Aos Fatos is a journalistic company trading name. It is registered under the CNPJ 22.408.117/0001-41 as news agency. Reference: https://www.aosfatos.org/termos-de-uso/

Aos Fatos is a widely recognized Brazilian fact-checking organization that has been active in the field for nearly a decade. It is formally registered as a for-profit company, specifically as a micro-enterprise operating under the name "Tn Agencia de Noticias LTDA." The organization is registered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. See link: https://cnpj.biz/22408117000141

Aos Fatos is a Brazilian award-winning journalistic organization launched in July 2015. Aos Fatos has grown to be one of the most innovative outlets in Latin American journalism. Its tech-savvy team of 20+ multidisciplinary professionals (https://www.aosfatos.org/nossa-equipe/) adds automation solutions to a creative approach. Within the team, there are journalists, data scientists, developers, and product-thinking specialists.

The combination of journalism, social media engagement, technology and design results in groundbreaking tools to tackle misinformation, such as an algorithm that automatically monitors disinformation campaigns, conversational and monitoring bots, AI-assisted tools and new audiovisual formats.

The team also conducts state-of-the-art investigative work against disinformation campaigns that challenge Brazil's democratic institutions. Aos Fatos also builds automation solutions in order to improve our work, such as Escriba, a very accurate transcription tool, and Fátima, our famous chatbot for Telegram and WhatsApp. Recently, Aos Fatos applied LLMs to its chatbots, creating a potentially revolutionary tool for combatting disinformation. 

In 2024, Aos Fatos aims to cover Brazil's local elections, as well as expand generative AI models to our productivity and monitoring tools.

Aos Fatos is an award-winning journalistic organization based in Brazil, launched in July 2015. Over this almost a decade, the fact-checking organizations has evolved into one of the most technological innovative outlets in Latin American journalism. The outlet boasts a tech-savvy approach by relying on more than 20 multidisciplinary professionals, as shown on their team page (https://www.aosfatos.org/nossa-equipe/). This diverse team includes journalists, data scientists, linguists, developers, and specialists in product thinking, combining automation solutions with a creative approach to their work.

Consequently, the organization has become a pioneer in the utilization of emerging technologies, including LLM. This year, Aos Fatos introduced its renowned bot, Fátima, which has been deployed across various platforms. Leveraging LLM, the new bot Fátima aims to play a crucial role in combating mis- and disinformation in the country by providing a tool for more friendly conversations.

According to the team, the goal is continue to invest in AI tools to assist their productivity and quality of work aiming the Brazilian local elections in 2024.

All of Aos Fatos' fact-checks can be seen in one place: https://aosfatos.org/noticias/

Aos Fatos has provided a link to its fact-checks, showcasing a consistent track record of publishing more than one article per week over the course of twelve months. Therefore, the applicant exceeds the minimum requirement of publishing at least one fact-check per week.

Aos Fatos never received funding from governments nor from politicians or political parties in Brazil or elsewhere.

Aos Fatos collaborates with the Superior Tribunal Eleitoral from Brazil and public TVs such as TV Cultura from São Paulo. They republish Aos Fatos' content for free.

You can see more information about Aos Fatos' projects here:

https://www.aosfatos.org/aos-fatos-lab/

Aos Fatos conducts fact-checks that cover a broad range of subjects, including politics, health, the economy, and societal issues. These fact-checks are relevant to current news events, not only within Brazil but also extending to the United States, Latin America, and globally. Additionally, as stated by the applicant, Aos Fatos collaborates with Brazil's Superior Tribunal Eleitoral and public service television channels such as TV Cultura from São Paulo to freely republish their content.

It doesn't.

According to the applicant, the organization has no commercial, financial, or institutional relationships with the state, politicians, or political parties. No evidence was found.

It doesn't.

The applicant has never received funding from governments, politicians, or political parties in Brazil or elsewhere. However, it is important to highlight that Aos Fatos has editorial partnerships with Meta, Telegram, and Kwai to fact-check viral content on these platforms. Additionally, the organization has a collaboration with the news portal Terra to republish its content. Aos Fatos has also received foreign grants, potentially from platforms like Meta and Google, as well as philanthropic institutions like IFCJ, to support the development of some of their innovative projects. It is recommended that the organization includes details about these collaborations and grants on their About page for enhanced transparency (https://www.aosfatos.org/quem-somos/).

