Organization: DELFI Melo Detektorius
Applicant: Aistė Meidutė
Assessor: Martins Kaprans
Background
The current performance of DELFI Melo Detektorius complies with the best practices of fact-checking organization and acts in accordance with the IFCN principles. It is important, however, to take into account that this applicant can potentially reach a very large share of Lithuanian internet audience. Give the strategic role of the fact checker, it should demonstrate transparency in all respects. This applies also to financial transparency where DELFI Melo Detektorius does not fully meet the IFCN criteria.
Assessment Conclusion
NA
Martins Kaprans assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
DELFI Melo Detektorius fully qualifies as IFCN signatory.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
'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.
You can find more information about our fact checking unit here: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie
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'
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago)
The applicant fully complies with the eligibility criteria.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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?
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
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 9 professional journalists and 1 trainee that are doing fact-checks in 'DELFI Melo Detektorius'. 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. Besides 'Melo Detektorius' we have another platform called 'Debunk' dedicated to propaganda debunking.
4. Considering nature of disinformation in Lithuania as well as other Baltic countries 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' is trying to raise awareness about propaganda narratives that needs to be taken in consideration while fact checking. Since we started checking information we have realised that in countries dealing with information wars it is almost impossible to divide information verification from debunking because usually users of social networks or alternative media outlets are spreading false information not simply by mistake but on purpose - to weaken countries democracy and devide various groups of people. That is why we are searching for ways to combine both information verification and propaganda debunking and are planning to continue this effort.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has provided convincing evidences that meets the criteria as defined by Guidelines for application.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
All of the articles in our publishing language (Lithuanian) can be found here: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=naujienos
In the spreadsheet above we listed all our articles published in 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' over the course of the six months prior to the date of application.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant regularly publishes fact check pieces. The average regularity exceeds more than one fact check a week.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has published thematically very diverse and professionally written journalistic articles over the last three months that provide a balanced approach to debunking disinformation. The absolute majority of the applicant’s fact checks focus on claims related to issues thatcould have an impact on the welfare or well-being of individuals, the general public or society.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
'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
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has openly declared its non-partisan status. That applicant has also declared its involvement in the International Fact-Checking Network.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
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
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has provided a link where its editorial policy is explained.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
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
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.
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, 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.
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. 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 or false.
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: https://www.delfi.lt/mokslas/mokslas/rezisierius-mikalauskas-tikina-kad-covid-19-neegzistuoja-juo-patikejo-daugiau-nei-11-tukst-lietuviu.d?id=85029661
2. Health/bussiness: https://www.delfi.lt/mokslas/mokslas/nusprende-uzsidirbti-melagingai-teigia-kad-kaukes-apsaugo-tik-nuo-baudu-ir-siulo-tokias-priemones.d?id=84992163
5. Health crisis: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/geromis-naujienomis-apie-koronavirusa-suviliojo-tukstancius-taciau-tai-tebuvo-melas.d?id=84774353
7. Discrimination: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/internete-plinta-melaginga-statistika-apie-tai-kokia-butu-jav-jei-is-jos-isvyktu-visi-juodaodziai.d?id=84489213
10. Health crisis: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/melas/palygino-gripo-ir-koronaviruso-auku-skaicius-italijoje-nuo-tikruju-jie-skyresi-daugiau-nei-5-kartus.d?id=83945999
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant follows a sound and consistent fact-checking methodology that is explained on the applicant's webpage. The provided examples demonstrate a clear step-by-step logic that underlies fact-checking and ensures that anyone can verify the reliability of fact-checking results.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago)
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has provided a link where the selection of claims is explained and a balanced approach to fact-checking is demonstrated.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
There are no evidences that the applicant has published fact checks that contain a bias treatment of sources.
The applicant has ensured a multifaceted fact-checking over the previous year, publishing articles that focus on manipulations with facts in different thematic areas. Fact checks have consistently shed light on various techniques and technologies that are used to distort or invent facts in Lithuania and elsewhere. Notably, these publication often point out particular actors (politicians, businessmen, opinion leaders) who manipulate with facts.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Fact-checking practices that can be observed over the previous year confirms that the applicant is not 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, ensuring transparency and accuracy in public debate.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
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
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has provided a link to its website where the policy on non-partisanship is clearly stated and generic procedures to ensure non-partisanship are described.
