Factly’s Fact-check unit is a part of Factly Media & Research. Factly Media & Research is an independent organization working in the areas of Content Creation, Building Information, Data Products for Media & Others, Open Data Research & Consulting. Factly’s content can be divided into Data Journalism – Data Stories, Explainers, Fact-checks (Debunking Fake News/Misinformation), Video Production, etc.

Fact-Checking is an important part of Factly’s work where we not only fact-check viral content that has a real-world impact but also work with platforms to address the growing menace of misinformation. The dedicated Fact-checking project can be accessed from the main menu on the website. This application is for renewal since the validity of the earlier assessment is ending in February 2023.

Factly Media & Research is a for-profit firm registered in 2016 and is also registered with the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME). We generate revenue from partnerships with social media platforms, training & capacity building in the areas of ‘Data Journalism’ & ‘Fact-checking’, and research & consulting services in the area of open data.

The certificate of registration is available on the about us page. (https://factly.in/about/) and is also uploaded here.

The applicant is a unit of a legally registered organization and details of this are easily found on its website. 

The applicant is a unit of a legally registered organization and details of this are easily found on its website. 

1. When and why was your fact-checking operation started?

Factly was launched in early 2016. In the early years, the focus was on simplifying public data & information and making it more meaningful to the common man, through data stories, policy explainers, explainer videos, etc. All the stories/content are based on official & factual information from government & public sources. During 2017, we began fact-checking to address the growing menace of misinformation which included both claims of important personalities & viral misinformation. Currently, we fact-check claims in the areas of Politics, Health, Science, History, Policy, Data, Government Schemes, Social issues, Major events, and statements made by those in public office. We also have a special focus on debunking misinformation related to government policy, data, fake government schemes that are aimed at defrauding people.

2. How many people work or volunteer in the organization and what are their roles?

Fourteen persons work in the fact-checking team across 3 different languages. A few of them are part-time. The team has fact-checkers, editors, a video producer, a video editor, and a designer. The profiles are provided on the fact-check team page. (https://factly.in/fact-check-team/)

3. What different activities does your organization carry out?

Factly works in the areas of Content Creation, building Technology Products around Public Information & Public Data, Open Data Research & Consulting. Factly’s content can be divided into Data Journalism – Data Stories, Explainers, Fact-checks (Debunking Fake News/Misinformation), Video Production, etc.

4. What are the goals of your fact-checking operation over the coming year?

The following is the progress of the goals listed in our previous application

• We have launched an online self-paced training course on Fact-checking in English & Telugu which can be accessed from here (https://resource-pool.factly.in/)
  
• Process improvements to the fact-checking process is an ongoing task. We have done multiple series on similar type of claims for users to have a single place to identify the patterns. (https://factly.in/scripted-videos-shot-for-informative-purposes-are-being-shared-as-real-incidents/)
  

For the coming year, the following are our goals in addition to our existing projects.

• Work with fact-checkers to improve the claim review data using Factly's SACH tool
  
• Migrate to custom CMS for fact-checking.
  

The unit has been set up exclusively for fact checking. Apart from fact-checking it works in training readers to fact check, as well as in using their tools for claim review. It also publishes fact checks in another Indian language—Telegu.

The unit has been set up exclusively for fact checking. Apart from fact-checking it works in training readers to fact check, as well as in using their tools for claim review. It also publishes fact checks in another Indian language—Telegu.

Factly regularly does fact-checks on a wide variety of issues & topics in the areas of Politics, Health, Science, History, Policy, Data, Government Schemes, Social issues, Major events, and statements made by those in public office. We publish more than 25 fact-checks per week on average and more than 100 fact-checks a month on a variety of issues.

All our fact-check articles are available on a dedicated link that can be accessed from the main menu of the organization’s website. The articles are listed by date of publishing. The following are the links to the entire archive. We could provide a list in excel if required.

Fact-checks in English: https://factly.in/category/english/

Fact-checks In Telugu: https://factly.in/category/telugu/

Fact-checks related to Government Policy, Data, Schemes, etc.: https://factly.in/category/fact-check/

The applicant regularly fact checks a variety of claims in areas of politics, health, science and data, etc. It publishes more than one fact check a week. 

The applicant regularly fact checks a variety of claims in areas of politics, health, science and data, etc. It publishes more than one fact check a week. 

Almost all of our fact-checks are in the public interest. We will be happy to provide any additional information as may be required. 

Most of the fact checks by the applicant have been in the public interest. 

Most of the fact checks by the applicant have been in the public interest. 

We have not received any funding from any political or foreign actor the previous financial year (2021-22). Our fact-check operations are independent and have no relationship with any state agency or political party. We have a strict non-partisanship policy (https://factly.in/non-partisanship-policy/) that bars any such association for fact-checkers.

