Organization: Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
Applicant: Shkelzen Osmani
Assessor: Jeton Mehmeti
Background
The Kosovo registered non-profit organization, Action for Democratic Society/hibrid.info, specializes in fact checking of news and statements related to the Kosovo context. In addition to fact checking, this organization is engaged in other media literacy programs. Nevertheless, fact checking constitutes the core activity of this organization. Over the years, they have managed to increase their number of staff, activities and donors. They are mostly depended on grants from international donors.
Assessment Conclusion
As fact checking is the main activity of this organization, they have managed to exceed the IFCN minimum criteria of publishing fact checks per week. Indeed, they manage to publish a few fact checks per day. Although most fact checks are brief in analysis, they follow the IFCN Code in terms of evidence, accuracy, and transparency. The work methodology is well explained in their website, as well as the names and editorial responsibilities of the staff members. The correction policies are well explained too, inviting users to send in claims for fact checks as well as to contact directly IFCN should they feel that the IFCN Code has been violated. Overall, this assessment shows that hibrid.info fulfills the IFCN Code of Principle.
Jeton Mehmeti assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
Duke qenë se kontrollimi i fakteve është aktiviteti kryesor i aplikuesit, ata kanë arritur të tejkalojnë kriteret minimale të IFCN-së për publikimin e artikujve gjate nje jave. Në të vërtetë, ata arrijnë të publikojnë disa artikuj në ditë. Megjithëse shumica e artikujve janë të shkurtra në analizë, ato ndjekin Kodin e IFCN-së për sa i përket provave, saktësisë dhe transparencës. Metodologjia e punës është shpjeguar mirë në faqen e tyre të internetit, si dhe emrat dhe përgjegjësitë editoriale të anëtarëve të stafit. Politikat e korrigjimit janë gjithashtu të shpjeguara mirë, duke i ftuar përdoruesit të dërgojnë pretendime për kontrolle faktesh si dhe të kontaktojnë drejtpërdrejt me IFCN-në nëse mendojnë se Kodi i IFCN-së është shkelur. Në përgjithësi, ky vlerësim tregon se hibrid.info përmbush Kodin e Parimit të IFCN.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has shared evidence with IFCN confirming that it is a legally registered organization in Kosovo. The same information is also available in their website. The 'about us' section provides information about their legal statute, their mission, work methodology, editorial team and contact information.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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?
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago)
1. The aim of the platform is to contribute to accurate fact-based information through the fact-checking analysis presented in the media and other publications to prevent and reduce the impact of "sensational" political news, conspiracy, and pseudoscience theories, as well as other misinformation content.
2. Currently, Hibrid.info comprises 3 full-time staffers and 2 part-time advisors, including Editor-in-Chief, Editor, Researcher, and two External Associates. All the staffers are working on a volunteer basis. For more information, kindly refer to the following link: https://hibrid.info/impresumi/
3. Other related activities of the fact-checking outlet include:
- Daily media monitoring;
- Daily research activities on media and other publications;
- Fact-checking publications for selected items according to random sample;
- Publication of about 3 fact-checking analyses per day;
- Producing and posting videos on social networks;
- Publication of info-graphics on social networks;
- Publishing monthly monitoring reports on the information disorder (see example https://hibrid.info/raporti-monitorues-i-keqinformimit-per-muajin-nentor/ );
- Publishing regular misinformation narrative analyses (see example https://hibrid.info/narrativi-dezinformues-per-debimin-e-serbeve-nga-vendbanimet-e-tyre/ )
- Publishing reports on the impact of geopolitical developments on the information/communication environment (see example https://hibrid.info/english-version-of-the-report/ );
- Advocacy in enhancing digital and media literacy knowledge/skills through publishing education and information articles on a regular basis;
- Advocacy in enhancing digital and media literacy through media appearance;
- Advocacy in enhancing digital and media literacy knowledge/skills through training (training for students, young journalists, and senior journalists):
- Advocacy in improving the media, information, and communication environment;
- Impact on improving the state of information through networking with national, regional, and international stakeholders;
- Participation and contribution to national, regional, and international conferences...
