6 people, and 7 more people contribute. For 4 persons (out of 7) it is clearly pointed out they had/have a role in covering COVID-19 crisis, as during the time Raskrinkavanje needs increased. However, (at the Impressum page) there are 3 more persons stated as external collaborators, and the applicant stated for IFCN that there are "2 part-time employees who only work on Raskrinkavanje". If there were changes in contributors to the website, the applicant should update the website with fresh information.


done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

During months of April, May and June, we have published 161 fact checks. Due to extraordinary circumstances in that time period, most of them were related to some form of disinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic.

A spreadsheet with all 161 fact checks published in the previous 3 months can be found here - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cstuJ8z-DQMZELo5liBrGjm2oxY498Kmdh2LjUvOaNo/edit?usp=sharing 

Files Attached
insert_drive_file Raskrinkavanje.ba ar... (29 KB)
Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the applicant has increased its number of fact-checks: just in April, May and June it has published 160 fact-checks, that is 12.3 per week.

Since the beginning of 2020 till April, the applicant published more than one fact-check a week. (Fact-checks were conducted from twice a week to once a day, it is hard to tell the exact number as some fact-checks are published in more than just one category.)


done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

In the time of COVID-19 (app. last four months) it was hard to work on anything else but coronavirus pandemic. However, it is not all bad news for fact-checking organizations such as Raskrinkavanje, as these are the times they show their true nature, help people to orient and increase their influence. By going through a relevant sample of the 160 fact-checks Raskrinkavanje did in the last three months (April-June), it is clear majority of them were in the interest of people of BiH and region, and some were not, but all of them (based on a sample of work assessed) are relevant: some in terms of regional and global politics, some concern non-political global issues, and some are just for fun, but showing how far desinformation goes when it comes to coronavirus.


done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Our organization has no commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship to the state, politicians or political parties in the country. Our work is funded exclusively by international organizations and embassies which share our beliefs of objectivity and impartiality.

The only donor currently supporting the work of the platform that can be considered a foreign political actor is the Embassy of the USA in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Donors have no influence on our work. The work we do is performed strictly in line with our methodology and non-partisanship policy, which ensure objectivity and impartial approach to topics, research and ratings, regardless of who the “actors” of disinformation are.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

According to the information provided by the applicant (and its website), in 2019 and 2020, the applicant did not receive any help from the state, politicians or political parties. It received/receives funds from National Endowment for Democracy (NED), US embassy in BiH, Center for Civil Society Promotion (CCSP - civilnodrustvo.ba), European Endowment for Democracy (EED), Open Society foundation (OSF), Balkan Trust for Democracy (BTD) and IFCN.

There are no proofs Raskrinkavanje is under any kind but financial influence from the mentioned donors. The editorial decisions seems legit, independent and trustworthy.


done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

All information about our non-partisanship policy can be found at this link - https://raskrinkavanje.ba/o-raskrinkavanju   

Raskrinkavanje
28-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

All information about our non-partisanship policy can be found at this link - https://raskrinkavanje.ba/o-raskrinkavanju   

UPDATE: We have removed the part of the quoted sentence that was described as showing affection towards the financial sources. 

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

There is a link on the applicant's website stating "Activities within the Raskrinkavanje project, and all other projects of the Zašto ne organization, are independent of any political influence, including financial".

In addition,

"Our work is funded exclusively by international organizations and embassies, which share our beliefs of objectivity and impartiality."

Although the applicant has already stated the editorial independence and showed the methodology of its work, it is suggested to remove any kind of affection toward the financial sources, as it may be wrongly understood by the readers in area such as the Balkans. This is not obligatory, but a suggestion.


done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.
Milica Šarić Assessor
04-Aug-2020 (3 years ago)

There is a link on the applicant's website stating "Activities within the Raskrinkavanje project, and all other projects of the Zašto ne organization, are independent of any political influence, including financial".

The applicant has stated the editorial independence and showed the methodology of its work.


done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

The topics we research and information we verify come from a wide range of sources, from public broadcasters and commercial media outlets, to anonymous “click-farm” portals and Facebook pages. On top of that, Raskrinkavanje uses about a dozen different ratings, so it would be hard to provide examples of consistency and coherent approach for each individually.

