Organization: EFE Verifica
Applicant: Desirée García/Sergio Hernández
Assessor: Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura
Background
EFE Verifica is the fact-checking arm of EFE, an Spanish news agency founded in 1939 and one of the largest in the world. EFE Verifica is dedicated specifically to efforts of verification and fact-checking in Spain and Latin America, where they have been expanding their work since 2019, focusing especially in online rumours. Verifica is a responsible journalistic outlet, using reliable sources and checking claims with balance and fairness. They are transparent with sources and their investigation process. They also employ journalistic work done by other staff from EFE’s main body. It’s important to add that the main revenue source of EFE is funds from the government. However, since they are a public interest company and are guided by several statutes, this does not affect their balance.
Assessment Conclusion
EFE Verifica is responsible and compliant to the Code of Conduct. They are transparent in what sources are used and in how they are applied with each claim. Their production is consistent, and involves topics of social importance and reach. Previously, they had isses in their Corrections policy and in the call-to-action for readers to send claims, both being not as clear as they could be. The applicant has edited those sections and they are now clear and fully compliant.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
EFE Verifica es la iniciativa de verificación de datos de EFE, una agencia de noticias española que es una de las más grandes del mundo. Su trabajo de verificación de datos es responsable y equilibrado. Emplean buenas prácticas periodísticas, utilizan fuentes adecuadas y son transparentes sobre las fuentes utilizadas y el proceso periodístico. Están en línea con el código de conducta.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago)
The EFE News Agency (Agencia EFE) launched its fact-checking and debunking service in March 2019 with the aim of improving public debate.
EFE is a multimedia company with a worldwide network of journalists working in 120 countries. It distributes almost 3 million news items and its mission is offering the Latino vision of the world in Spanish and other languages.
EFE is a Spanish public company founded in January 1939, and the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI), part of the Spanish Ministry of Finance, is its sole shareholder. It is currently registered under the name EFE SAU SME in the Registro Nacional de Asociaciones and its tax number (CIF) is A28028744.
EFE’s company bylaws and registration number are accessible in various places on EFE's website:
www.agenciaefe.es/estatutos-de-la-sociedad
https://www.efe.com/efe/espana/aviso-legal/170
The information on the bylaws is also hyperlinked in the tab dedicated exclusively to EFE Verifica - see section “¿Qué es EFE Verifica?” - on EFE's main website:
https://www.efe.com/objetos_app/efe_verifica/efeverifica.html
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago)
The applicant is a part of EFE, one of the largest international news agencies. The applicant has produced documents detailing its registration and societal structure. They are legally registered and vinculated to the general arm of EFE.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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?
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
1. EFE News Agency ( https://www.agenciaefe.es/ , Agencia EFE) is the largest news organization of the World in Spanish language, thanks to its over 1.100 staff journalists. Founded in 1939 in Spain, it is nowadays a publicly owned news agency that distributes news stories, photographs, video and multimedia content in six languages.
As part of its news services, since March 2019 it runs a fact-checking and debunking section called EFE Verifica ( https://verifica.efe.com/ ).
EFE Verifica started its operations in Spain and has expanded to Latin America since September 2020. Its main mission is to fight disinformation spreading in Spanish and to provide citizens with data and verified information so that they can make informed choices.
2. Currently four people work at EFE Verifica full time (one Director, one Coordinator for Latin America and two journalists). Their work is also supported by contributions from EFE's professionals around the world.
3. Our focus is to verify narratives and messages causing harm or trying to polarize the population and undermine democracy. We debunk digital content on health, politics, science, economy, technology and human rights mainly. We also monitor the public discourse and answer questions over topics polarizing citizency. This work is reflected either on verification articles published on EFE Verifica’s website or on video fact-checks and podcasts.
Beyond this journalistic work, EFE Verifica raises awareness about the importance of verification by organizing forums and conferences, especially in Latin America.
We also give educational workshops to journalists to teach them how to fact-check in a professional way.
