Organization: 20 Minutes Fake off
Applicant: Mathilde Cousin
Assessor: Laurent Bigot
Background
"Fake Off" is the distinct fact-checking section of 20 Minutes, a legally registered French media.
"Fake Off" was set up in 2017, exclusively to the purpose of fact-checking.
France, where this medium is based, is a democratic country which allows "Fake Off" to work independently
Assessment Conclusion
According to my assessment, "Fake Off" is a reliable fact-checking partner.
After making corrections to the criteria 4.3, 5.1 and 6.2, this media is compliant with the principles enacted by the IFCN.
But the 20 Minutes team must make efforts to organize the "About" section more clearly, before the next evaluation; because it's important to be really transparent to people about the methodology, the correction policy and the editorial responsibility.
Laurent Bigot assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
Selon mon évaluation, "Fake Off" est un partenaire fiable de vérification des faits.
Après correction des critères 4.3, 5.1 et 6.2, ce média est conforme aux principes édictés par l'IFCN.
Mais l'équipe de 20 Minutes doit s'efforcer d'organiser plus clairement la rubrique « A propos », avant la prochaine évaluation ; car il est important d'être vraiment transparent vis-à-vis des gens sur la méthodologie, la politique de correction et la responsabilité éditoriale.
Section 1: Eligibility to be a signatory
To be eligible to be a signatory, applicants must meet these six criteria
- 1.1 The applicant is a legally registered organization, or a distinct team or unit within a legally registered organization, and details of this are easily found on its website.
- 1.2 The team, unit or organization is set up exclusively for the purpose of fact-checking.
- 1.3 The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application. For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track. Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.
- 1.4 On average, at least 75% of the applicant’s fact checks focus on claims related to issues that, in the view of the IFCN, relate to or could have an impact on the welfare or well-being of individuals, the general public or society.
- 1.5 The applicant’s editorial output is not, in the view of the IFCN, controlled by the state, a political party or politician.
- 1.6 If the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, it provides a statement on its site setting out to the satisfaction of the IFCN, how it ensures its funders do not influence the findings of its reports.
Criteria 1.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain where on your website you set out information about your organization’s legal status and how this complies with criteria. Attach a link to the relevant page of your website.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
We conduct fact checking on a daily basis in our Fake Off section. Our fact-checking articles are featured in the section Fake off of our print newspaper and website : https://www.20minutes.fr/societe/desintox/
We also produce a weekly email newsletter (https://www.20minutes.fr/societe/2817651-20200708-decouvrez-nouvelle-newsletter-fake-off-etre-fort-contre-fake-news) podcasts and videos, particularly OMF Oh my fake, on Snapchat show and other platforms.
The chief of the team is Benjamin Chapon and the Deputy Editor in chief, particularly in charge of the section, is Floréal Hernandez.
20 Minutes is a legally registered French media outlet : http://www.20minutes.fr/mentions
A KBis extract is attached.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago)
Fake Off (https://www.20minutes.fr/societe/desintox/) is the distinct fact-checking section of the legally registered French media outlet 20 Minutes (https://www.20minutes.fr/).
All the evidence of the 20 Minutes' legal registration are presented in the “Mentions légales” through its RCS number, here: http://www.20minutes.fr/mentions
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 1.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please answer the following questions – (see notes in Guidelines for Application on how to answer)
1. When and why was your fact-checking operation started?
2. How many people work or volunteer in the organization and what are their roles?
3. What different activities does your organization carry out?
4. What are the goals of your fact-checking operation over the coming year?
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
We officially started our fact-checking unit in 2017, with a dedicated section on our website and a dedicated unit, in order to prevent fake news and to write fact-checks on a more frequent basis, particularly during the French presidential race. But before that official launch and involvement in IFCN guidelines, our media had already been doing debunks for several years, especially on political subjects, the "desintox" articles. 2017 was a significant turn : we a hired a full-time journalist dedicated to the fact checking section for daily debunks, Mathilde Cousin, whereas the entire newsroom went on supporting the section by writing additional debunks. Now, the service has 2 permanent journalists, entirely dedicated to fact checking, and 2 journalists on temporary positions. The unit receives input from the national newsroom and the regional offices, with increased participation during the spring of 2020, the lockdown and the Covid-19 crisis. It is placed under the authority of a department head, Benjamin Chapon, and a deputy editor-in-chief, Floréal Hernandez. Anne Kerloc'h launched the fact checking unit in 2017 and run it until January 2019. She also launched the video and multiplatform format "Oh My fake", focused on cognitive bias, notably on Snapchat Discover.
