Organization: Cotejo.Info
Applicant: Andres Cañizalez
Assessor: Ramón Salaverría
Background
Founded in 2016, Cotejo.info is the first Venezuelan fact-checking organization. It is bound to the NGO Medianálisis, a non-profit organization commited to media freedom in Venezuela.
Assessment Conclusion
Cotejo.info has made the requested improvements to solve the most relevant deficiencies detected in the first assessment. Specifically, in relation to the weakness referring to the breach of criterion 1.3, they have explained that due to some technical problems at tagging articles, they ended having an apparently insufficient number of fact-checks over the period analyzed. The applicant provided a new list of fact-checks, that comprises 26 articles published over the period of 26 weeks (6 months) between February and July 2021, thus successfully complying the criterion 1.3.
Also, the applicant solved the minor deficiencies indicated for criterion 6.1, which upgraded to compliant in this round of assessment.
Since all the requested improvements and edits were properly implemented by the applicant, the recommendation to the IFCN board is to accept the application as compliant.
Ramón Salaverría assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
Fundada en 2016, Cotejo.info es la primera organización venezolana de verificación de datos. Está vinculada a la ONG Medianálisis, organización sin fines de lucro comprometida con la libertad de prensa en Venezuela.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago)
We keep a journalistic lens on public discourse. We are the first fact checking media in Venezuela created as part of NGO Medianálisis in June 2016, and subsequently we have acquired our own legal organization status since May 2019.
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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?
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
1. Since June 2016 we have been operating. This year we have been 5 years old.
2. Full time we have only one person. Three other people work part-time. External collaborators receive a modest payment for their articles.
3. We function as a small communication medium focused on verification and data journalism.
4. We are in the middle of a critical situation for our sustainability. Our greatest challenge is to continue operating
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Cotejo.info has presented, in full detail, information about:
1. The year (2016) when this fact-checking operation started.
2. The team composition: 1 full-time journalist, 3 part-time employees, and several paid collaborators.
3. The activities carried out by Cotejo, which are entirely focused on fact-checking and data journalism.
4. The main goal that this organization is pursuing in the forthcoming year, which is to ensure its financial sustainability in the midst of a very complex economic situation of Venezuela.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago)
July 2021
https://cotejo.info/2021/07/rivas-agua-cada-20-dias-mentira/
https://cotejo.info/2021/07/gobierno-no-hace-mantenimiento-quebradas-verdad/
https://cotejo.info/2021/07/oficialismo-prometio-14-hospitales-y-no-cumplio/
https://cotejo.info/2021/07/vacunacion-covid-19-eeuu-un-desastre-mentira/
https://cotejo.info/2021/07/problema-ddhh-venezuela-desapareciendo-mentira/
June 2021
https://cotejo.info/2021/06/maduro-matrimonio-lgbtiq-asamblea-nacional-media-verdad/
https://cotejo.info/2021/06/nanez-regular-rrss-no-es-ideologico/
https://cotejo.info/2021/06/olivares-carvativir-sin-base-cientifica-verdad/
https://cotejo.info/2021/06/salario-sector-publico-venezuela-cayo-99/
May 2021
https://cotejo.info/2021/05/gofundme-venezuela-guaido-media-verdad/
https://cotejo.info/2021/05/mentira-ministro-vacuna-covid-rapida-expedita-venezuela/
https://cotejo.info/2021/05/maestros-venezolanos-ganan-4-dolares-mensual/
April
https://cotejo.info/2021/04/alcalde-luis-reyes-mejora-distribucion-de-gas-iribarren/
https://cotejo.info/2021/04/dinero-venezolano-banco-inglaterra-para-vacunas-covid-mentira/
https://cotejo.info/2021/04/mentira-asia-villegas-voto-mujer/
https://cotejo.info/2021/04/vacunas-pediatricas-deficit-venezuela/
https://cotejo.info/2021/04/venezuela-crisis-economica-dolarizacion/
March 2021
https://cotejo.info/2021/03/capriles-venezuela-plan-vacunacion/
https://cotejo.info/2021/03/cifra-oficial-fallecidos-sector-salud-inconsistente/
https://cotejo.info/2021/03/retorno-a-clases-presenciales-sin-consenso/
https://cotejo.info/2021/03/venezuela-consume-menos-carne-en-sudamerica/
February 2021
https://cotejo.info/2021/02/cabello-venezuela-pais-politicamente-mas-estable/
https://cotejo.info/2021/02/fcu-ucv-prefieren-gastar-en-misiles-que-educacion/
https://cotejo.info/2021/02/maduro-pobreza-venezuela-mentira/
https://cotejo.info/2021/02/produccion-petrolera-vzla-disminuyo-2020/
https://cotejo.info/2021/02/allanamientos-inmunidad-diputados-anterior-an/
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In the first round of assessment, it was determined that the applicant did not meet this criterion due to the reasons explained below:
Cotejo.info publishes two types of fact-checking articles: in-depth fact-checks ('cotejado a fondo') and brief fact-checks ('cotejos breves'). Taking both types of articles into consideration, the breakdown of fact-checks published by the applicant over the course of the six months prior to the date of application is as follows:
February 2021: 3 articles
March 2021: 1 articles
April 2021: 3 articles
May 2021: 2 articles
June 2021: 3 articles
July 2021: 3 articles
The count of fact-checking articles published over 6 months (26 weeks) is, therefore, 15. This amount does not meet the requirement of publishing an average of at least one fact-check a week. Actually, in none of the six months has the applicant published one fact-check a week, and there has even been a month (March 2021) with just one fact-check published.