4. Over the next year we will focus on expanding our team in Latin America. We have potential to become a relevant fact-checking organization in Spanish because EFE has the largest network of journalists in the region.
As such, we will foster conversations with public institutions and regulators to find ways of fighting misinformation.
We also want to partner with researchers and to provide them with the data gathered by our fact-checkers to conduct studies on misinformation in Spanish-language.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has started a fact-checking arm and has recently started focusing on Latin America. Besides having a team with four people working with verifications, they also develop projects around sensibilization about fact checking and media literacy. Currently, they are working towards increasing their relevance and audience in LatAm. Thus, their structure and goals are clear, and their main goal is fact-checking.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
EFE Verifica publishes new fact-checks almost every day.
All the articles are published on the EFE Verifica's tab on the EFE’s website: https://www.efe.com/efe/espana/efeverifica/50001435
Apart from these articles (“verificaciones”), we publish “explicativos” (explicative articles on public interest issues affected by disinformation).
We have verified around 300 claims in our records from February 7, 2020 (one week after we submitted our first application to the IFCN) to February 4, 2021. Those articles amounted to 109 in the last six months (from September 2, 2020 to March 2, 2021).
That averages 4,5 articles published per week.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant reaches and surpasses the minimum amount of fact-checks required. Their work is consistent and frequent.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
All topics covered by the applicant are of social importance. They focus mainly on topics connected to covid and the pandemic, but also deal with immigration issues, an important topic in Spain, and others. Their choice of topics privileges public interest and impact.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
EFE is a public company founded in January 1939, and the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI), part of the Spanish Ministry of Finance, is its sole shareholder.
EFE is financed through public and commercial resources.
EFE's main mission is to provide a public service in the field of information, as established in its statutes. In fact, EFE's activity is recognized as a General Service of Economic Interest (SGEI) by the European Commission, as well as other public agencies such as AFP. For this reason, the Spanish Government pays resources to EFE to offset the cost of offering this public information service. In 2019 - the last exercise with published data - EFE obtained a net turnover of 87.8 million euros, 61.3% of which are state funds; the rest is commercial income obtained by subscribing to its services. This information is detailed in the annual accounts for the 2019 financial year ( https://www.agenciaefe.es/cuentas-anuales/, note 15.1, page 38).
EFE has no commercial or financial relationship with specific political parties or leaders, and maintains its relationships with political formations within the normal journalistic activity in its various departments.
EFE Verifica has been consulted by public institutions, as experts, to address the phenomenon of disinformation, often in forums open to other fact-checkers and journalists.
All our commercial, financial and institutional relationships are public. Every year EFE publishes its accounts, which can be consulted here:
https://www.agenciaefe.es/cuentas-anuales/
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
EFE, the parent company, has the Spanish Ministry of Finance as its main shareholder. However, as explained by the applicant and stated in their financial pages, the Spanish government doesn't have any input on the editorial decisions taken.
The revenue sources for the agency are funds from the government to offset its cost, as well as subscriptions by other news outlets. Their annual document of financial information clearly states the parts that come from the government. Thus, they are also recognized as a Service of general economic interest (SGEI) under European authorities.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We provide information of the editorial independence standards here: (See ¿Qué hacemos?)
https://verifica.efe.com/que-es-efe-verifica/
And “Metodología”: https://verifica.efe.com/metodologia/
EFE has an Editorial Statute ( https://www.agenciaefe.es/convenio-colectivo/ , see 77 ff.) which highlights that EFE’s public service is based on truthful information, not subject to particular interests (whether political, economic or otherwise) and to the independence of its journalists. It also has an Editorial Board (@cderedaccionefe) that ensures compliance with the provisions of this document.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Since EFE is funded mainly (although not only) by the Spanish Ministry of Finance, they have produced a thorough statement on their independence. Their status as a public company, with no ideology or political preference and a deep commitment to the public, is protected in their Editorial Statute, inside the Convenio Colectivo. The document is clear and detailed. They take their independence and public role seriously and are compliant.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We verify claims using the same standard for every piece regardless of the person, institution or internet user who made the claim. This applies to both selection and research processes.