The fact checking service runs articles on a daily basis, but also takes part in podcasts, videos and a weekly newsletter and a weekly fact-checking Instagram story. It receives claims from readers to fact-check.
In 2023, we plan to focus on the development on AI, on how AI created images, videos or sounds can be misused to create misinformation. We will inform on climate change and keep producing fact-checks on major political reforms in France, such as the current pension reform.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
20 Minutes has been doing fact-checking since 2017, with the work of the team "Desintox. Fake Off is the new name of the fact-checking team of 20 Minutes.
The team has 2 permanent journalists, entirely dedicated to fact checking, and 2 journalists on temporary positions.
The team plan to focus on the development on AI, on how AI created images, videos or sounds can be misused to create misinformation.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 1.3
Proof you meet criteria
- The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application.
- For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track.
- Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
We publish fact-checks on a daily basis. We've been doing so since 2017. They can all be found on the dedicated section of our website : https://www.20minutes.fr/societe/desintox/
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Fake Off journalists publish 1 or 2 fact-checks per day on its website.
The fact-checks are gathered on the 20 Minutes website section called "Fake Off" here: https://www.20minutes.fr/societe/desintox/
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 1.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous three months. No additional information required.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
According to our assessment, the fact-checking stories presented by "Fake Off" are in line with IFCN's expectations.
We find that these fact checks deal in majority (more than 75%) with “public interest” issues that “relate to or could have an impact on the well-being of individuals, the general public or society”.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 1.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain any commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship your organization has to the state, politicians or political parties in the country or countries you cover. Also explain funding or support received from foreign as well as local state or political actors over the previous financial year.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Our organization does not receive any funds from abroad, neither do we receive any funds from political parties. We get a legal support via the Fonds Strategique pour le développement de la presse (https://www.culture.gouv.fr/Thematiques/Presse/Aides-a-la-Presse/1.-Presentation-du-Fonds-strategique-pour-le-developpement-de-la-presse). It is a public assistance fund, as provided for by Ministère de la Culture. In 2022, we received a total amount of 146 000 euros, which is roughly 0,5% of our revenues. We can firmly asset that it doesn't have any impact on our editorial choices.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The team explains : “We get a legal support via the Fonds Strategique pour le développement de la presse (https://www.culture.gouv.fr/Thematiques/Presse/Aides-a-la-Presse/1.-Presentation-du-Fonds-strategique-pour-le-developpement-de-la-presse). It is a public assistance fund, as provided for by Ministère de la Culture. In 2022, we received a total amount of 146 000 euros, which is roughly 0,5% of our revenues. We can firmly asset that it doesn't have any impact on our editorial choices.”
20 Minutes receives direct or indirect public press subsidies from the French State. But it is not controlled by the French State.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 1.6
Proof you meet criteria
If you confirmed the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, provide a link to where on your website you set out how you ensure the editorial independence of your work.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Here's the link : https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
We explain that " this subsidy, which represents 0,5% of our yearly revenue, has no impact on the editorial choices of the editorial staff, which carries out its work independently, under the guidance of the editorial management. "
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
20 Minutes receives some funding from the French state (press subsidies).
The Fake Off team explain to its readers that its funders do not influence the findings of its reports, here:
"As part of the Strategic Fund for the development of the press, 20 Minutes received in 2022 146,000 euros in subsidies. This subsidy, which represents approximately 0.5% of annual turnover, has no impact on the editorial choices of the editorial staff, who exercise their profession completely independently, under the guidance of the editorial management."
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Section 2: A commitment to Non-partisanship and Fairness
To be compliant on nonpartisanship and fairness, applicants must meet these five criteria
- 2.1 The applicant fact-checks using the same high standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims regardless of who made the claim.