In the context of political discourse in BiH and the region, the disinformation that we debunk targets members of different political parties and ethnic groups in BiH. We're providing examples of fact checks for claims which pertain to ethnic and/or political issues, as an area where non-partisan approach is most relevant in BiH. These fact checks demonstrate that we debunk, with the same approach and level of detail, disinformation that targets different political actors and/or is rooted in different parts of the political spectrum:

https://raskrinkavanje.ba/analiza/mup-republike-srpske-nije-stavio-tri-prsta-u-video-za-kampanju-protiv-vrbovanja-djece-na-internetu (targets the Ministry of the Interior of the BiH entity Republika Srpska)

https://raskrinkavanje.ba/analiza/na-granici-kaznjavani-gradani-bez-propisanih-putnih-isprava-a-ne-hrvati (targets state border control institutions; accusing them of bias against Croats)

https://raskrinkavanje.ba/analiza/ne-ovo-nije-fotografija-clanske-knjizice-dragana-covica-u-savezu-komunista-jugoslavije (targets Dragan Čović, a leader of the biggest Croat party in BiH)

https://raskrinkavanje.ba/analiza/nebuloze-o-naseljavanju-terorista-na-zemljistu-oduzetom-od-republike-srpske (targets Bakir Izetbegović, leader of the biggest Bosniak party in BiH)

https://raskrinkavanje.ba/analiza/alen-seranic-nije-rekao-da-ce-svi-gradani-fbih-sa-teritorije-rs-a-biti-sprovedeni-na-teritorij-federacije (targets Alen Šeranić, minister of health of Republika Srpska)

https://raskrinkavanje.ba/analiza/mostarom-nije-odjekivalo-za-dom-spremni (targets Croat citizens of Mostar)

https://raskrinkavanje.ba/analiza/istrazivacko-novinarstvo-portala-deblokada-govor-mrznje-i-facebook-voajerizam (targets a journalist on the basis of her Serb ethnicity)

https://raskrinkavanje.ba/analiza/hina-i-index-razlicito-predstavljanje-istih-poruka (targets Islamic Community in BiH)

https://raskrinkavanje.ba/analiza/ratno-huskanje-od-alo-do-slobodne-bosne (targets Kosovo politician Ramush Haradinaj)

https://raskrinkavanje.ba/analiza/put-laznog-tweeta-o-jasenovcu-od-anonimnog-komentara-do-ministarstva-odbrane (targets Emir Suljagić, director of the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial Center)

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

The applicant covers variaty of media related content, some of which are connected to different political subjects. Same standards seem to be applying for all claims.


done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Raskrinkavanje bases its work on an impartial, independent and thorough verification of media information.

In the methodology of our work (https://raskrinkavanje.ba/metodologija) we presented the basic principles of how the platform operates, including:

  1. The principles of selection of the content and media outlets which are monitored and rated on the platform;
  2. Rating of specific items of media content and media themselves;
  3. Use of sources for research, structure of fact-checking analyses, and methodology for creating lists of media with questionable credibility.

The “ Selection of media” and “Selection of Claims and articles” parts of the methodology describe how our approach guarantees objectivity and impartiality in the selection of claims that are rated on Raskrinkavanje. 

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

The applicant has published clearly on its website the methodology of its work - how they select claims to check, the manner of evaluation of those checks and media that published them, what sources the applicant uses to check claims, etc.


done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Since the applicant's funding is not supported by commercials, it has no need to point out such relationship in its fact-checks. The applicant covers various topics in its work, and on the way it does not seem to concentrate on any sides.


done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

The applicant does not seem to be affiliated with any political subject, nor does it advocate any political party's interests.


done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Our non-partisanship policy, including its application on staffing, can be found on this link - https://raskrinkavanje.ba/o-raskrinkavanju

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

On its website, the applicant clearly states that "no one who works in "Raskrinkavanje" is and must not be an active member of any political party, nor actively participate in the election campaigns of political entities".

It is a clear rule, although with no explanation (if needed) how the applicant will make sure such rule is respected.


done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

From a random sample of the applicant's work, it is evident the applicant links both sources of claims being fact-checked and sources where the claims are checked upon (where available). The methodology of what sources the applicant use, is explained at its website.


done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Based on a random sample of Raskrinkavanje's work, the applicant tends to use the best available primary sources, or adequate replacement (such as archive.org). The use of archive.org and similar sources is not explained in stories, but it is easy for readers to make sure it is relevant, without burdening the story.


done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

The applicant tends to check key elements of claims against more than one source (based on analysis of random sample of its work).


done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

I have not found evidence of the applicant identifying 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, nor the need for such thing.


done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Raskrinkavanje is one of two fact-checking sections of parent organization CA ”Why not”, as noted in our “About” page (https://raskrinkavanje.ba/o-raskrinkavanju) and our Impressum (https://raskrinkavanje.ba/impressum). Information about legal status and scope of work of CA “Zasto ne” as the parent organization can be found on this link - https://zastone.ba/organizacija  

Raskrinkavanje
28-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Raskrinkavanje is one of two fact-checking sections of parent organization CA ”Why not”, as noted in our “About” page (https://raskrinkavanje.ba/o-raskrinkavanju) and our Impressum (https://raskrinkavanje.ba/impressum). Information about legal status and scope of work of CA “Zasto ne” as the parent organization can be found on this link - https://zastone.ba/organizacija  

UPDATE: We have added the percentages mentioned. 