In addition to the in-depth and brief act-checking articles, Cotejo.info has also published several explanatory articles about data journalism and disinformation. However, these works are not fact-checking articles. Hence, the assessment of criterion 1.3 is non-compliant.
Upon reception of this negative assessment, the applicant explained that due to some technical problems at tagging articles, they ended up having an apparently insufficient number of fact-checks over the period analyzed. The applicant provided a new list of fact-checks, that comprised 26 articles published over the period of 26 weeks between February and July 2021, thus successfully meeting this criterion. Therefore, the assessment of this criterion was upgraded to compliant.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago)
https://cotejo.info/2021/05/mentira-ministro-vacuna-covid-rapida-expedita-venezuela/
https://cotejo.info/2021/04/mentira-asia-villegas-voto-mujer/
https://cotejo.info/2021/03/capriles-venezuela-plan-vacunacion/
https://cotejo.info/2021/02/maduro-pobreza-venezuela-mentira/
https://cotejo.info/2021/02/fcu-ucv-prefieren-gastar-en-misiles-que-educacion/
https://cotejo.info/2020/12/anc-no-cumplio-en-3-anos-y-4-meses-el-objetivo-de-su-instalacion/
https://cotejo.info/2020/09/carlos-albornoz-produccion-arroz/
https://cotejo.info/2020/09/carlos-alvarado-vacuna-rusa/
https://cotejo.info/2020/09/jesus-faria-sanciones/
https://cotejo.info/2020/09/indira-alfonzo-aumento-diputados/
https://cotejo.info/2020/08/el-aissami-vzla-situacion-economica-aventajada/
https://cotejo.info/2020/08/toneladas-proteina-animal-primer-semestre-2020/
https://cotejo.info/2020/07/plan-universidad-en-casa-90-por-ciento-estudiantes/
https://cotejo.info/2020/07/psuv-venezuela-construye-una-economia-solida-con-produccion-nacional/
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Over 75% of the fact-checks focus on claims related to issues that relate to or could have an impact on the welfare or well-being of individuals, the general public or society in Ecuador. Over twelve-month period assessed (Jul. 2020 - Jun. 2021), the topics comprise fact-checks such as economy, education and crime, although most of the fact-checks concentrated on covid-19 pandemic.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In its early years, Cotejo.Info has operated as an NGO Medianálisis project, without direct funding by other entities. Medianálisis is supported by several sources including professional consulting to companies, training workshops, and advisory services, among others.
In view of the prevailing climate of harassment against civil society organizations receiving foreign funding in Venezuela, Cotejo.Info management team has decided not to publish donations or contributions from abroad in cases when it considers that this could pose a risk to the organization itself or its sponsors.
Cotejo.Info is a nonpartisan organization
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In its 'about us' page (Qué somos [also availlable in English]),the applicant discloses that it has been promoted by Asociación Civil Medianálisis, a non-profit association commited to media freedom in Venezuela. That page does not provide details about the sources of funding. The applicant argues that "in view of the prevailing climate of harassment against civil society organizations receiving foreign funding in Venezuela, Cotejo.Info management team has decided not to publish donations or contributions from abroad in cases when it considers that this could pose a risk to the organization itself or its sponsors." In support of its decision, Cotejo.Info argues security reasons: a full disclosure of the fundings could lead to punishment from Venezuelan government.
