Our methodology

The fact-checking process involves four stages:

• Selection
• Verification
• Evaluation
• The search for information about the source

1. Selection. At this stage, we:

• Continuously scan various media outlets ( online platforms and social media for potential misinformation).
• Choose content based on its verifiability, the presence of factual manipulation, and the significance of the potential error.

2. Verification. At this stage, we:

• Analyze the information to understand what is being claimed and the specifics of these claims.
• Identify and verify the primary sources of the claim. If the sources are not immediately evident, use tools and databases to track down the origin of the information.
• Collect data from credible and authoritative databases, official reports, and expert opinions to confirm or refute the claim.
• If necessary, use technological tools for image, video, and audio verification to check the authenticity of any multimedia elements associated with the claim.

Important practice:

• We assess the merits of the evidence using the same standards for all claims, regardless of who made them.
  This ensures fairness, neutrality, and consistency, in line with our Code of Principles.

• We aim to provide at least two independent sources to verify the central claim of an investigation, whenever possible.
• We prioritize using the best available primary sources. When primary sources are not available, we clearly explain the use of secondary sources and justify their reliability.
• We name all sources used in our investigations, unless naming them could endanger their safety. In rare cases where anonymous sources are necessary, their information is corroborated by named sources or strong material evidence

3. Evaluation. At this stage, we:

• Determine the nature of the misinformation—whether it is disinformation, misinformation, manipulation, etc.
• Evaluate the potential impact of the misinformation, considering factors like public safety, societal harm, and the spread of the misinformation.
• Prepare a preliminary report outlining the findings, supported by evidence and clear reasoning.

4. Search for Information about the Source. At this stage, we: