NewsMeter is now an official signatory of International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN)

Dear Readers,

It gives us immense pleasure to inform you, that, NewsMeter is now a signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). The Hyderabad-based digital news portal with an independent fact-check unit, has joined the club of 77 IFCN verified fact-checking websites, including thirteen from India.

We have scored a silver, as NewsMeter, is the second IFCN-verified fact-checking website among the two Telugu-speaking states.

The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) is an organization that monitors trends in fact checking, provides training resources and hosts a yearly conference on fact checking called GlobalFact. The Code of Principles set by IFCN aims to promote best practice in fact checking and provide a place for collaboration between fact checkers worldwide.

IFCN signatory status is granted to legally registered organizations set up for the purpose of fact-checking that regularly publish non-partisan reports on the factual accuracy of several widely circulated claims of public interest made on various platforms of media. Applications for IFCN signatory are assessed by independent assessors for compliance with 31 criteria.

Their assessment is reviewed by the IFCN advisory board to ensure fairness and consistency across the network. As a non-partisan organization, Newsmeter has proven compliant to all 31 criteria.

Being an independent news organization, NewsMeter keeps a watch on developments as and when they unfold. Besides this, the independent fact-checking unit is first (mostly) to debunk misinformation spread via social media.

The team strives to ensure sufficient evidence is provided to substantiate the claim, enabling the readers to verify the information by themselves. The fact-checkers rely on non-partisan and government agencies for expertise, analysis and official reports and attribute the same.

Following the outbreak of Coronavirus in India, Newsmeter has been able to debunk a number of misinformation reports/ videos/ text messages, revolving around the pandemic. It has provided its readers with factual information based on authentic sources.

The Fact-Check team (both English and Telugu) led by Ms. Satya Priya BN, ensures that they adhere to the methodology mentioned on the website pertaining to all the Fact Check articles. The team is also striving hard to present the fact check stories in video form too.

Director of Fifth Estate Private limited, Mr. Bharani Kumar assured the organization adhered to the IFCN principal codes., its policies and non-partisanship.

We take this opportunity to thank our readers for the support rendered.

Happy reading.

Coreeena Suares

Editor

NewsMeter