Organization: Action for Democratic Society (ADS) / hibrid.info
Applicant: Shkelzen Osmani
Assessor: Jeton Mehmeti
Background
Hibrid.info is a Kosovo based fact-checking media platform. Although not registered with the same name, hibrid.info is part of a legally registered non-governmental organization called Action for Democratic Society. The link to the parent organization is clearly stated in its website. The fact-checking mission of hibrid.info targets mainly media that published disinformation and fake news. Fact checks are published on weekly basis exceed the IFCN minimum requirement of one fact-check per week.
Assessment Conclusion
The application submitted by the applicant, along with required attachments, show that the applicant fulfills the criteria to be an IFCN signatory. The website of hibrid.info contains information about fact-checking methodology, ownership and editorial transparency, as well as correction and complains policy. The assessment of a random sample of fact-checks published over the six-month period prior to application, show that there is proof in each article regarding the origin of the claim and the new evidence to refute it. Moreover, each fact-check is labeled according to a specific category. Overall, the topics covered by the applicant appear to be of interest for the wellbeing of individuals and the society.
Jeton Mehmeti assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
Aplkacioni i hibrid.info dhe mostra e publikimeve të dorëzuara, deshmojnë se organizata në fjalë i plotëson standardet e kërkuara nga IFCN për të qenë pjesë e rrjetit global të organizatave që kanë për mision verifikimin e fakteve. Kjo nënkupton se hibri.info ka dëshmuar se i plotëson kriteret e IFCN-së mbi raportimin fer dhe pa anime, u ofron lexuesëve sqarime të mjaftueshme mbi metodologjinë që përdor për verifikimin e lajmeve, duke ofruar edhe transparencë të mjaftueshme redaksionale. Përfundimi i këtij vlerësimi është që aplikacioni i hibrid.info është në përputhje me parimet e IFCN-së.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has attached the NGO Registration Certificate which shows that the Action for Democratic Society (ADS) is a registered as a non-governmental organization. Moreover, the website section "About Us", provides details that "hibrid.info" is part of ADS with the main mission being fact-checking.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
1. The aim of the platform is to provide a contribution to accurate fact-based information through the fact-checking analysis presented in the media and other publications in order to prevent and reduce the impact of "sensational" political news, conspiracy, and pseudoscience theories, as well as other misinformation content.
2. Currently, Hibrid.info is composed of 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 analysis per day;
- Producing and posting videos on social networks;
- Publication of info-graphics on social networks.
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 articles;
- Increasing the number of fact-checking reports from other media outlets (debunking fake news);
- 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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has provided sufficient explanation and proof for being a fact-checker. The link provided also shows the number and profile of the people working in the organization. Moreover, the nature of activities is also explained as well as the ambitious goals for the upcoming year.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
Hibird.info has published around 14 fact checks per week for more than 6 months since its inception in February 2021.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The factchecking articles published by hibrid.info show that the applicant meets the minimum requirement of publishing on fact check a week over the course of six months prior to application.
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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
A random sampling of fact checks published over the course of three months (May 2021-July 2021) show that the majority of claims are "public interest" issues i.e. issues that concern the wellbeing of individuals or the welfare of the society in general. The focus of many articles is related to COVID-19 issues, such as side effects of vaccines.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Hibrid.info is aiming to get funds primarily from foreign donors (international independent donors, foreign embassies, or ministries of foreign affairs), 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 staff management of the platform for maintaining operational independence.
Since the time of launch as a project (about 1 year), hibrid.info staff operates on a voluntary basis. The staff engaged in hibrid.info have already achieved significant experience in control and analysis of facts in the "Post-hock" approach. However, apart from the passion they have for this job, they do not receive any financial reward. The team is composed also of lecturers and researchers, which are acting as collaborators with their goodwill to contribute to this project, considering it as a useful initiative for the Kosovo audience.
It is worth mentioning that hibrid.info is at the final phase of implementing a project in cooperation with the Balkan Media Assistance Program (BMAP), funded by USAID costing $ 5,000. This financial support is intended only for building a media literacy online platform, named “Checkkos”, which will be launched this august.
Further details are available in the section “Rreth hibrid.info” (About hibrid.info) - https://hibrid.info/rreth-hibrid-info/.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant explains in the website om the "About Us" section the financial steams. It claims to do fact-checking on voluntary basis and the only income is a USAID funded project on building a media literacy platform worth USD 5,000.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Hibrid.info does not receive funds from Kosovo’s state institutions or political parties. Given the platform started to operate in May 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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The link provided shows information about the financial sources and the editorial policies of the organization to be objective and impartial regardless of the funding sources.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
In the framework of a nine-month period of operational works of hibrid.info from May 2020 to January 2021, in total 772 publications have been posted by the platform, thus a weekly average of publications is around 12-13 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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has covered a variety of topics and has scrutinized claims coming from different political parties and institutions. The attached list of fact checks shows that overall the same standards of evidence have been used. The methodology section in the website contains sufficient information on the whole fact checking standards applied by the applicant.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
Details on this particular issue are available in the section “Metodologjia” (Methodology) available at the following link: https://hibrid.info/metodologjia/.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The website contains a specific section on the methodology. The process of selecting claims is clearly explained, including the type of people and media whose claims/stories are under scrutiny. the process of verification, and the varieties of label/categories used for fact checks by the applicant.
