'DELFI Melo Detektorius' is a fact checking project of the largest Lithuania media outlet 'DELFI Lietuva'. Our fact checking unit was set up in 2018.

Starting as a project focused on checking solely speeches and claims made by Lithuanian political figures we now also check various public claims made online by users of social networks and information found on other Lithuanian news media outlets. 

Since 2020 we also do fact-checks in Russian language using the same information verification standarts.

You can find more information about our fact checking unit here (in Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie

And here (in Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=o-nas 

You can find more information about our parent organisation here: https://www.delfi.lt/apie/

Evidence of 'DELFI Lietuva' legal registration: see attached document 'Delfi pazymejimas.pdf'

The applicant has provided sufficient information about its legal status.

1. 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' was set up in 2018 to promote fairness and accuracy in Lithuanian news outlets and Lithuanian social network accounts and to increase confidence in media.

2. Currently there are 12 professional journalists that are doing fact-checks in 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' in Lithuanian and Russian language. Every 'DELFI Lietuva' journalist is free to join 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' after hearing short introduction on how to find and search claims to check, how to add new articles on our platform and comply with code of principles.

3. 'DELFI Lietuva' is the biggest news website in Lithuania and carries out wide range of activities. 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' is one of our projects dedicated solely to fact checking and maintaining quality journalism standarts.

4. Since 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' started it's operation in 2018 our fact-checking channel has vastly expanded. Considering the nature of disinformation in Lithuania and the fact that significant amount of our countries population are used to getting their news from Russian language sources since 2020 we added new fact-checking language to our initiative and now we are doing fact-checks in Lithuanian and Russian languages. Hovewer there are still many things we would like to achieve. For the coming year besides our regular fact-checking operation we are planning to pay more attention to educational initiatives and organize fact-checking and media literacy workshops to journalists from regional news outlets.

The applicant has provided sufficient answers to all four questions.

All of the articles published in Lithuanian can be found here: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=naujienos

All of the articles published in Russian can be found here: https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=novosti 

In the spreadsheet above we listed all our articles published in 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' (Lithuanian and Russian version) over the course of the six months prior to the date of application.

The provided information demonstrates that the applicant fully meets criteria.

The fact checks published on applicant's webpage demonstrates that they focus on claims that could have an impact on the welfare or well-being of individuals.

'DELFI Melo Detektorius' is not funded by any state or political actors and does not accept such funding. We declare this information publicly: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=remejai (in Lithuanian) and here https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=sponsory (in Russian)

The provided information shows that the applicant is a non-partisan organization.

We do not accept funding from any state or political actors. We set out how we are funded here. None of our funding sources have the power to influence content of 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' : https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=remejai (in Lithuanian) and here https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=sponsory (in Russian)

The applicant's website sets out clear guidelines how its editorial independence is ensured.

For each fact-check that we do in ‘DELFI Melo Detektorius’ we use the same methods described in our ‘Methodology’ section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija (in Lithuanian)

https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=metodologiya (in Russian)

At first, a journalist has to find a suitable claim to check. We do not check predictions nor information that is an obvious lie and does not need any proof. A journalist uses various sources to find doubtful claims – by listening to broadcasts, conducting search in social networks, listening to government discussions, reading articles in various media outlets as well as using dedicated information scraping and keyword searching platforms.

When a claim is selected a journalist must decide whether specific claim needs expert opinion or if it is provable by enclosing scientific studies, statistics and official information provided by competent institutions. We also use information verification tools such as Reverse Image Search, Invid We Verify, Storyful Multisearch, YouTube Data Viewer, WayBack, Google Public Data Explorer etc.

We encourage all our team members to link source page next to each important finding. It is also a must to include source table at the end of each fact-check so information we provide would be easy to trace by a reader.

Each of our fact-checks has the same structure. At first, we briefly introduce a claim that we are going to check, we also provide screenshot or link to dubious claim to prove its existence (either in article or cover picture). Then we start to analyse various sources considering this claim. We always give priority to primary sources. At the end of each fact check we briefly repeat original claim and decide (based on all evidence we have collected) if this claim is true, partly true, partly false, false or manipulation.

Our goal is to provide easy traceable information on most crucial topics so we always give priority to claims made about recent events or false claims that might do harm for the reader if not disproved and explained correctly.