- 2.2 The applicant does not unduly concentrate its fact-checking on any one side, considers the reach and importance of claims it selects to check and publishes a short statement on its website to set out how it selects claims to check.
- 2.3 The applicant discloses in its fact checks relevant interests of the sources it quotes where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided. It also discloses in its fact checks any commercial or other such relationships it has that a member of the public might reasonably conclude could influence the findings of the fact check.
- 2.4 The applicant is not as an organization affiliated with nor declares or shows support for any party, any politician or political candidate, nor does it advocate for or against any policy positions on any issues save for transparency and accuracy in public debate.
- 2.5 The applicant sets out its policy on non-partisanship for staff on its site. Save for the issues of accuracy and transparency, the applicant’s staff do not get involved in advocacy or publicise their views on policy issues the organization might fact check in such a way as might lead a reasonable member of the public to see the organization’s work as biased.
Criteria 2.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please share links to 10 fact checks published over the past year that you believe demonstrate your non-partisanship.
Please briefly explain how the fact checks selected show that (I) you use the same high standards of evidence for equivalent claims, (II) follow the same essential process for every fact check and (III) let the evidence dictate your conclusions.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
We fact-check claims from politicians from all over the political spectrum. We do not concentrate our fact-checking efforts only on one side of the political spectrum. We fact-check claims that are important in the public debate (about the minimum wages, the pension reform, climate change...).To fact-check these claims, we look at the best available resources (be it reports, data, interviews with experts in their field...).
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The "Fake Off" team works on every issues at an national and international levels.
Their fact-checks seem to use the same high standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims regardless of who made the claim. We didn't find any example of obvious unfair treatment...
The team explains how the fact checks they selected show that they use the same high standards of evidence for equivalent claims.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 2.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you explain how you select claims to check, explaining how you ensure you do not unduly concentrate your fact-checking on any one side, and how you consider the reach and importance of the claims you select to check.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The "Fake Off" team does not seem to unduly concentrate its fact-checking on any one side; it seems to consider the reach and importance of claims it selects to check.
The team publishes an explaination on its website to set out how it selects claims to check, here:
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
We can read :
"Like the rest of the editorial staff, the team of fact-checkers is committed to impartiality and non-partisan treatment of information. Each journalist acts independently of any ideological, philosophical, political, cultural or denominational motivation or commercial objectives which could influence the content of his production in respect of the facts."
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 2.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In view of what we have observed, the "Fake Off" team discloses in its fact checks relevant interests of the sources it quotes and any commercial or other such relationships it has.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 2.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In view of what we have observed, the "Fake Off" team doesn't show support for any party, any politician or political candidate.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 2.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you publish a statement setting out your policy on non-partisanship for staff and how it ensures the organization meets this criteria.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The "Fake Off" team explains its policies to preserve its non-partisan way of fact-checking claims in different statements.
Here, in the 20 Minutes website:
https://www.20minutes.fr/medias/8110-20060220-charte-20minutes
It evokes :
"The mission of the press is to disseminate information on the daily life of society, to reveal or shed essential light on facts which could be subject to criticism, particularly if they are deliberately concealed and withheld from the exercise of democracy. In compliance with this line of conduct and these principles, 20 Minutes undertakes to be impartial and therefore to treat information in a non-partisan manner."
And in the "Fake Off" section, here:
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
"Like the rest of the editorial staff, the team of fact-checkers is committed to impartiality and non-partisan treatment of information. Each journalist acts independently of any ideological, philosophical, political, cultural or denominational motivation or commercial objectives which could influence the content of his production in respect of the facts."
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Section 3: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Sources
To be compliant on sources, applicants must meet these four criteria
- 3.1 The applicant identifies the source of all significant evidence used in their fact checks, providing relevant links where the source is available online, in such a way that users can replicate their work if they wish. In cases where identifying the source would compromise the source’s personal security, the applicant provides as much detail as compatible with the source’s safety.
- 3.2 The applicant uses the best available primary, not secondary, sources of evidence wherever suitable primary sources are available. Where suitable primary sources are not available, the applicant explains the use of a secondary source.
- 3.3 The applicant checks all key elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence save where the one source is the only source relevant on the topic.
- 3.4 The applicant identifies in its fact checks the relevant interests of the sources it uses where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.