Each link listed here has a different main character and complies with our policy of fact-checking as many different topics and politicians as possible, without leading to false equivalences and a biased coverage.

1. Hamas-Israel war: https://www.aosfatos.org/noticias/cenas-videogame-nao-ataque-israel-hamas/

2. Argentinian candidate Sergio Massa: https://www.aosfatos.org/noticias/falso-video-sergio-massa-cocaina/

3. Lula + anti-LGBTQ agenda: https://www.aosfatos.org/noticias/falso-banheiros-unissex-escolas/

4. Marina Silva, Brazil's environment minister: https://www.aosfatos.org/noticias/bolsa-marina-silva-visita-rio-grande-do-sul/

5. Rui Costa, Brazil's domestic affairs minister: https://www.aosfatos.org/noticias/rui-costa-letalidade-policial-bahia/

6. Pope Francis + climate changes: https://www.aosfatos.org/noticias/falso-papa-francisco-sacrificar-alcoolatras/

7. Supreme Court justice + election fraud: https://www.aosfatos.org/noticias/video-nunes-marques-urnas-fraudadas-voto-fora-de-contexto/

8. Lula: https://www.aosfatos.org/noticias/lula-falseia-dados-divida-paises-africanos/

9. Vaccines: https://www.aosfatos.org/noticias/oms-nao-disse-que-vacinas-nao-sao-necessarias/

10. Digital fraud: https://www.aosfatos.org/noticias/posts-inventam-leilao-de-smartphones-pelos-correios-para-aplicar-golpe/

As requested, Aos Fatos has effectively demonstrated its non-partisanship by providing ten instances of fact-checks conducted on political leaders and parties across the entire political spectrum in Brazil and beyond.

The evidence gathered for this assessment suggests that Aos Fatos extends its coverage beyond political parties, addressing public concerns such as vaccines, war, and digital fraud, as well as scrutinizing other power institutions like the Supreme Court of Justice. The organization consistently maintains high evidentiary standards when evaluating claims from various ideological backgrounds.

Moreover, it is evident that Aos Fatos strives to utilize a diverse range of sources to verify claims, allowing the available evidence to dictate their conclusions. According to its approach, the organizations exclusively fact-checks content that has achieved virality, holds significant visibility, or has the potential to cause harm.

https://www.aosfatos.org/nosso-m%C3%A9todo/

According to the information available on Aos Fatos's website, the organization adheres to consistent standards of verification for all rumors, with conclusions guided by the evidence. The team fact-checks statements from authorities and influencers, as well as rumors, photographs, videos, audio recordings, graphics, pamphlets, drawings, and other forms of media.

Before publication on the Aos Fatos website, any of these materials undergo a thorough review by at least two editors: one collaborates with the reporter to verify the consulted sources, while the second conducts the final revision, confirming the method's coherence.

The given instruction available at Aos Fatos's website is that journalists need to investigate, analyze, explain, and fact-check topics that are relevant to their audience and have a tangible impact on the lives of Brazilians. The sources used for these endeavors are required to be listed at the end of every published article on the website, accompanied by links, which are seem in their fact-checks.

Following a random review of fact-checks published since January 2023, no evidence of any commercial interests that could potentially influence the fact-checking activities of the applicant was found. The initiative appears to maintain journalistic neutrality by consistently disclosing relevant interests associated with the sources referenced in its fact-checks. This transparency allows readers to reasonably assess whether these interests might impact the accuracy of the evidence presented.

After conducting a random review of fact-checks published since January 2023, no affiliations with any political party, politicians, or political candidates were identified. Furthermore, there is no apparent advocacy in favor of or against specific policy positions found within the fact-checks. The fact-checks cover a broad political spectrum, including viewpoints from the extremes, encompassing both far-right and far-left perspectives.

https://www.aosfatos.org/nosso-m%C3%A9todo/

As per your request, Aos Fatos has a statement of non-partisanship in the provided link: "[A]ll journalists comprising the Aos Fatos team are subject to public scrutiny, expressly instructed not to endorse any form of political partisanship, either formally or informally. The team refrains from engaging in activism or expressing preferences, actively encouraged to listen to all perspectives. Any behavior conflicting with the pursuit of impartiality and diversity is not in line with Aos Fatos' philosophy or editorial stance." ([T]odos os jornalistas que integram a equipe do Aos Fatos estão sob escrutínio público, de modo que são expressamente orientados a não endossar formal ou informalmente qualquer discurso político-partidário. A equipe não faz militância nem manifesta preferência — ela é estimulada a ouvir todos os lados. Qualquer comportamento destoante da busca pela isenção e da pluralidade não faz parte da filosofia do Aos Fatos, tampouco de sua linha editorial).