Here are links to 10 articles that demonstrate how our methodology is reflected in our work:

1. Health Crisis (Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/skleidzia-mela-apie-neva-kauno-klinikas-uzpludusius-po-skiepo-kenciancius-senjorus.d?id=88650301

2. Pharmacy (Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/skleidzia-melagiena-kad-vaistas-arkliams-nuo-kirmeliu-gydo-covid-19.d?id=88525167

3. Protests (Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/manipuliacija/italu-policininko-protruki-melagingai-susiejo-su-judejimu-pries-covid-19-vakcinas-ir-zaliaji-pasa.d?id=88474053

4. Health Crisis (Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/neisnesioto-farmacininkes-kudikio-atvaizda-panaudojo-melagienoms-skleisti.d?id=88297543

5. Migrant Crisis (Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/manipuliacija/pasidalino-manipuliacija-apie-migrantu-krize-esa-apgrezti-migrantus-delsta-tik-del-europos-sajungos-pinigu.d?id=88292827

6. Vaccines (Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/is-dalies-melas/dauguma-siu-itakingu-organizaciju-reikalaus-is-darbuotoju-pasiskiepyti-nuo-covid-19.d?id=88074627

7. Technology (Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/ne-nuotraukoje-vaizduojami-elektromobiliai-nebuvo-apleisti-del-itin-tarsiu-ir-nekeiciamu-bateriju.d?id=87685029

8. Policy (Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/lozh/dezinformaciya-polsha-shveciya-i-norvegiya-podali-v-sud-na-vsemirnuyu-organizaciyu-zdravoohraneniya.d?id=88725239

9. Vaccines (Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/chastichnaya-lozh/lozh-vakcinaciya-vedet-k-uvelicheniyu-chisla-sluchaev-zarazheniya-i-smertej.d?id=88317665

10. Migrant Crisis (Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/chastichnaya-lozh/manipulyaciya-belorusskij-televizionnyj-kanal-sel-v-luzhu-s-lageryami-smerti-dlya-bezhencev-v-polshe.d?id=88068537

The provided examples compellingly demonstrate that the applicant consistently takes a non-partisan and balanced approach in selecting cases for fact checking.

Lithuanian version: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija

Russian version: https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=metodologiya

The information that is published on the applicant's webpage explains how claims are selected for fact-checking and how a balanced treatment of these claims is ensured.

The fact checks published over the previous year show that the applicant fully complies with this criterion. That is, the applicant discloses relevant interests of the sources it quotes.

The fact checks published over the previous year demonstrate that the applicant adheres to non-partisanship principles.

We respect different political views but we do not allow our team members to engage in any political activity or support candidates or advocacy organizations. In order to ensure this every 'DELFI Lietuva' employee has to sign a code of principles document in which they agree not to be involved in any political parties or advocacy organizations while working for 'DELFI Melo Detektorius'.

Here you can find a link to our code of principles which is publicly displayed: https://www.delfi.lt/apie/?wid=7268 

The applicant has provided detailed information on how the organization ensures non-partisanship among fact checkers

The selected fact checks suggest that the applicant provides relevant links to sources that are available online.

The randomly selected fact checks show the applicant is tend to use primary sources. Where suitable primary sources are not available, the applicant explains the use of secondary sources.

The selected fact checks suggest that the applicant largely assesses claims by using various sources of evidence.

The randomly selected fact checks indicate that the applicant consistently points to the relevant interests of sources.

'DELFI Melo Detektorius' is a fact-checking project lead by one of the biggest news outlets in Lithuania 'DELFI Lietuva'. We declare this status publicly here (in Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=remejai ; https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie  and here (in Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=sponsory ; https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=o-nas

The applicant has provided sufficient information confirming that its legal status meets the IFCN criteria. The applicant is an independent organization that has a page on their website detailing each source of funding 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).

Our status described in 'About Us' section (in Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie

(in Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=o-nas

Our status described in 'Support' section (in Lithuanian): https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=remejai  

(in Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=sponsory 

The provided links detail funding and indicate the legal form of the applicant. The applicant demonstrates full transparency as regards its ownership.

In 'About Us' section under pharagraph 'Journalists' we have listed all our staff members with their functions and short biographies: (in Lithuanian) https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie (in Russian): https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=o-nas 

All 'DELFI Lietuva' journalists willing to take place in 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' project are free to join. In order to start fact-checking new team member must participate in short presentation about how to find claims to check, how to add new fact-checks to our system and what methodology we use to verify content. https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie

The provided links set out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.

https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie (in Lithuanian)

 https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=o-nas (in Russian)

The provided links detail the professional biography of Delfi journalists who are involved in producing the editorial output.