Criteria 3.1
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In view of what we have observed, the "Fake Off" team identifies the source of significant evidence used in its fact checks.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 3.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In view of what we have observed, the "Fake Off" team uses (most of the time) the best available primary sources of evidence.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 3.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In view of what we have observed, the "Fake Off" team checks all key elements of claims with more than one source of evidence.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 3.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In view of what we have observed, the "Fake Off" team dentifies in its fact checks the relevant interests of the sources it uses where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Section 4: A commitment to Transparency of Funding & Organization
To be compliant on funding and organization, applicants must meet these five criteria
- 4.1 Applicants that are independent organizations have a page on their website detailing each source of funding accounting for 5% or more of total revenue for its previous financial year. This page also sets out the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
- 4.2 Applicants that are the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization make a statement on ownership.
- 4.3 A statement on the applicant’s website sets out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.
- 4.4 A page on the applicant’s website details the professional biography of all those who, according to the organizational structure and play a significant part in its editorial output.
- 4.5 The applicant provides easy means on its website and/or via social media for users to communicate with the editorial team.
Criteria 4.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please confirm whether you are an ‘independent organization’
or ‘the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization’ and share proof of this organizational status.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Fake off is the fact-checking section of 20 Minutes. https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
"Fake Off" is the fact-checking section of the 20 Minutes website. The explaination is here:
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 4.2
Proof you meet criteria
If your organization is an “independent organization”, please share a link to the page on your website where you detail your funding and indicate the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
If your organization is “the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization”, please share a link to the statement on your website about your ownership.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
As a fact-checking section of 20 Minutes, "Fake Off" shares a link to the statement on its website about its ownership :
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
There's another indication here:
https://www.20minutes.fr/mentions
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 4.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out your organizational structure, making clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
20 Minutes Fake off
11-May-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes We added more details about editorial control in the second paragraph of this webpage. Personal biographies of staff and their job titles can also be found on this page.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
20 Minutes presents its organizational structure here:
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
But it doesn't make clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised (Director of publication, Chief editor, deputy-chief editor, etc.).
cancel 4.3 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
25-Jun-2023 (1 year ago)
20 Minutes presents its organizational structure here:
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
The team makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised (Director of publication, Chief editor, deputy-chief editor, etc.).
NB : But the "About" part of the site contains a lot of informations and should be more clearly organized with headings.
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 4.4
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out the professional biographies of those who play a significant part in your organization’s editorial output.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The "Fake Off" team presents a page detailing the name and surname of the team members here:
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 4.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you encourage users to communicate with your editorial team.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
It’s quite easy for readers to contact the "Fake Off" team.
The link to do that is here:
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Section 5: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Methodology
To be compliant on methodology, applicants must meet these six criteria
- 5.1 The applicant publishes on its website a statement about the methodology it uses to select, research, write and publish its fact checks.
- 5.2 The applicant selects claims to check based primarily on the reach and importance of the claims, and where possible explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.
- 5.3 The applicant sets out in its fact checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.
- 5.4 The applicant in its fact checks assesses the merits of the evidence found using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.
- 5.5 The applicant seeks where possible to contact those who made the claim to seek supporting evidence, noting that (I) this is often not possible with online claims, (II) if the person who makes the claim fails to reply in a timely way this should not impede the fact check, (III) if a speaker adds caveats to the claim, the fact-checker should be free to continue with checking the original claim, (IV) fact-checkers may not wish to contact the person who made the claim for safety or other legitimate reasons.
- 5.6 The applicant encourages users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable.
Criteria 5.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to the statement on your website that explains the methodology you use to select, research, write and publish your fact checks.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
20 Minutes Fake off
11-May-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes We updated this page and added more informations about our methodoly. We made it easier to find by adding this heading : " Comment nous sélectionnons et travaillons sur nos fact-checks "
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The "Fake Off" team gave precisions about its fact-checking methodology, in its "A propos" section, here:
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
But we can't find these precisions...
cancel 5.1 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
25-Jun-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The "Fake Off" team gave precisions about its fact-checking methodology, in its "A propos" section, here:
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
It's not really easy to find these precisions...