By analyzing a randomized sample, I can verify that Aos Fatos extensively includes links to substantiate its fact-checks. These references empower users to independently verify the pertinent information provided by this fact-checking initiative.

By analyzing a randomized sample, it becomes clear that Aos Fatos consistently supports its fact-checks with a diverse and relevant range of sources. When applicable, primary sources such as government entities and open data sources from official bodies are utilized. Furthermore, these reports reference secondary sources, mainly comprising news articles from well-established and reputable media outlets. These sources play a complementary role, either reinforcing the fact-checking conclusions or providing readers with additional context.

After conducting a random review of various fact-checks published in the past year, the overall evaluation for this criterion is positive. The applicant consistently verifies all essential aspects of claims by cross-referencing them with multiple identifiable sources of evidence, unless there is a situation where a single source is the sole relevant one on the subject.

Aos Fatos consistently discloses and provides context for the sources used, allowing readers to evaluate any relevant interests that might influence the fact-check. These sources are publicly accessible, and their significance in the verifications is apparent. Thus, the applicant demonstrates transparency and responsibility regarding the sources used, ensuring that they are identified along with any potential interests that could impact the conclusion of a fact-check.

Aos Fatos is a journalistic company trading name. It is registered as a news agency: https://www.aosfatos.org/termos-de-uso/

The applicant is identified as an independent for-profit organization, and this information is explicitly outlined on the website (registered name "TAINA NALON XAVIER AGENCIA DE NOTICIAIS", under the number 22.408.117/0001-41". In the "Termos de Uso" (Terms of Use) page, the organization details various funding sources. Among these, editorial partnerships with Meta, Telegram, and Kwai are established for fact-checking viral content on these platforms. Furthermore, Aos Fatos collaborates with the news portal Terra for the republication of its content. The organization has also received foreign grants, potentially from platforms like Meta and Google, as well as philanthropic institutions like IFCJ, to support the development of innovative projects. As previously mentioned, it is recommended that the organization includes details about these collaborations and grants on the website to enhance transparency.

https://www.aosfatos.org/quem-somos/

According to the provided link, Aos Fatos operates on a business strategy draw on three fronts: journalistic production, intelligence, and technology. Supporting this model is possible through a set of projects, products, and services that ensure financial sustainability for the company. These include:

- The Aos Fatos Mais supporters program (membership program);

- Editorial partnerships (as mentioned before, with platforms and Terra);

- Technology and intelligence products and services from Aos Fatos Lab, such as the Aos Fatos Radar and Escriba (generate revenue from subscription fees or services).

The organization has also received foreign grants, potentially being part of their revenue streams. As previously mentioned, it is recommended that the organization includes details about these collaborations and grants on the website to enhance transparency.

https://www.aosfatos.org/nossa-equipe/

https://aosfatos.org/nosso-m%C3%A9todo/

The link provided by the applicant outlines the organizational structure of the unit, providing a clear understanding of the editorial team members and their respective operational roles.

We do not disclose our team's biographies anymore due to online safety: https://www.aosfatos.org/nossa-equipe/

The applicant presents names and positions on the Our Team (Nossa equipe) page but does not provide professional bios. According to them, this precaution measure adopted to safety concerns arising from frequent attacks. As this has been a common point in previous applications, this is criterion is in complicance.

There are different instances:

1. WhatsApp and Telegram's chatbot: https://www.aosfatos.org/fatima/

2. Homepage: https://www.aosfatos.org/

3. Newsletters: https://mailchi.mp/aosfatos/aosfatos-form-190723

Based on the provided links, Aos Fatos offers convenient channels for audience communication, notably through Fatima, their WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger chatbots. On their website, a small button at the bottom of the page allows users to contact them via email (ouvidoria@aosfatos.org). However, I couldn't identify specific ways to directly communicate with the editorial team through the provided links.

https://www.aosfatos.org/nosso-m%C3%A9todo/

Aos Fatos's methodology is accessible through the provided link. On this page, the team outlines the types of content they fact-check. According to the information provided, the team adheres to consistent verification standards for all false or misleading content, allowing the evidence to guide their conclusions. Aos Fatos' journalists fact-check statements from authorities and influencers, as well as rumors, photos, videos, audio clips, graphics, pamphlets, drawings, and other media forms. This approach is adopted to ensure their audience verifies the authenticity of the content consumed on the internet and the accuracy of statements made by elected representatives. They prioritize fact-checking rumors with the potential to cause harm to groups and individuals based on their level of virality.