4. The fact-checking goals of our outlet for the upcoming year are as follows:
- Increasing internal capacities in terms of monitoring and research component;
- Increasing internal staff by recruiting researchers and monitoring officers;
- Increasing investments in capacity building;
- Expanding the coverage of monitoring activities on a wide range of media outlets in the country and abroad;
- Increasing the number of fact-checking reports from other media outlets (debunking misinformation);
- Increasing the number of training for young journalists in in-depth investigative journalism and fact-checking;
- Increasing the quality of video production, web productions, and info-graphics of fact-checking publications...
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has demonstrated that the organization is established exclusively as a fact checking organization. This mission is clearly explained in their website, which in addition to fact checking of daily news published in online media, is also engaged in other activities related to debunking fake news, contacting trainings on identifying disinformation and providing media literacy courses.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Hibird.info has published around 14-18 fact checks per week for more than 6 months (from July 2022), prior to this application.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
There is evidence which shows that the applicant has exceeded the minimum of publishing one fact check per week over the course of the past six months. Their weekly average is over ten publications. Not all publications provide detailed analysis. However, it is clear that the team works on daily basis in identifying and debunking fake news, misinformation and disinformation.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
It is safe to assume that over 75% of published articles tackle issues that are essential for the well-being of Kosovo citizens. Such topics include information related to health, security, democracy, transparency, social and economic welfare of citizens. A lot of stories published by the applicant are also related to the war in Ukraine. News on inter-ethnic relations between Kosovo and Serbia are also a target of many published articles. Lastly, the organization has also targeted misinformation spread through Tiktok videos.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Hibrid.info is aiming to get funds primarily from western established democracies' foreign donors (western organizations, embassies, and similar), not excluding state donors who would not influence editorial independence in terms of non-partisanship and impartiality policies. This does not imply that hibird.info would not receive funds from Kosovo’s state donors, however, it should be well-examined by internal governing bodies and management of the platform for maintaining operational independence.
ADS and hibrid.info is currently implementing the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) funded project "Promoting Objective Journalism and Countering Disinformation". The total fund of the project is 45,000 USD.
Further details are available in the section “Rreth hibrid.info” (About hibrid.info) - https://hibrid.info/rreth-hibrid-info/.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has published in its website information about the sources of funding. There is no information that the applicant receives any funding from state or political entities. The applicant claims that the only financial income currently is a grant provided by an international donor. Nevertheless, there is no financial or audit report shared with IFCN or published in the website.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Hibrid.info does not receive funds from Kosovo’s state institutions or political parties. Given the platform started to operate in 2020, at present we are funded solely by international donors (see section 1.5).
Further details are available in the section “Rreth hibrid.info” (About hibrid.info) - https://hibrid.info/rreth-hibrid-info/.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has indicated the sources of funding in its website, indicating the name of the donor and the amount of the grant. There is also sufficient information in the 'about us' section on how the applicant ensures that the editorial independence is not affected by the donor.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In the framework of a period of the last six months - July 2022 to December 2022, in total 509 publications have been posted by the platform. About 90 percent of these publications are fact-checking debunks. Thus a weekly average of publications is around 14-18 fact checks. Kindly see the attached excel document listing a summary of the most important fact checks during this period of time.
Fact-checking publications conducted by hibrid.info are based mainly on media publications (post hoc). If publications affect a certain individual or party, we verify them by searching at other available publications, followed by relevant links. Claims presented on all fact checks published on hibrid.info are faced by more than two credible sources which are available in the online format.
All fact checks published on hibrid.info are accompanied by analysis and assessment justification.
Further details are available in the section “Metodologjia” (Methodology) - https://hibrid.info/metodologjia/.