We do not concentrate our fact-checking on any one side. We collect pieces of misinformation regarding issues of public interest (health, politics, science, technology, security, human rights) that go viral or are sent to us by our community. We then classify them according to their social utility and their potential to polarize citizens.
We follow the same process for every fact check - we use primary sources and independent experts to debunk or verify a claim. Our articles reproduce all the research so that the reader can verify each step.
We always issue a "conclusion" based on the evidence collected, as you can see from these examples here:
PSOE (Government): La Comisión Europea sí permite reducir el IVA de las mascarillas a causa de la pandemia.
PP: Moreno no ha reconocido que Bárcenas le diera 600.000 euros ni su nombre está en la contabilidad B del PP.
Vox: No son inmigrantes con vacaciones pagadas: los acogidos están en hoteles sin acceso a piscinas.
Podemos (Government): El PP facilitó el despido por baja médica, pero no lo creó como dice Iglesias.
https://verifica.efe.com/pp-facilito-el-despido-por-baja-medica-pero-no-lo-creo-como-dice-iglesias/
PP y Ciudadanos: El PP y CS no han apoyado ampliar una paga para los menas en Cataluña sino a los jóvenes extutelados en general.
ERC: ¿De dónde salen los 2.850 "represaliados" en Cataluña de los que habla Torra?
Beyond Spanish politics:
UE: La UE no ha confirmado que el 5G sea perjudicial para la salud.
Trump: La COVID-19 no es menos letal que la gripe, como sostiene Trump.
OMS: La OMS no ve "normal" la pedofilia ni fomenta la prostitución infantil.
Papa: El papa Francisco no ha sido arrestado, es una noticia falsa originada en Canadá.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The fact-checks that the applicant has provided, as well as others analysed by the assessor, have demonstrated that the applicant's reporting is balanced and fair. When checking claims on political topics, they follow the same evaluation process when dealing with equivalent claims. Their conclusions are based on evidences, and the investigation process is transparent and consistent.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
EFE Verifica methodology is public in this link (See “¿Cómo lo hacemos?” y “¿Por qué no usamos etiquetas?”): https://www.efe.com/objetos_app/efe_verifica/efeverifica.html
We choose messages collected by EFE Verifica or sent by readers and other media. We identify content (video, audio, photo, text or memes) that circulates on the Internet and that may be a potential piece of misinformation affecting topics of public interest, and we also receive clues about hoaxes from our community through social networks, WhatsApp and via email.
We decide to verify them when they meet at least one of these three requirements:
-Viralization: We choose to debunk the content if it has been widely shared on social networks such as Twitter, Facebook or YouTube or if it is published on a website or in news media.
- It puts public opinion at risk, either because it represents a physical risk to people or is a threat to democracy and political rights.
- It is useful information: We debunk content that mainly refers to topics of public interest (health, politics, science, human rights, environment, technology, security) and that citizens can leverage.
We select these contents using the same criteria in each of them. And when they affect political formations, we do not concentrate our verifications on any other side.
The reach of these messages can be measured by their number of shares through different tools and their diffusion across platforms and also if they jump to traditional media and the public discourse.
