the Blog

Short news items and site announcements.

Seeking the elusive Poynter Institute correction

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On Aug. 3, 2023 and Feb. 1, 2024 (x2) we wrote to the International Fact-Checking Network at the Poynter Institute asking for corrections to cases where the IFCN credits/blames Bryan W. White (this author) with resolving unresolved complaints about IFCN signatory organizations. Yet the Poynter Institute has not corrected the apparently false reports and has not explained its decision not…
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A word about our introduction of strikethrough fact-checker logos

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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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The International Fact-Checking Network updates its ‘Code of Principles’

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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ZFC to-do list add-on

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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.

IFCN News: Alt News update

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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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IFCN News: IFCN re-verifies PolitiFact

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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IFCN News: IFCN verifies Fatabyyano Project

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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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