Although these circumstances are mostly acceptable, all in all a clearer disclosure of funding sources, at least in general terms, would be advisable. In any case, considering the circumstances faced by this fact-checking organization in Venezuela, this criterion is assessed as compliant.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago)
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In the assessment made in 2020 of the applicant's first application to IFCN, some lack of detail was indicated as regards the funding information provided, thus suggesting some improvements in this aspect. For this second assessment, that same lack of detail remains. Nevertheless, this criterion is assessed as compliant, attending to the special circumstances explained in criterion 1.5.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
https://cotejo.info/2021/07/vacunacion-covid-19-eeuu-un-desastre-mentira/
https://cotejo.info/2021/07/problema-ddhh-venezuela-desapareciendo-mentira/
https://cotejo.info/2021/05/gofundme-venezuela-guaido-media-verdad/
https://cotejo.info/2021/04/alcalde-luis-reyes-mejora-distribucion-de-gas-iribarren/
https://cotejo.info/2021/02/cabello-venezuela-pais-politicamente-mas-estable/
https://cotejo.info/2020/11/cilia-flores-cotejo-sabotaje/
https://cotejo.info/2020/10/jose-manuel-olivares-plasma-covid19/
https://cotejo.info/2020/09/diosdado-muertes-xmillon-hab/
https://cotejo.info/2020/09/estado-de-alarma-debido-proceso/
https://cotejo.info/2020/08/acfiman-1000-contagios-diarios-de-covid-19/
Our fact checkers follow this procedure to produce their texts, data visualizations, and multimedia content:
1) Selection of the public statement phrase or data to be checked or verified;
2) Fact checking from the original source supporting this phrase or data (in the video, audio, or text format published). The original source is verified and, in keeping with our principles of transparency, presented to the reader;
3) Comparison of the information from the original source against what has been stated by other official sources related to the subject being investigated (for example, if the president of the republic gives information on oil production in Venezuela, what has been stated in this regard by state-owned oil corporation PDVSA, the Oil Ministry, the Venezuela’s representative at OPEC, the communications vice president and the executive cabinet vice president on economic affairs is also investigated). In Venezuela, as is widely known, official sources are currently very limited due to the opacity, lack of transparency, and concealment of data prevailing as government policy;
4) Contrasting and checkup of the data and facts in public statements against other local, and foreign independent sources with a proven track record in covering the subject under investigation, as well as databases built or reviewed, and previously published studies or research. This includes data and studies produced by multilateral organizations, NGOs, universities, among others. Academic documents are identified and reviewed, mostly undergraduate and graduate theses, professor promotion works, research developed by specialized study centers, conferences, and/or peer-reviewed articles produced in the country's academic institutions or those addressing the country. The team builds databases that are also made available to readers.
5) Once this research has been completed, and relevant and timely data on the case collected, the information is drafted, also providing the story with context. To that end, the journalist will first analyze the data collected, prioritize what is relevant to appropriately streamline the endless flow of data available in the 21st Century, and making the story meaningful by further using background information and data contributing to a better comprehension of the issues addressed. Processing and prioritization, refining the search with a focused inquiry process, is required, and finally, it is necessary to make sense of the stories that the team intends to report and analyze. The piece is written using necessary hyperlinks on paragraphs to videos, documents, databases, audio files, photos, figures, and/or computer graphics supporting each of the facts covered. By means of these links, our readers also gain direct access to the sources on which the key elements for our analysis on and the fact checking of each case are based.
6) Confirmation, downplay, or denial of the statements checked:
The final purpose of fact checking is to assess and rate the public discourse examined as a 'truth', a 'lie' or a 'half-truth'
These criteria apply to any public speech, without political distinction.
In the links you can see how to contrast the speech of President Maduro or Juan Guaidó, the main opposition figure. In addition to government ministers or opposition deputies, we have also verified messages from "neutral" entities such as the academy of medicine.
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Cotejo.info applies a consistent and sound fact-checking methodology, backing the information with reliable links and covering issues regardless the ideological alignment of the institution, political party or person concerned. The non-partisanship has been adequately demonstrated by providing, as requested, ten examples of fact-checks to Venezuelan politicians of all the political spectrum.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
As requested, Cotejo.info discloses both in Spanish and English the policy to avoid any partisanship or unduly concentration of fact-checking on any ideological side.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
After a random review of of fact-checks published over the previous year (Aug. 2020 - Jul. 2021), no trace has been found of any commercial interest that might influence the fact-checking activity of Cotejo.info.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
No trace was found of any political or ideological interest that might influence the fact-checking activity of Cotejo.info.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago)
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant self-defines as a "media made for and by Venezuelans, aimed at promoting and strengthening democracy and human rights, by means of publishing relevant and quality journalistic works", that aims at "the preservation and defense of the principles of independence, fairness, and pluralism."