We prioritize debunking over fact-checking to optimize our available resources, but we do fact-check when a political claim becomes so large that it sparks conversations and messages on the Internet. That is also a sign of the importance of the fact-checked claim.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has published a thorough explainer regarding their practices of selection of content in their methods section. Their selection of claims to fact-check are based on three pillars: virality, i.e. if the claim is being spread fast over social networks or even already jumping to traditional media; public opinion, i.e., if the claim poses a threat to the democratic or civil order; and usefulness, if the content to be debunked involves actionable areas that may put the audience in danger (pandemic checks commonly go here). Those three topics are clearly explained in their methods section and are adhered to in their published checks. This clear posture on how to choose claims helps prevent the concentration of checks in one political side or actor.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant's production was assessed via a random review of fact-checks published in the last month, especially the ones regarding contentious issues. The applicant details que nature of every source used, revealing interests that may affect the reader's judgment. They are transparent regarding to sources. Also, it wasn't identified any case where the applicant might have commercial relationships with the sources, given its aforementioned revenue sources. A good example of their responsible handling of sources can be found here: https://verifica.efe.com/es-falso-que-el-ministerio-de-igualdad-haya-editado-una-guia-sexual-explicita-para-ninos/
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is not affiliated to any political party or actor. EFE is funded by the Ministery of Finance of Spain, as well as by subscriptions from other news outlets, but this relationship is based on them being a Service of general economic interest (SGEI), as explained before. This source of funding doesn't involve any ties to specific politicians or parties, as could be seen in their checks. In their verifications, of which the assessor has paid special attention to the ones involving politics, they do not show support for any cause or political agenda. It is important to add that they have involved in public discussions regarding disinformation and tactics against it. This can be seen here: https://verifica.efe.com/proyectos-efe-verifica/
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
EFE Verifica doesn’t support any political party or candidate nor advocate or take policy positions on any issues.
We state our non-partisanship policy here (See “¿Qué hacemos?”: https://www.efe.com/objetos_app/efe_verifica/efeverifica.html ). That is also proven by our fact-checking record and our commitment with a due balance among the main Spanish political parties.
This non-partisan way of fact-checking is also based on EFE’s Code of editorial standards and values (see 77 ff.: https://www.agenciaefe.es/convenio-colectivo/) , that highlights “impartiality, accuracy, lack of bias and honesty” as “unavoidable principles to achieve objective and rigorous information on any of the media”.
EFE’s Code of editorial standards rejects any pressure from political parties over its staff members and states that working for EFE is incompatible with a job at governmental or party press offices:
“EFE rejects any pressure from institutions, political parties, economic, cultural, religious, social, ideological or other groups that attempt to alter or influence information for the benefit of their interests. In the event of these pressures, journalists may notify the Editorial Board or the Board of Directors”.
EFE’s journalists must present “significant points of view, expose the facts in context, without deliberate omissions and with the right words, without affecting their beliefs or ideologies, and act with diligence and decent methods in obtaining and treating the information”.
Furthermore, working as a journalist at EFE is “incompatible with any other job, as with any paid periodic collaboration in another journalistic, advertising, public relations company, governmental press offices and in all those that may involve unfair competition, including companies that are suppliers of products or services of EFE News Agency”.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Their non-partisanship is stated in their code of conduct, in https://www.agenciaefe.es/convenio-colectivo/. Starting on page 77, but more specifically on page 78 and 79, they delineate how the company is a public service and, as such, should be guided by professional standards and fairness. The document also states how EFE’s journalists should reject pressures from political parties, and are not allowed to work in other companies or press offices. Working in PR and receiving gifts is also not allowed.
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant consistently employs responsible sources and identifies them. As a rule, sources are liked to, except in cases where rumors started online without a clear source. Additionally, the applicant also lists all sources (with links) in the foot of article. This is not usual with news outlets, but provide a clear picture of the sources used. Sources are not linked to in the cases where they were interviewed by EFE’s team.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Whenever possible, the applicant uses primary sources, such as when a claim refers to a law or the constitution (https://verifica.efe.com/no-cumplir-un-mes-de-paro-no-obliga-a-cambiar-la-constitucion-en-colombia/), or when it refers to a a statement by a politician (https://verifica.efe.com/no-hay-constancia-de-que-errejon-haya-dicho-que-en-venezuela-la-gente-intenta-comer-por-encima-de-sus-posibilidades-2/). In the cases where there isn’t a single primary source available, they use reliable sources such as experts or relevant documental sources. This can be seen in this case: https://verifica.efe.com/de-donde-salen-los-2-850-represaliados-en-cataluna-de-los-que-habla-torra/
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is diligent in checking different parts of the same claim. All parts are verified according to constant standards and have their sources linked to. Usually, the applicant employs subheads to divide the article into shorter parts and focus on each part of a given claim.