In addition, more details on these related issues are available in the section “Rreth hibrid.info” (About hibrid.info) - https://hibrid.info/rreth-hibrid-info/.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The sample of fact checks show that each publication uses the same standards of evidence, regardless who made the claims. The evidence is provided as a hyperlink that leads to the original sources. This allows users to see the evidence and draw conclusions about the story. There is no evidence to suggest that the organization is subjective or demonstrates partisanship towards a political entity.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Details on this particular issue are available in the sections “Metodologjia” (Methodology) and "Rreth hibrid.info" (About hibrid.info) available at the following links: https://hibrid.info/metodologjia/ https://hibrid.info/rreth-hibrid-info/
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The methodology of selecting claims for fact checks, the use of evidence, the categories used to label each fact checks and the correction methodology are all explained in the special section of the website called "methodology".
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The evidence provided in fact checks is self-explanatory in most cases as links to video, statements, or documents are provided. Tiktok video are used more frequently as a source of disinformation. The applicant makes these videos available by including in the text. Furthermore, evidence is provided on how such videos have been manipulated. In the end, each articles contains a conclusion which explains to the reader the truth behind each story based on evidence.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
A review of the fact checks published by this organization over the last year, shows no indication that the organization supports a political party or a political figure. The issues covered by the organization seem to be in the interest of the public rather than in the interest of a specific political entity.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago)
Details on this particular issue are available in the section "Rreth hibrid.info" (About hibrid.info) available at the following link: https://hibrid.info/rreth-hibrid-info/.
Additionally, kindly see attached the Code of Ethics of "hibrid.info".
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has shared with IFCN the Code of Ethics that applies to the staff members, including full time staff, part time staff and external associates. The Code contains policies on non-partisanship for staff. The same policies are also explained in the website in the "about us" section.
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Each fact check has a number of sources that are relevant to the story. Each source is accessible by the user. Links can lead to video, Facebook statements, Tiktok or Youtube video, or other relevant documents. This allows users to replicate the work of the organization if they wish and reach their own conclusions. For clarity, many sources are also used as a snap picture in addition to the hyperlink that leads to the source.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
A sample of fact checks analyzed for the purpose of this assessment, shows a variety of sources of evidence used. Overall fact checks are built on primary sources. A lot of news are related to the war in Ukraine. In this case Russian media outlets are identified as a source of disinformation and when applicable they are also included in the article.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Most fact checks are brief in terms of analysis, however, they typically contain more than one source of evidence.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The methodology used by this organization includes the analysis part of each fact check. This way, explanations are given in terms of the relevance of the issue and the relevance of the evidence used for or against the new story. The target of fact checks are often other media outlets, local or international, who publish misinformation or disinformation that are relevant for the Kosovo audience.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Hibrid.info is an online fact-checking platform operating within the Action for Democratic Society (ADS), a non-governmental organization based in Kosovo. Further information can be found in the section "Rreth hibrid.info" (About hibrid.info) available at the following link: https://hibrid.info/rreth-hibrid-info/.
More information can be found in the sections “Rreth hibrid.info” (About hibrid.info) and ADS. Kindly see the links below:
https://hibrid.info/rreth-hibrid-info/.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has shared with IFCN the certificate of registration, which shows that the organization is legally registered as a non-profit organization in Kosovo. The legal status is also explained in the website, along with the mission and activities of the organization. The website also contains information related to the sources of funding. It shows the main donors per year and the amount of grant per year. The applicant has not shared with the IFCN or on the website the financial report for the previous year. Therefore this assessment is limited to only what the applicant has shared in their website.
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Details on this particular issue are available in the section "Rreth hibrid.info" (About hibrid.info) and ADS, available at the following links:
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
There is a section in the website that explains the legal form in which the organization is registered. The "about us' section of the website also lists the financial income from donors, by disclosing the name of the donor, the amount of the grant and the time-frame of the grant. It appears that the organization is currently implementing only one grant, the NED grant. There is no document however in the website that shows detailed financial income of the organization per year.
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Details on this particular issue are available in the section "Impresumi" (Editorial Team) available at the following link: https://hibrid.info/impresumi/.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The editorial team is well covered in the website. The names of all staff members are provided along with their resumes. There is also sufficient information about the organizational structure and how the editorial control is exercised.
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Details on this particular issue are available in the section "Rreth hibrid.info" (About hibrid.info) and ADS, available at the following links:
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
There is a section in the website that contains the biographies of all staff members. From the executive director, to editors, journalist and external advisors, biographies are given in details.
