Evaluating fact-checking websites
The database of global fact-checking sites is a project of the Reporters’ Lab at Duke University. The fact-checking database tracks more than 100 non-partisan organizations around the world that regularly publish articles or broadcast segments that assess the accuracy of statements made by public officials, political parties, candidates, journalists, news organizations, associations and other groups.
The Reporters' Lab at Duke University maintains a database of fact-checking organizations that is managed by Mark Stencel and Bill Adair. The Lab's inclusion criteria is based on whether the organization:
- verifies the accuracy of claims made by prominent public figures and institutions
- debunks rumors, hoaxes and other forms
- reviews statements by all parties and sides;
- examines discrete claims and reaches conclusions;
- tracks political promises;
- is transparent about sources and methods;
- discloses funding/affiliations;
- determines whether its primary mission is news and information.[
Conclusion of the Reporters' Lab– A good fact checking service will write with neutral wording and will provide unbiased sources to support their claims. Look for these two simple criteria when hunting for the facts.
Brandtzaeg, Petter Bae and Asbjorn Folstad. Trust and Distrust in Online Fact-Checking Services Communications of the ACM September 2017, p.65-71