A good example of this behavior can be found in this article, where the claim was broken into several pieces in order to be checked: https://verifica.efe.com/el-papa-francisco-no-ha-sido-arrestado-es-una-noticia-falsa-originada-en-canada/
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant uses identifies sources and its nature, so the reader can understand whenever they might have interests in the check. However, in political and economics issues, where this is more likely to happen, there aren’t cases where sources might have hidden interests in the matter.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
EFE Verifica is part of the newsroom activity of EFE (see Criterion 1.1) and its team is made of EFE’s staff journalists. It is a department that depends on the EFE Information Directorate, as you can see in this organization chart: https://www.agenciaefe.es/esquema-organizativo/
The EFE Verifica website ( https://verifica.efe.com/ ) is a tab on the official page of EFE News Agency ( https://www.efe.com/efe/espana/1 ).
EFE has also published press releases where it reports on the activity and projects of EFE Verifica:
EFE impulsa la verificación en América Latina, “especialmente vulnerable” a la desinformación ( https://www.agenciaefe.es/efe-impulsa-la-verificacion-en-america-latina/)
EFE Verifica entra en la International Fact-Checking Network, la principal red de verificadores del mundo ( https://www.agenciaefe.es/efe-verifica-entra-en-la-international-fact-checking-network-la-principal-red-de-verificadores-del-mundo/)
EFE aspira a ser el medio “verificador” más importante del mundo hispano ( https://www.agenciaefe.es/efe-aspira-medio-verificador-mas-importante-del-mundo-hispano/)
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
EFE Verifica is a separate initiative inside EFE, its main company. This is clear in their naming, website, structure and content (as EFE Verifica frequently cites journalistic work done by others in the main staff). Their financial revenue comes from EFE’s main sources, as defined in previous questions.
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
See “¿Qué es EFE Verifica?” ( https://verifica.efe.com/que-es-efe-verifica/ ) and “Financiación” ( https://verifica.efe.com/financiacion/ ).
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
EFE Verifica is an arm of EFE. This is clear in their branding and structure. A specific statement of this ownership can be found here, in their organogram: https://www.agenciaefe.es/esquema-organizativo/. Ownership is also stated in their About page: https://verifica.efe.com/que-es-efe-verifica/
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The EFE Verifica team is made up of four fact-checkers. We provide information on their roles and responsibilities in this link (See “Equipo”): https://verifica.efe.com/equipo/
Further information on how we make editorial decisions and revise each article can be found here:
“Metodología”: https://verifica.efe.com/metodologia/
“Correcciones”: https://verifica.efe.com/correcciones/
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The staff is named and described in their Staff page. It comprises 4 people, and everyone has their roles in the team explained. As of now, editorial control in exercised by Desirée Garcia.
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The biographies of the staff members involved in fact-checking activities are available in the link above (“Equipo”: https://verifica.efe.com/equipo/)
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In their staff page (https://verifica.efe.com/equipo/), all four people of the regular team have a short bio with previous experiences and degrees. It should be added that the applicant often references, in their checks, journalistic material done by other people from EFE’s main work, as in an interview with a public officer, for instance. In that case, journalists are correctly identified.