After conducting a random review of several fact-checks published by Aos Fatos, no instances of infringement have been identified. This suggests that the initiative aligns with this criterion by addressing matters of social significance and reach.

Based on a random sample, it is evident that Aos Fatos presents claims and arguments in a responsible manner. They provide relevant evidence both in favor of and against the claims in their fact-checks. There is no indication of varying fact-checking standards based on the source of the claim or the subject under scrutiny. The initiative appears to consistently apply the same fact-checking standards, irrespective of whether the claims are true, false or in between.

In the majority of randomly analyzed fact-checking reports, the authorship of the fact-checked statement is mentioned. In some cases, the reports include a statement made by the author of the claim, while in others, there is information indicating that the author could not be identified or did not respond to the questions from Aos Fatos' journalists. Additionally, some articles debunk misleading or false content without focusing on a specific author, targeting diverse pages and profiles instead.

Based on the random sample, no issues have been identified. The initiative consistently makes efforts to contact individuals who have made claims for clarification. However, it is acknowledged that in cases involving viral social media posts, this may not always be possible.

Aos Fatos uses WhatsApp and Telegram's chatbot Fátima (https://www.aosfatos.org/fatima/) as the center of our audience strategy. With over 35,000 users, managing such interactions with automation is the only way possible. Fátima provides on-demand fact-checks based on linguistic patterns and beta tests LLMs (long language models). All unsuccessful interactions are sent to a database for crowdsourcing brand-new disinformation patterns.

Aos Fatos relies on gathering claims sent by users via its chatbots, namely Fatima on WhatsApp and Telegram applications. These bots boast over 35,000 users and provide on-demand fact-checks based on linguistic patterns and beta tests with LLMs, according to the applicant. If a claim is not immediately found, it is added to a database for later verification. The chatbot is extensively promoted, and readers are actively encouraged to interact with it.

https://www.aosfatos.org/politica-de-erros/

The applicant has a well-defined correction policy in place. Users can report errors by sending an email to ouvidoria@aosfatos.org. This information is accessible through the "Errors Policy" (Política de erros) page.

The Aos Fatos team commits on their website to analyze all requests for corrections they receive. Upon confirming an error, the team proceeds to make the necessary changes on the page of the fact-checking story. If the correction substantially alters the originally given title of the article, Aos Fatos also commits to publicizing the corrected version on social media with a new title and the notice "CORREÇÃO" (CORRECTION). If the title of the material contains errors, the correction notice will also be incorporated into it.

Our correction policy is here, with details on how to proceed in case of mistakes made by our team: https://aosfatos.org/politica-de-erros/

We haven't received a correction request that was actually necessary in 2023. It's the first time it has happened though.

The applicant has not issued any corrections in 2023. According to the Aos Fatos team, this marks the first occurrence of such an event. When Aos Fatos makes an error, they rectify the information transparently: any report containing any degree of inaccuracy undergoes reevaluation, and once the error is confirmed, it is promptly corrected. In these cases, at the bottom of the article, there will always be an editor's note, specifying the day and time of the correction and detailing the information that was altered. The passage of the text in question will also indicate that its content has been modified.

https://www.aosfatos.org/politica-de-erros/

In the provided link, there is the following statement: "If you believe that Aos Fatos does not adhere to the guidelines of the International Fact-Checking Network, which ensures compliance with parameters of transparency regarding errors, sources, and funding, as well as non-partisanship and impartiality, please submit a complaint here" (Caso você acredite que Aos Fatos não está de acordo com as diretrizes da International Fact-Checking Network, que assegura o cumprimento de parâmetros de transparência de erros, fontes e financiamento, além de apartidarismo e isenção, envie uma reclamação aqui).

Not applicable.

Not applicable; the applicant is an independent organization.