An independent experimental fact-checking site, exploring and advocating ways to make fact-checking better.
A post today criticizing PolitiFact accounts for our first use of a strikethrough format for the logo of a fact-checking organization.On no account does the new style suggest that we want to eliminate any fact-checking organization so represented. If we want to see a fact-checking organization eliminated, we will assuredly state so plainly and state our reasoning for wanting to…
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We don’t get much material submitted through our “Report an Error” system (see button in right sidebar). But we got one today. We honor the request for anonymity for the person who submitted the error report: The photo of Biden is NOT Biden (and you don’t source the photo).This appears to be all over social media and people are using…
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In December 2019 verified signatories of the International Fact-Checking Network’s Code of Principles voted on some revisions to the Code of Principles. In April 2020 the IFCN updated its website describing its code, unveiling the new version to the public. Zebra Fact Check issued a signing statement relating to the original code, affirming the parts we approved and stating the…
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The editing interface shows invisible previews of Twitter embeds, so we’re compelled to run a live test to see if they work.
We are aware of an issue that is preventing .pdf embeds from loading properly at the website. We’re working on it. Update Jan. 14, 2020: We believe we have fixed the problem. If readers notice a .pdf file failing to load, please make use of the Report an Error button found on each page here at Zebra Fact Check.
When people submit a comment through our “Report an Error” form they deserve email confirmation. We found that lacking at the Science Feedback website. And then double-checked to confirm that we have the same problem. We recommend this as standard practice at fact-checking organizations. But it may take us some time figure it out and implement it.
International Fact-Checking Network Director Baybars Orsek said this week that the IFCN has completed its collection of evidence about charges that fact checker Alt News (India) transgressed the IFCN Code of Principles. Critics charged in June that Alt News broke the code through an executive’s association with a political group. The IFCN requires nonpartisanship from its signatory organizations. The IFCN…
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The International Fact-Checking Network re-verified PolitiFact on June 20, 2019. The re-verification serves as the IFCN’s assurance that PolitiFact has complied with the IFCN’s Code of Principles. The Poynter Institute owns the IFCN and PolitiFact. Independent assessor Michael Wagner judged that PolitiFact fully complied with each of the established criteria from the Code of Principles. [Disclosure: Zebra Fact Check submitted…
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The International Fact-Checking Network added Jordan’s Fatabyyano Project to its list of verified signatories to the IFCN Code of Principles on June 20, 2019. The IFCN’s independent assessor, Sarphan Uzunoğlu, recommended accepting the Fatabyyano Project on the condition it made some changes: They need to be more transparent about their financial models. Their existing statement is shady and not explanatory…
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On June 13, 2019 the International Fact-Checking Network added UAB Delfi (Lithania) to its list of verified signatories to its Code of Principles. Independent assessor Martiins Kaprans recommended accepting UAB Delfi contingent on making changes (“Accept with edits”) to its fact-check publishing frequency and disclosure about its staff: The applicant is reliable and professional organization who can contribute to the…
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