We encourage our readers to send claims to verify or contact us in case they spotted a mistake made by us or our claims lack evidence or there are new circumstances that are important to mention in our aticles in 'About Us' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie (in Lithuanian), https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=o-nas (in Russian) or 'Methodology' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija (in Lithuanian), https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=metodologiya (in Russian)

We also have two dedicated fields within our page layout and a form we publish at the end of each fact-check to encourage communication with us in both Lithuanian and Russian version (marked in red in screenshots provided). 

The applicant provides users with convenient means on its website to communicate with the Melo Detektorius editorial team.

https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija (in Lithuanian)

https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=metodologiya (in Russian)                           

The provided links explain the methodology that the applicant uses to select, research, write and publish its fact checks.

The randomly selected sample shows that the applicant selects claims on the basis of its reach and importance and, where possible, it explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.

The randomly selected sample suggests that the applicant sets out relevant evidence in its fact checks that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.

The randomly selected sample shows that the applicant assesses the merits of evidence in its fact checks by using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.

The randomly selected sample suggests that the applicant seeks to contact those who made the claim to question supporting evidence. If the person who makes the claim fails to reply, this does not impede the fact check. If a speaker adds caveats to the claim, the fact-checker continues checking the original claim.

We describe requirements we apply when searching for claims to verify in our 'Methodology' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija (in Lithuanian) and https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=metodologiya (in Russian)

Under the same section we provide our email and encourage readers to contact us if they have found suspicious claim.

We also include form to send us claims to check under every fact-check, in the main menu under section 'Siųsk faktą' and in the right side of our page both in Lithuanian and Russian version of a page (see screenshots included). 

The provided description and evidence demonstrate that the applicant encourages users to send in claims for fact checking via webpage.

You can find our corrections or complaints policy here, under 'Taisymų politika' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija  and under 'Политика поправок' section in Russian version: https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=metodologiya 

The applicant has a corrections and complaints policy that is explained in details on the organization’s website.

The applicant's webpage 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.

Our corrections policy as well as invitation to contact us via email if any mistake is spotted or conclusion made by us requires deeper explanation can be found here: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija (in Lithuanian) and here https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=metodologiya (in Russian).

During previous year we have recieved two correction requests and made these steps - answered to correction requests immediately; edited articles in concern adding red note to the headline that original article was altered. We have also received few requests to change the rating of certain posts marked as false but we were not able to do that because declarants refused to correct false information. We have immediately answered these inquiries by providing information why we rated certain claims as false.

Here we provide two examples of how we altered our articles after receiving correction requests.

1. https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/klaidina-skaitytojus-esa-lietuva-stabdo-skiepijima-astrazeneca-vakcina.d?id=86701433

After we published this article on March 16th at 10 a.m. we have received a message saying information provided in our article was false because eventually Lithuanias Health minister later that day officially declared that vaccination with AstraZeneca vaccine from COVID-19 (one certain batch) is temporarily stopped. In our article we have stated that currently there are no official claims that Lithuania is going to stop inoculation with certain batch of AstraZeneca vaccine. A decision of the Ministry was announced only few hours after our article was published so at the time of writing content we provided was accurate. When new information was released we have altered our article and informed our readers about the new decision announced. A sign signaling that article was edited is shown on the headline as well as a note that correction was made in the article.

2. https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/oksfordo-mokslu-daktaru-prisistates-vyras-pazere-melagingos-informacijos-covid-19-vakcinu-tema.d?id=88172525

After publishing this article we have received a request from Lithuanian specialist of epidemiology practicing in Sweden Gytis Dudas to clarify description of an effect called 'Antibody-dependent enchancement' because the one we provided was not accurate. We have kindly accepted to correct our mistake and included approriate description provided by Gytis Dudas. A sign signaling that article was edited is shown on the headline as well as a note that correction was made in the article.

The applicant has provided explanation on how its correction policy was implemented during the previous year.

We include this information in our 'Methodology' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija (in Lithuanian)

https://www.delfi.lt/ru/detektor-lzhi/?page=metodologiya (in Russian)

The provided link clearly shows that the applicant presents itself an IFCN signatory and informs users that if they believe the signatory is violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN with a link to the IFCN site.

You can find 'DELFI Lietuva' corrections policy here under 'Netikslumų pataisymo politika' section: https://www.delfi.lt/apie/ It is valid for all 'DELFI Lietuva' units. 

The applicant has provided sufficient information that demonstrates that the parent media company, Delfi Lietuva, adheres to an open and honest correction policy.