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Users and audience can communicate with the team of hibrid.info through the following channels:
- Section “Kontakti” (Contact) - https://hibrid.info/kontakti/
- Pop-up section “Raporto” (Report) located on the platform’s website - https://hibrid.info/
- Social media – Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The website contains a section that encourages users to contact the organization. Users are given the option to contact the organization through the given telephone and email address, through social networks as well as through the pop-up section where users can send in a complain. There are various options to contact the organization.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago)
Details on this particular issue are available in the section “Metodologjia” (Methodology) - https://hibrid.info/metodologjia/
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The work methodology is published in the website. It provides information on which media and sources of news are target of fact checking, how the process is conducted, which sources are used as evidence, which are the key elements that are checked, what are the categories used for labeling the truthfulness of the story. Overall, it the methodology section in the website is quite detailed with information.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
From a random sample of fact checks, it appears that the applicant selects topics that have or could have an impact on the well-being of the society. A significant number of fact checks are news related to security, which is an important element related to the impact of the war in Ukraine over Kosovo. Other claims selected for fact checks are related to the democratic processes, transparency of decision makers, economic and social welfare. One example of debunking fake news as identified by the applicant includes a story where the roof collapsed allegedly in a newly open shopping mall in Pristina, while the event happened in Latin America. Overall, the topics covered by the applicant are timely and relevant for the society.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Fact checks published by the applicant contain enough evidence to support the claim as well as evidence that appear to undermine it. This is done by providing direct links to the source of the story as well as direct links to the evidence that show the truth behind the story. It is safe to say that all evidence is well clarified and easily accessed by the user.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
A random sample of fact checks published over the course of last year, show that the same high standards for selecting evidence are applied. This organization has already established a working methodology that follows the same steps from selecting a topic, to analyzing it and labeling the truthfulness of it.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Most fact checks published by the applicant use self-explanatory evidence. Sources of evidence used are clearly identified and allow the user to check for himself/herself. Claims made by the public authorities are clearly stated, as they are taken from their social networks (Facebook, Twitter) or they are taken from a video which is public. This way, contacting those who made the claims is rarely used since the applicant typically selects claims that are already made public through different media channels.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Hibrid.info has a specific tool section titled “Raporto” (Report) encouraging users and readers can send in claims to check. This section is located on the right upper side of the homepage: https://hibrid.info/.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
There is a section in the website where users can be informed on how to send in claims. The methodology section on the other hand explains how the process is done. This way users are informed what can be fact-checked and what isn't fact-checkable.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Details on this particular issue are available in the section “Korrigjime dhe demante” (Corrections and complaints) - https://hibrid.info/korrigjime-dhe-demante/.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
There is a separate section in the website called corrections and complains that encourages users to send in claims and evidence should they feel that a fact check story is incorrect. This section further explains how an edited story will appear and how it will be clear to the reader when such interventions are made.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The correction policy states that in case a publication is challenged and new evidence is provided, the organization will make the necessary changes within a day, unless the organization feels that further evidence is needed. This section further explains the three steps that will be takes when corrections take place, namely the editing will be done in the original article, new text will be added with the new evidence, and the information will be added explaining that the article has been edited and the date of the latest edit will appear.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
No correction request has been made so far for the “hibird.info” work activities.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has stated that no correction request has been made in the previous year and there are no edited fact checks published in the website in the previous year.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The link that informs users about the IFCN is located at the bottom of the website. https://ifcncodeofprinciples.poynter.org/profile/adshibridinfo
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The IFCN logo is visible in the website, which leads you to the IFCN complains site. There is information provided to inform users that if they believe the applicant is violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN of this.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Jeton Mehmeti.
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.
Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
12-Jan-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
“Hibrid.info” is not part of a media company as it operates in the framework of the Action for Democratic Society, NGO based in Kosovo. Kindly see a link below:
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Apr-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
This organization is not a unit of a media company. It is registered as a non-profit organization under the Action for Democratic Society in Kosovo.