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Cotejo.info displays a consistent and widespread use of links to back fact-checks. Users can easily check the relevant information by themselves.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
According to the assessor's knowledge, the sources used by Cotejo.info to back fact-checks are well diversified, relevant and sound.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Cotejo.info does not show any unduly concentration in any specific sources. External sources are the core of the background information and they are consistently referred.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
No examples have been found of cases where Cotejo.info has contextualized the sources used to back its fact-checks, explaining why some sources have been used instead of others. Anyway, the sources used are free-access and trustworthy, so that readers can conclude the interests that could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We are an independent organization registered as a non-profit entity, according to Venezuelan laws, since 2019
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant self-defines as a "self-sustaining, pluralistic, responsible, transparent, participatory, national, and international reference media for those interested in obtaining in-depth, fact-checked, and quality information about what is happening in Venezuela.". It is bound to a parent organization, Medianálisis, "a Venezuelan non-profit organization committed to strengthening democracy, dedicated to training and the systematic study of the media, journalism and its actors" (assessor's translation).
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
As regards the legal status, Cotejo.info has provided evidence of its existence and relationship with the NGO Medianálisis.
The information provided by Cotejo.info about its funding scheme is, on the contrary, quite limited. The reason argued by the applicant for this lack of detail, as indicated in the assessment of criterion 1.5., is that it fears that disclosing such information "could pose a risk to the organization itself or its sponsors." Although a clearer information would be advisable, considering the circumstances faced by this fact-checking organization in Venezuela, this criterion is assessed as compliant.
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Cotejo.info publishes a list of 12 staff members and volunteers.
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Detailed information is provided about staff members and volunteers, including their photos, bios and social media accounts. This information can be accessed by clicking at workers' names listed in the 'About us' page.
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Several means of contact are available in the applicant's website, including email, telephone, as well as social media profiles (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and messaging apps (WhastApp). The applicant is fully compliant with this criterion.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant publicly discloses the methodology it uses to select, research, write and publish its fact-checks. Inspired in the methodology developed by Chequeado (Argentina), the fact-checking procedure of Cotejo.info is sound and reliable.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Based on a random review of a number of fact-checks published over several months prior to this assessment, enough examples have been found that Cotejo.info selects claims to check based primarily on the reach and importance of the claims
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Drawing upon a number of randomly selected fact-checks, the assessor has come to the conclusion that Cotejo.info commits to transparency and fairness when processing claims.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
No evidence has been found of the eventual usage of different standards for fact-checking, depending on who made the claim, or the subject checked.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In the random sample of fact-checks used for this assessment, the assessor has not found any examples of the situations indicated in this criterion. In absence of any apparent misbehaviour or infringement by Cotejo.info of this criterion of the Code of Principles, the assessment is deemed as compliant.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Cotejo.info encourages users to propose claims, provide data, and alert about errors, through an online form, as wel as email, phone, WhatsApp and social media profiles.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Cotejo.Info
12-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We update this section in our website
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
cancel 6.1 marked as Request change by Ramón Salaverría.
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
18-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Cotejo.info informs readers about their corrections policy (Editorial Policy point 6) However, it lacks detail as regards the timeframe to handle the corrections requests. This deficiency was noted in the assessment of 2020, when Cotejo.info was applying to be signatory of the IFCN Code of Principles for the first time. In the application of 2021 this deficiency has not been fixed yet. We kindly request the applicant to make this improvement.
Upon reception of this reminder, the applicant indicated that it commit itself to correct any mistake quickly. Indeed, point 5 of its Editorial Policy reads as follows: in case of any misinformation would be published, "without delay and without prior complaint, it will be duly corrected as a demonstration of respect for the users of the information and as a demonstration of journalistic responsibility" (in Spanish: "sin demora y sin reclamo previo será debidamente subsanado en demostración de respecto a los usuarios de la información y como muestra de responsabilidad periodística"). This committment to handle corrections "without delay" is deemed as sufficient, so the assessment of this criterion has been upgraded to compliant.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The corrections policy is explained in reasonable detail, so that readers can know in advance the how their claims will be handled.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
According to the information provided by the applicant, it has not been urged to perform any correction in the previous year. In absence of any evidence of misbehaviour or infringement by Cotejo.info to this criterion of the Code of Principles, the assessment is deemed as compliant.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
As requested, Cotejo.info provides users with means to inform the IFCN of any violation of the Code of Principles.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Ramón Salaverría.
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.
Cotejo.Info
26-Jul-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We are an independent media
Ramón Salaverría Assessor
07-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Although Cotejo.info is an independent media outlet, it is bound to a parent organization, the NGO Medianálisis. This organization has a Vision and Mission that adhere to a honest and open corrections policy.