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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The sample of fact checks used for this assessment, show that the applicant uses the same standards to very news published by a variety of media or claims made by different political figures. The applicant discloses in its fact checks relevant interests of the sources it quotes. and provides an analysis justifying its conclusion on the accuracy of news.
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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fact checks published by the applicant are diverse in terms of ideological and political lines. There is no evidence that the applicant is an organization affiliated with 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.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years 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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The applicant has attached an internal document "Code of Ethics", which is a policy manual for non-partisanship for the staff. The same policies are also mentioned in the website, section about us. The "Code of Ethics" shared by the applicant states that: "Personnel of the platform shall not be involved or engaged in political entities/parties and business activities." However, it is recommended the applicant pays attention to the following guideline if it intends to remain an IFCN signatory "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."
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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Each fact check contains the link to the original story or more than a link in case the same story was published from different media. This allows users to see for themselves the original version of each claim.
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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Each article is based on evidence , both with regard to the link of the original story under review as well as to the evidence refuting the claim of that story. In every case a link is provided to reach out to the evidence.
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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
A sample of fact checks used for this assessment shows that the applicant checks key claims against more than one source, with the exception where the one source is the only source relevant on the topic. Typically, two sources are used as evidence in key claims. In addition, the applicant provides an analysis on the background of the story.
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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The relevance of the sources is important and it is evident in fact--checks published by the applicant.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years 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/. Additionally, kindly find attached the document.
Apart from the USAID-funded Balkan Media Assistance Program (BMAP) project, hibrid.info has not received other supporting grants. Moreover, ADS has not provided other support for hibrid.info except the latter. This means that the activities of hibrid.info are mainly on a voluntary basis.
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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The website explains the legal form in which the organization is registered. It shows that hibrid.info is a project of the Action for Democratic Society (ADS), which is a non-governmental organization in Kosovo. It also explains that the fact-checking activities of hibrid.info are done on voluntary basis. However, the website contains information that the organization has received funding from USAID for a six-month project in 2021 worth USD 5,000. This is the only source of funding published by the applicant for the previous financial year.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years 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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has created a special extension to its website explaining the relationship between hibrid.info as a project of the organization called ADS. This section explains that hibrid.info started in June 2020 as a fact-checking platform, while ADS was established in 2010 as a non-governmental organization. The same link provides details about the ownership and the organizational structure.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years 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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The "Impresum" section of the website, contains the names of the staff as well as their positions, which is also an indicator on how and by whom 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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Details on this particular issue are available in the sections "Impresumi" (Editorial Team) and ADS, available at the following links:
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Staff biographies are available on the website as well as their particular roles in the organization.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years 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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The links provided by the applicant show multiple ways how the public can reach out to the editorial team, including website and social media channels.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
Details on this particular issue are available in the section “Metodologjia” (Methodology) - https://hibrid.info/metodologjia/.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The methodology section on the website contains information on how the applicant selects, writes and categorizes the claims for fact-checks.
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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The sample used for this assessment shows that the same methodology is used in selecting, researching, writing and publishing fact checks. The relevance of the selected topics/claims is also explained in the analysis part of the publication. This gives the audience additional information on the topic. Topics vary from COVID-19 news to show biz information.
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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant sets out relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it. Links to the original article are available as well as links to the new evidence, along with a conclusion that summarizes for the public the nature of the story.
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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Published stories across local and international media are targets of fact-check verification. A variety of sources are also used for fact-checking. Moreover, different political figures, representing different political parties appear to be subjects of fact-checks.
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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In some of the cases used as a sample for this assessment, the claims come directly from people under scrutiny, i.e. they are published in their official Facebook page or Twitter. In other cases, statements are taken from published articles/stories, for which the source is provided as a reference.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years 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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The website has a specific section that invites users to send in claims to check.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years 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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
There is a specific section in the website about correction and complains which encourages people/media who are subject of fact-checking to send in claims and complains for correction. Further, this section explains how the correction part will appear in case there is evidence on mistakes 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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The correction policy suggests that in case new evidence is put forward by the complaining side, the correction will be published within a day and will be visible in text as well as indicative on the date the correction was made.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
No correction request has been made so far of the “hibird.info” work activities. N/A. “Hibrid.info” is not an existing signatory of IFCN.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The applicant claims that no correction request has been made in the previous year and this is stated in the application.
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
“Hibrid.info” is not an existing signatory of IFCN.
Jeton Mehmeti Assessor
30-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is not an existing signatory of IFCN. If hibrid.info becomes an IFCN signatory, the following guideline should be taken into consideration: "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."
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
01-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years 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-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Although hibrid.info is not part of a media company, the link provided offers information about the parent organization (ADS) and its legal status.