NB : But the "About" part of the site contains a lot of informations and should be more clearly organized with headings.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 5.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In view of what we have observed (20 fact checks selection), the "Fake Off" journalists select claims to check based primarily on the reach and importance of the claims, and sometimes explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 5.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In view of what we have observed (20 fact checks selection), the "Fake Off" journalists set out in their fact checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 5.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In view of what we have observed (20 fact checks selection), the "Fake Off" journalists assess the merits of the evidence found using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 5.5
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In view of what we have observed (20 fact checks selection), the "Fake Off" journalists seek where possible to contact those who made the claim.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 5.6
Proof you meet criteria
Please describe how you encourage users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable. Include links where appropriate. If you do not allow this, explain why.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
We encourage users to send us fact-checks in the description of our fact-checking unit : https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
Users can also send us claims using this form : https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797879-20200612-signaler-information-parait-fausse-equipe-fake-off-20-minutes
In our weekly newsletter, we also encourage users to send us fact-checks via email (please see the screenshot attached).
newsletter Fake off... (159 KB)
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
There’s a dedicated page to invite readers to submit claims to fact-check on Fake Off website:
https://www.20minutes.fr/societe/desintox/
And there's a page where readers can find an explaination about which claims are fact-checkable or not:
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
"We handle 80% of fact checking requests, focusing on current affairs and fake news with strong virality, in order to curb their spread. The subject must also be of general interest to society, and of some magnitude, not anecdotal or marginal."
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Section 6: A commitment to an Open & Honest Corrections Policy
To be compliant on corrections policy, applicants must meet these five criteria
- 6.1 The applicant has a corrections or complaints policy that is easily visible and accessible on the organization’s website or frequently referenced in broadcasts.
- 6.2 The policy sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled, and the fact that some complaints may justify no response. This policy is adhered to scrupulously.
- 6.3 Where credible evidence is provided that the applicant has made a mistake worthy of correction, the applicant makes a correction openly and transparently, seeking as far as possible to ensure that users of the original see the correction and the corrected version.
- 6.4 The applicant, if an existing signatory, should either on its corrections/complaints page or on the page where it declares itself an IFCN signatory inform users that if they believe the signatory is violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN, with a link to the IFCN site.
- 6.5 If the applicant is the fact-checking unit of a media company, it is a requirement of signatory status that the parent media company has and adheres to an open and honest corrections policy.
Criteria 6.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to where you publish on your website your corrections or complaints policy. If you are primarily a broadcaster, please provide evidence you frequently reference your corrections policy in broadcasts.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The "Fake Off" section gives precisions about its corrections policy, here:
"Providing reliable, quality and free information to our readers is the commitment of 20 Minutes. Sometimes, however, the error slips through. In accordance with our charter and the code of good practice of the International fact-checking network (IFCN), we undertake to rectify our errors and to indicate these rectifications. Mention of these corrections appears at the beginning of the article, in bolder type than the body of the text, with details of the corrections. The title may also be modified in certain cases. We have had this policy since 2017. We publish on this page our corrections for 2022 and 2023."
And here :
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
"Have you noticed an error in one of our articles? Do you want to specify information? You can also contact us via this form. We may also be required to modify an article according to the evolution of information. We indicate any changes."
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
20 Minutes Fake off
11-May-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
We added all details of our correction policy here : https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The policy sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact-check, are handled, here:
"We use two types of corrections, EDIT and CORRECTION.
EDIT: As part of a clarification, additional info, or new information that made us revise the article. We also use an EDIT for archival articles that we reassemble to give the context of this new publication.
CORRECTION: As part of an error reported and corrected. A mention is affixed at the beginning of the article, in a clear and legible manner. The corrigendum may be present in the title if it is major information on the paper but not necessarily, especially if the error relates only to one aspect of the paper.
In the context where the information at the very source of the paper is inaccurate, the article must be entirely reproduced and we must point out that we have made a mistake previously. The text of the corrigendum links to a second article which explains the error and the correction."
And here :
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
"Misprints, inaccuracies, errors in an article will be rectified as soon as possible once reported. A notice will be affixed to the article in the event of publication of erroneous information with the update and rectification at the top of the article in order to make the correction transparent to the reader."