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant consistently provides relevant online links in fact-checks. As far as the selected publications suggest, the applicant respects source’s safety by providing a detailed information.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant tends to uses primary, not secondary, sources of evidence wherever suitable primary sources are available. The selected facts checks show that the applicant normally explains the use of a secondary source where primary sources are not available.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is determined to illuminate and weight different sources while assessing the factual basis of particular claims.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The selected fact-checks suggests that the applicant uses various sources in a balanced way not prioritizing anyone in particular. Likewise, journalists maintain a critical distance with different sources by commenting, if necessary, on the reliability of specific sources.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
'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: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=remejai and here: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie
DELFI Melo Detektorius
02-Oct-2020 (4 years ago)
'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: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=remejai and here: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie We have updated our page to include all sources of funding 'DELFI Melo Detektorius' has: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=remejai
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is the fact-checking section of a media house. The applicant's legal form and relations with the media house are clearly outlined on the applicant's webpage. However, this page does not detail each source of funding accounting for 5% or more of total revenue for its previous financial year.
cancel 4.1 marked as Request change by Martins Kaprans.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
02-Oct-2020 (4 years ago)
The applicant is the fact-checking section of a media house. The applicant's legal form and relations with the media house are clearly outlined on the applicant's webpage. Likewise the sources of funding are revealed.
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Our status described in 'About Us' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie
Our status described in 'Support' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=remejai
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has shared a link
to the statement about its ownership.
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
In 'About Us' section under pharagraph 'Journalists' we have listed all our staff members with their functions and short biographies: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=apie
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.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has shared a link to the statement that sets out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Professional biographies of all staff member of fact-checking team are permanently available on the applicant's webpage.
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
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 or 'Methodology' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija
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 (marked in red in screenshot provided).
DELFI Melo Detektori... (209 KB)
Siųsk Faktą.JPG (78 KB)
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has provided sufficient evidences to show how users can communicate with the editorial team and take part in correcting facts-checks.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has provided a link to a detailed description of its fact-checking methodology.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The selected articles suggests that the applicant primarily selects claims that may reach a large audience and can have significant political implications. The applicant tends to explains the reason for choosing a particular claim.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The selected publications demonstrate that the applicant consistently sets out in its fact checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant maintains a balanced approach to different claims and sources. It assesses these claims in line with the best journalistic practices of reporting.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The selected publications demonstrate that the fact-checker reache and check potentially false claims by contacting the actual sources of these claims. The publications also suggest that the fact-checkers of DELFI Melo Detektorius do not avoid reporting on unsubstantiated claims in cases when the author of particular claim refuses to replay. If fact-checkers obtain additional information from the person who has made a claim, they still tend to check the factual basis of original claim.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
We describe requirements we apply when searching for claims to verify in our 'Methodology' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija
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 (see screenshots included).
DELFI Melo Detektori... (209 KB)
Siųsk Faktą.JPG (78 KB)
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has set out and published on its website clear rules on how users can take part in fact-checking. It also encourages users to send in claims to check.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
You can find our corrections or complaints policy here, under 'Taisymų politika' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has provided a link to corrections or complaints policy.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Melo Detektorius correction policy demonstrates how major mistakes are consitently handled.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
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
During previous year we have recieved three 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:
After this article was published original source of false claim have contacted us asking to add their explanation to our article. Even though based on the arguments of declarant we were not able to change our rating (declarant have refused to make changes in false article) as long as declarant expressed its doubts about the sources we have used, we decided it is important to let our readers know its position.
Based on secondary sources we have made a presumption that organisation called 'Baltic Wolf' that fights for wolf rights in Lithuania expressed their concern on numbers of wolves left in Lithuanian forests whereas in reality this organisation has different view towards wolf question: it claims we have growing numbers of wolf population in Lithuania but the numbers institutions gives publicly are inaccurate because of false counting; besides, even though the numbers of wolves are increasing, organisation 'Baltic Wolf' does not support hunting as the most effective way of population control. After we received 'Baltic Wolf' complaint to add this information, we have edited our article accordingly.
'Free Market Institute' in their Facebook post have listed all tax changes made by Lithuanian authorities prior to official budget came out publicly presuming these changes have already been implemented. Some of these planned taxes were not implemented in the process but false Facebook message has not been altered. Soon after out fact-check was published 'Free Market institute' have contacted us asking to embed their new message where they have listed only those taxation changes that have been actually made. After we received this complaint we have embedded their renewed message right after the older one.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The cases from the previous year confirms that the applicant adheres to its correction policy and makes correction whenever it is necessary.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
We include this information in our 'Methodology' section: https://www.delfi.lt/news/melo-detektorius/?page=metodologija
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has provided a link to the section of its website where users are informed that if they believe the applicant is violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN of this, with a link to the complaints page on the IFCN site.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.
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.
DELFI Melo Detektorius
17-Aug-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
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.
Martins Kaprans Assessor
17-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has provided a link to the media company's corrections policy.