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
See “Contacto”: https://verifica.efe.com/contacto/
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has a Contact page (https://verifica.efe.com/contacto/), where they provide a WhatsApp number, an email address, and links to their social media pages. Also, below every check there is a form where the audience can send claims to check. Individual contact information of the journalists is not provided.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Our methodology is explained in detail in this link (see ‘¿Qué hacemos?’, ‘¿Cómo lo hacemos?’, and ‘¿Por qué no usamos etiquetas?’):
https://www.efe.com/objetos_app/efe_verifica/efeverifica.html
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant explains their methodology in a specific section: https://verifica.efe.com/metodologia/. There, they also provide links to their Newsroom Statute and Newsroom Advisory board (although the second one is just a picture). In this section, they detail four steps of the process: selection of claims to check, verification of the claims according to sources, evaluation of the nature of the claim, given the facts, and the review and publish decision. They also explain their decision on not using labels for content (such as true, false, misleading etc.). This stems from a decision not to be categorical when ascribing value to the claims, but rather giving the facts to the audience.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant selects claims based on three principles: reach, social importance and service. In the case of online rumors, their selection of claims to checks fits especially the first and second pillars. Topics chosen normally have been recurrent online. This can been seen since the applicant usually provides links to the posts spreading the claim.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant employs evidence both to confirm and to undermine claims. This happens more often to contentious claims, in complex situations. This attitude can be seen here, where they contextualize a claim with different pieces of evidence: https://verifica.efe.com/la-empresa-publica-barcelona-energia-no-esta-exenta-de-aplicar-el-cambio-de-tarifa-electrica-como-sostiene-un-meme/
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is diligent and evaluates similar claims with the same standards of evidence. All claims are evaluated equal, which can be seen in their thorough use of sources.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Our methodology is explained in detail in this link:
-‘¿Qué es EFE Verifica?’: https://verifica.efe.com/que-es-efe-verifica/
-‘Metodología’: https://verifica.efe.com/metodologia/
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant frequently checks claims that go viral online and don’t have a clear authorship. In those cases, they don’t contact the author. In claims regarding political and public actors, those involved actors are contacted, whether directly or via their social media presence, even though they may not be the authors of the claims.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We campaign on social networks providing our users with the phone number of our WhatsApp and all our social media accounts:
https://twitter.com/EFEVerifica/status/1343268409602019328
We also encourage internet users to send us their queries by WhatsApp or e-mail on the ‘About us’ section (See “Contacta con nosotros”: https://www.efe.com/objetos_app/efe_verifica/efeverifica.html) .
We respond to every request to the extent of our capabilities. We state how we got the claim at every article published after being requested via these platforms. We also explain what is fact-checkable in our methodology (See "¿Cómo lo hacemos?" - https://www.efe.com/objetos_app/efe_verifica/efeverifica.html ).
EFE Verifica
22-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We campaign on social networks providing our users with the phone number of our WhatsApp and all our social media accounts:
https://twitter.com/EFEVerifica/status/1343268409602019328
We also encourage internet users to send us their queries by WhatsApp or e-mail on the ‘About us’ section. In this section, we advise our audience on the four different ways they have to reach us out. Besides, we state that we only fact-check facts and data in the claims sent and state the criteria to which we prioritize when accepting and selecting the verification proposals we receive. (See section “Contacta con nosotros”: https://verifica.efe.com/contacto/) .
We respond to every request to the extent of our capabilities. We state how we got the claim at every article published after being requested via these platforms. We also explain what is fact-checkable in our methodology (See "Metodología" - https://verifica.efe.com/metodologia/).
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Under every check and page, the applicant encourages readers to send claims via a form, or via WhatsApp. Contact info are also available in their Contact page, where readers are advised they can send claims.
However, the applicant does not make clear what the reader can expect to be checked, and what is checkable (for instance, that statements should be clear and not opinions). Although this is briefly mentioned in the What We do Section https://verifica.efe.com/que-es-efe-verifica/, it should be added to the Contacts page.
cancel 5.6 marked as Request change by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Under every check and page, the applicant encourages readers to send claims via a form, or via WhatsApp. Contact info are also available in their Contact page, where readers are advised they can send claims.
The applicant has edited their Contact page. Now, it clarifies what the reader can expect to be checked, and what is checkable, which are only statements regarding facts and data, and not opinions. Readers are also instructed that claims that have social importance and reach have precedence. The applicant is now compliant.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
See ‘Correcciones”: https://verifica.efe.com/correcciones/
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has a clear, although short, corrections policy in place, in their About tab. The policy states that they are open to correct any errors in their content.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
EFE Verifica
22-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In the section dedicated to "Corrections" we detail what type of requests we attend and what type of errors we correct (data, attribution of sources and statements). We also specify that the validity of a verification may expire due to the appearance of new circumstances or new evidence. In that case, we publish an “update”. We add that our correction policy is inspired by the one established in the EFE Editorial Statute. (See https://verifica.efe.com/correcciones/).