It sets clearly that some complaints may justify no response, here:
"If it is a question of a disagreement with the choice of the treated subject, the form, or the expression of a personal opinion by the reader on the subject, it will not be carried out of follow-up, the request entering not within the framework of the rectification of an error."
The "Fake Off" journalists seems to follow this corrections policy quite scrupulously.
But it would be better if all aspects of the correction policy were given in one place.
cancel 6.2 marked as Request change by Laurent Bigot.
Laurent Bigot Assessor
25-Jun-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The policy sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact-check, are handled, here:
"We use two types of corrections, EDIT and CORRECTION.
EDIT: As part of a clarification, additional info, or new information that made us revise the article. We also use an EDIT for archival articles that we reassemble to give the context of this new publication.
CORRECTION: As part of an error reported and corrected. A mention is affixed at the beginning of the article, in a clear and legible manner. The corrigendum may be present in the title if it is major information on the paper but not necessarily, especially if the error relates only to one aspect of the paper.
In the context where the information at the very source of the paper is inaccurate, the article must be entirely reproduced and we must point out that we have made a mistake previously. The text of the corrigendum links to a second article which explains the error and the correction."
And here :
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
"Misprints, inaccuracies, errors in an article will be rectified as soon as possible once reported. A notice will be affixed to the article in the event of publication of erroneous information with the update and rectification at the top of the article in order to make the correction transparent to the reader."
It sets clearly that some complaints may justify no response, here:
"If it is a question of a disagreement with the choice of the treated subject, the form, or the expression of a personal opinion by the reader on the subject, it will not be carried out of follow-up, the request entering not within the framework of the rectification of an error."
The "Fake Off" journalists seems to follow this corrections policy quite scrupulously.
NB : But the "About" part of the site contains a lot of informations and should be more clearly organized with headings.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 6.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a short statement about how the policy was adhered to over the previous year (or six months if this is the first application) including evidence of two examples of the responses provided by the applicant to a correction request over the previous year. Where no correction request has been made in the previous year, you must state this in your application, which will be publicly available in the assessment if your application is successful.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In March 2023, we published an article on our website, in which we explained our correction policy and published all our corrections made in 2022 and 2023 (until March 2023) : https://www.20minutes.fr/medias/4029516-20230328-20-minutes-engage-information-fiable-corrections-articles-2022-2023
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The "Fake Off" journalists provide credible evidence that it makes corrections openly and transparently.
The team gives several examples from different articles, listed on a special page here:
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 6.4
Proof you meet criteria
If you are an existing signatory, please provide a link to show where on your site you inform users that if they believe you are violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN of this, with a link to the complaints page on the IFCN site.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The "Fake Off" section has a page where it declares itself an IFCN signatory here;
https://www.20minutes.fr/arts-stars/medias/2797871-20200618-propos-rubrique-fake-off-20-minutes
The website informs users that if they believe its journalists are violating the IFCN Code, people may inform the IFCN, with a link to the IFCN website.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Laurent Bigot.
Criteria 6.5
Proof you meet criteria
If you are the fact-checking unit of a media company, please provide a link to the parent media company’s honest and open corrections policy and provide evidence that it adheres to this.
20 Minutes Fake off
29-Mar-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Laurent Bigot Assessor
20-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The parent media company of "Fake Off", called 20 Minutes, has its own code of ethics. We can find two different versions of it :
https://www.20minutes.fr/medias/8110-20060220-charte-20minutes
It contains references to an honest and open corrections policy:
"If erroneous information has been published, it must be corrected as soon as possible. [ADDED MAY 12, 2021) 20 Minutes applies the principles of transparent and honest correction defined by the IFCN Poynter. Corrections are brought to the attention of the reader in a clear and formal manner. Details of our correction policy are available here."
"Providing reliable, quality and free information to our readers is the commitment of 20 Minutes. Sometimes, however, the error slips through. In accordance with our charter and the code of good practice of the International fact-checking network (IFCN), we undertake to rectify our errors and to indicate these rectifications. Mention of these corrections appears at the beginning of the article, in bolder type than the body of the text, with details of the corrections. The title may also be modified in certain cases. We have had this policy since 2017."