How Do Fact-Checkers Verify a Claim?

A fact-checker picks a claim that can be checked. They find the best evidence for and against it. They apply the same standard no matter who made the claim. They publish their sources and method so readers can repeat the check. And they correct mistakes openly. These habits are written down in the Code of Principles of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). Many fact-checking groups sign it.

The steps, as the code describes them

Choosing a claim. Signatories weigh a claim’s reach and importance when deciding what to check. They avoid focusing too much on one side of a debate.

Finding evidence. They set out evidence that supports a claim and evidence that undermines it. They judge both by the same standard. Then they let the evidence decide the conclusion. They follow the same basic process for every check. They do not push policy positions on the issues they check.

Showing the work. They give enough detail about their sources for readers to verify the findings. They use the best available primary sources where suitable ones exist. They check key parts of a claim against more than one named source where they can. They name the interests of sources when those matter to the claim. The code allows one exception: when naming a source could put that person in danger. They also explain how they select, research, write, edit, publish and correct their checks.

Disclosing who pays. They publish their funding and structure. They describe the professional background of key people. And they make sure funders have no say in the conclusions.

Correcting errors. They publish a corrections policy. They fix mistakes clearly and openly, so readers see the corrected version.

Why the method matters more than the verdict

A verdict such as “false” or “misleading” is only as strong as its evidence. Much of the code is about transparency. Published sources, funding, methods and corrections let readers and other fact-checkers test the work. Each group uses its own rating labels. So when comparing two fact-checks, compare the reasoning and sources, not the labels.

How to judge a fact-check yourself

• Does it name its sources and link to them?
• Is the method page easy to find?
• Does the group disclose its funding and ownership?
• Is there a corrections policy, and are past corrections visible?
• Does it treat similar claims from different sides the same way?

Many signatories show a verified-signatory badge. The IFCN says independent assessors check applicants against 31 criteria. Africa Check, FactCheckNI and Lead Stories each say they follow the code. Lead Stories says an IFCN assessor checks its compliance every year.

What fact-checking cannot do

Not every statement can be checked. Predictions and value judgments have no true-or-false answer. Evidence on some questions is incomplete. A fact-check can also be wrong. That is why open corrections are one of the five commitments. Read a fact-check as a documented argument from evidence, not as a final ruling. For related terms, see the entries on fact-checking, investigative journalism, media literacy, press freedom and the editorial process.

FAQs

What is the IFCN? The International Fact-Checking Network is a unit of the Poynter Institute. It publishes the Code of Principles, which launched in September 2016. It also offers training and holds an annual conference called GlobalFact.

Are fact-checkers always right? No. The code assumes errors will happen. It requires a public corrections policy.

Who pays for fact-checking? Funding varies by group. Under the code, signatories disclose their funding. They must ensure funders do not influence conclusions.

Can I ask a fact-checker to look at a claim? Signatories are expected to encourage readers to send claims. Many publish a way to do so.