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Although the applicant has a corrections policy, it is not detailed. There isn’t any definition on what types of errors are covered (and what types are not covered). There isn’t any provision on how errors can lead to a review of the conclusions of an article (even if the applicant doesn’t use labels). The policy should be edited to add those points.
cancel 6.2 marked as Request change by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Jun-2021 (3 years ago)
The applicant has a corrections policy in place. After being edited, it is detailed and explains what types of errors are covered and how errors are handled. It includes a warning that some verifications may expire due to the appearance of new evidence. The applicant is now compliant.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
This year we have received complaints, generally from people or institutions mentioned in our verifications, though only one correction was needed.
In this case, the PSOE claimed to review a verification that was based on a tweet from this party. They clarified the meaning of the tweet and we made a correction.
You can check it here: https://www.efe.com/efe/espana/efeverifica/el-psoe-tuiteo-un-video-antiguo-de-casado-porque-pp-habia-hecho-poco-antes-lo-mismo-con-sanchez/50001435-4461206
In other cases, such as the correction made in 2019, the correction was made at the request of one of our readers:
https://verifica.efe.com/las-falsedades-de-los-candidatos-en-el-debate-electoral-del-10n/.
The "Corrections" section: https://verifica.efe.com/correcciones/
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has produced two links where corrections have been made in the past. Both links are also available in their corrections page, with a short statement.
The first link refers to a check where a political party contacted EFE Verifica to clarify about the meaning of a tweet they had posted. Verifica had interpreted that the party was using an old video as new, but later corrected the story to make it clear this was an interpretation from Twitter users, and not the intention of the party.
The second link provided, however, is not available and redirects to the applicant’s homepage. The same happens with the link on Google, and the story is not available via internal search. The link should be provided in order to continue the assessment of this item.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The IFCN signatory stamp is in a relevant place in our page and it links to EFE Verifica’s profile as a signatory of the IFCN code of principles: https://ifcncodeofprinciples.poynter.org/profile/efe-verifica
We encourage users to send a complaint to the IFCN if they believe we have violated its Code of Principles:
(See “Miembro de la IFCN”): https://verifica.efe.com/metodologia/
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has links to the IFCN in two places. In the footer of every page there is the badge of IFCN with a link to the applicant’s profile in the network. Besides, in the Methods section of the About tab, there is a link to the complaints page, along with an explanation encouraging users to get in touch if they feel necessary.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
EFE Verifica
12-Mar-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The transparent and solid corrections policy of EFE News Agency inspires that of EFE Verifica.
EFE's professionals are people and, therefore, we make mistakes. But credibility is one of our main values and, when we are wrong, we try to correct it as quickly and as transparently as possible.
If the error originates from the source and they ask for a correction, the new text specifies that it was made "at the request of the reporting source" or "by error of the reporting source". Any correction, rectification or cancellation of a news item is previously consulted with its author whenever possible and if, contrary to their opinion, EFE corrects, rectifies or cancels the news item, they can go to the Editorial Board.
EFE News Agency general corrections policy are included in its Editorial Statute: (page 81, “Correcciones y Rectificaciones”, https://www.agenciaefe.es/convenio-colectivo/ ).
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
01-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The parent company, EFE, has a clear corrections policy in their Editorial Statute. This is available inside the Convenio Colectivo, a document stating public functions and responsibilities of the agency (https://www.agenciaefe.es/convenio-colectivo/), on page 81. The policy states how errors are handled and the Newsroom Board oversees the process.
Besides that, EFE also has a Complaints channel available: https://www.agenciaefe.es/canal-de-denuncias/