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The applicant is a fact-checking website founded by a legally registered organization "Why not" (Udruženje građana “Zašto ne”), and details of this are easily found on its website.

The applicant states in "about" section how it is funded - it provides names of sources of funding, and costs per year. However, as it is not clear with how many % each source participate in the applicant's funding, I cannot confirm all of the names are up there. The applicant should make a change here.


cancel 4.1 marked as Request change by Milica Šarić.
Milica Šarić Assessor
04-Aug-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The applicant is a fact-checking website founded by a legally registered organization "Why not" (Udruženje građana “Zašto ne”), and details of this are easily found on its website.

The applicant states in "about" section how it is funded - it provides names of sources of funding, and costs per year and also how many % each source participate in the applicant's funding.


done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Raskrinkavanje is one of two fact-checking sections of parent organization CA ”Why not”, as noted in our “About” page (https://raskrinkavanje.ba/o-raskrinkavanju) and our Impressum (https://raskrinkavanje.ba/impressum). Information about legal status and scope of work of CA “Zasto ne” as the parent organization can be found on this link - https://zastone.ba/organizacija  

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

The applicant is a fact-checking website founded by a legally registered organization "Why not" (Udruženje građana “Zašto ne”), and details of this are easily found on its website.


done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Information about Raskrinkavanje’s team is published in our Impressum - https://raskrinkavanje.ba/impressum

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

It is clear on the applicant’s website by whom editorial control is exercised. The applicant is also pointing to its owner - organization "Why not" (Udruženje građana “Zašto ne”), where information about director and other management staff can be found.

One of three editors of Raskrinkavanje is Darko Brkan - president of organization "Why not”.


done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Names and biographies of all members of the Raskrinkavanje team are published in our Impressum - https://raskrinkavanje.ba/impressum

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

There is a page on the applicant’s website detailing the professional biographies of all those who play a significant part in its editorial output, including Darko Brkan - president of organization "Why not" and one of three editors of Raskrinkavanje.


done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Contact information (mail and telephone) that are indicated as one of the possibilities of contacting the team is published in our Impressum (https://raskrinkavanje.ba/impressum), while links to our social media pages are listed in our About section (https://raskrinkavanje.ba/o-raskrinkavanju), with a note that they can also be used to contact us. We regularly communicate with our readers via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Address, phone number and Raskrikavanje's email addresses are clearly stated at the applicant's website. Twitter and FB accounts are available from the home page as well.


done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Our methodology can be found at this link - https://raskrinkavanje.ba/metodologija

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

The applicant has a very thorough methodology explained at its website.


done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

By analyzing random checks, I can confirm the applicant has selected claims based on the methodology it provided.


done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

By analyzing random checks, it is clear the applicant provides relevant evidence to support the claim (sources of claims) as well as relevant evidence that undermines it.


done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

The applicant always tends to use relevant sources.


done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

At its website, the applicant states that before publishing any analysis, they contact all media outlets that have published the claims (that are the subject of the analysis etc), with inquiries in which they explain the results of their research and then they wait at least 24 hours for a response or reaction in the form of a correction. I cannot see what kind of response the applicant is looking for, that is whether it asked for an evidence or a comment.

Due to emergency situation related to coronavirus and the need for timely reporting, the applicant stated on its website, they have decided to "deviate slightly from the methodology". They continued to send inquiries to the media but will, in this period, restrain from the usual practice of waiting for a response before publishing the analysis.


done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

We have a clearly visible (in the main menu) section titled “Report an article”, where readers can send any questionable information it to our team for a review. A page with the blank form and instructions on how to fill in the form and report any news piece can be found at this link- https://raskrinkavanje.ba/sugestija

The form also contains explanation to the readers on what they can and can’t expect to be fact-checked (that if the reported article contains some form of manipulation as defined by our methodology, the article will be fact-checked and the reader’s report will be linked to the published debunk). We also explain that they can expect to see a debunk of the reported claim (if published) on this link - https://raskrinkavanje.ba/sugestije

In addition to this form on the page, we encourage our readers to contact us and report news pieces via social networks Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, via messages and tags

Raskrinkavanje
28-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

We have a clearly visible (in the main menu) section titled “Report an article”, where readers can send any questionable information it to our team for a review. A page with the blank form and instructions on how to fill in the form and report any news piece can be found at this link- https://raskrinkavanje.ba/sugestija

The form also contains explanation to the readers on what they can and can’t expect to be fact-checked (that if the reported article contains some form of manipulation as defined by our methodology, the article will be fact-checked and the reader’s report will be linked to the published debunk). We also explain that they can expect to see a debunk of the reported claim (if published) on this link - https://raskrinkavanje.ba/sugestije

In addition to this form on the page, we encourage our readers to contact us and report news pieces via social networks Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, via messages and tags.

UPDATE: We have added the link to the Methodology page. 

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

The applicant does encourage users to send in claims to check, by having a clearly visible section "Report an article". In the same place, it explains to readers that their claims will be fact-checked if they comply with the applicant's methodology. I suggest the applicant add a link to the methodology page there, as it can advance the readers' understanding of what will (not) be checked, and improve the communication.


cancel 5.6 marked as Request change by Milica Šarić.
Milica Šarić Assessor
04-Aug-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The applicant does encourage users to send in claims to check, by having a clearly visible section "Report an article". In the same place, it explains to readers that their claims will be fact-checked if they comply with the applicant's methodology, with the link leading to the methodology page.


done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Our corrections policy is published in our “About” section - https://raskrinkavanje.ba/o-raskrinkavanju

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

The applicant has a clear corrections policy that is easily visible on the applicant's website.


done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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

Raskrinkavanje
28-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Update: We have added an explanation about the time to handle the complaints, specifically that it is usually done within one working day, unless an additional fact check is required that can take longer than that.

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

The applicant has a clear corrections policy that is easily visible on the applicant's website. However, the applicant should also state how much time it needs to correct or at least consider the complaint, so those who complain should know what to expect.


cancel 6.2 marked as Request change by Milica Šarić.
Milica Šarić Assessor
04-Aug-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The applicant has a clear corrections policy that is easily visible on the applicant's website.


done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

We continue to adhere to our policy in the same way as we used to from the beginning.

That entails a clear marking of any additional changes made in published fact-checks (other than corrections of typos, formatting and similar) where new, or information different from what’s published, is obtained.

Examples:

Analysis of false claims about COVID-19 cure: we wrote that the Agency for medicinal products and medical devices of Bosnia and Herzegovina didn’t respond to our inquiry, sent on April 17, by the time when our fact-check was published (April 21). The Agency contacted us after the text was published, stressing that the original inquiry was sent during religious holidays/non-working days (April 17 and 20) and that we received answers on the first working day. We added their note to the text. https://raskrinkavanje.ba/analiza/prikrivena-reklama-lijeka-za-covid-19-koji-to-nije

Analysis of false claims about EU ban on flights carrying Russian humanitarian aid to epidemic-stricken Italy: we incorrectly attributed one of the false claims to a portal called “BH index”, when it was in fact published by a similarly titled portal “Index.ba”. The error was made due to the similarity of their names. BH Index contacted us and pointed out that we made an error, which we corrected immediately. https://raskrinkavanje.ba/analiza/clanice-eu-nisu-zabranile-let-ruskog-humanitarnog-aviona

Analysis of false claims about the European Commission announcing the date when borders will reopen (in the context of ongoing pandemic): we initially made a mistake about the source of the disinformation, as we always try to track both the source and all the subsequent reposts of the disinformation we debunk. In this case, we discovered that a different Facebook page than the one we pinpointed as a source, had posted the same content earlier. We immediately updated that information and included a note about the correction. https://raskrinkavanje.ba/analiza/nije-tacno-da-se-od-3-maja-otvaraju-drzavne-granice-za-sve-putnike-na-podrucju-europe 

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

In all 3 examples, Raskrinkavanje made a correction openly and transparently, trying to ensure that users of the original see the correction and the corrected version.


done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Information about complaints regarding the IFCN Code can be found in the section "Correction of incorrect statements" on our About page - https://raskrinkavanje.ba/o-raskrinkavanju 

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

On the page where it declares itself an IFCN signatory, and where it stated its own corrections policy, the applicant informs users that if they believe it has violated the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN, with a link to the IFCN site.


done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.

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.

Raskrinkavanje
05-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Not applicable (we are a project of a CSO, not a media company).

Milica Šarić Assessor
24-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

The applicant is not a media company, not it belongs to one.


done_all 6.5 marked as Compliant by Milica Šarić.