During COVID-19, we partnered with the local public radio, local state government & other community radio stations to debunk misinformation related to COVID-19 for larger impact & amplification. This was done free of charge in the public interest and did not involve any finances. We also organize capacity-building workshops in debunking misinformation for a variety of stakeholders including students, civil society, media & state agencies, etc. These are also done free of charge.

One of the verticals in the organization works with academia & specific state agencies on evangelizing open data (to encourage the state to publish more data in the public domain). The partnership with state agencies for this work has no relation or impact on our fact-checking work and both are independent. Revenue from this vertical forms less than 1% of the overall revenues of the organization, and there is no financial dependence. 

The applicant is non-partisan and its output is not controlled by any politician or state.

The applicant is non-partisan and its output is not controlled by any politician or state.

We do not receive funding from political sources, local or foreign. Our revenues are all based on the services we offer as a for-profit entity. 

The applicant has made a statement that it has not received any funding from any political organization. And, its funders do not influence the findings of its fact checks in any way.

The applicant has made a statement that it has not received any funding from any political organization. And, its funders do not influence the findings of its fact checks in any way.

We consistently make efforts to fact-check claims with manipulated images/videos that can cause real-world harm, misinformation on miracle cure or health-related misinformation, misinformation that denigrates or glorifies well-known personalities, individuals, claims made in general on government rules or policies/schemes, claims made by or about the government, by or about major politicians & political parties, misinformation in the areas of finance, technology among other things. We do around 100 fact checks every month as listed in the links above on a wide variety of topics.

We have a detailed methodology that is meticulously followed for every fact check. The sources used for fact-checking are government sources and other credible sources. Each of the sources/evidence is hyperlinked in the fact check. The rating methodology is also standardized as explained in detail in the methodology. (https://factly.in/factchecking-methodology/)

To fact-check claims and represent data in easily understandable formats, we use charts, tables, illustrations, etc. The methodology & sources are consistent across all our articles on diverse claims. The following is a list of recent fact-checks that demonstrate our non-partisanship and the variety of topics we cover

1. Scripted videos shot for informative purposes are being shared as real incidents 

2. Neither Satochi tablet nor this Blood Sugar Control ring advertised as a treatment for diabetes is approved by the FDA

3. No scientific evidence to suggest ultrasonic neckband helps in weight-loss by reducing fat

4. Old news clip related to Supreme Court’s judgment favouring use of force for self defence is being shared with misleading claims

5. Food grains were taxed in India under VAT even before the implementation of GST

6. There is no Central Government scheme with the name – ‘Pradhan Mantri Loan Yojana’

7. ‘Grams/Day’ is used as a measuring unit while calculating ‘Per Capita Availability’ of Milk in India

8. 18% GST is applicable only for private coaching; Services provided by regular and vocational educational institutions are GST-free

9. No, the government did not appoint 340 upper caste people as IAS officers through lateral entry

10. These Social Media posts and Websites offering Nataraj pencil/pen packing jobs are fraudulent

Below is a list of fact-checks in the Telugu Language

1. కేంద్ర ప్రభుత్వం పెట్రోల్‌పై టాక్స్ తగ్గించిన నేపథ్యంలో పెట్రోల్‌పై విధించే పన్నులకు సంబంధించి తప్పుడు సమాచారాన్ని షేర్ చేస్తున్నారు

2. కేంద్ర ప్రభుత్వం జాతీయ జెండాల తయారీ కోసం చైనా కంపెనీలకు ఎటువంటి ఆర్డర్ ఇవ్వలేదు

3. రక్షణ రంగానికి కేటాయించే బడ్జెట్ శాతంలో యూపీఏ, ఎన్‌డీఏ మధ్య పెద్ద తేడా లేదు

4. మన్మోహన్ సింగ్ మరియు నరేంద్ర మోదీ హయాంలలో ఆర్ధిక వ్యవస్థ పనితీరును పోల్చే క్రమంలో షేర్ చేసిన ఈ గణాంకాలు సరైనవి కావు

5. NPCI దృవీకరించిన మర్చంట్స్ మాత్రమే ఫాస్ట్‌ట్యాగ్ స్కానింగ్ ద్వారా లావాదేవీలు చేయగలుగుతారు; ఈ వీడియోలో చూపిస్తున్నది నిజం కాదు

6. రాష్ట్రపతి ద్రౌపది ముర్ముకు, 1999లో జరిగిన గ్రాహం స్టెయిన్స్, అతని ఇద్దరు కుమారుల హత్యకు సంబంధంలేదు

7. 2005 మరియు 2011లో కాంగ్రెస్ పార్టీ తేవాలని చూసిన బిల్లుల్లో వీడియోలో చెప్పిన చాలా వరకూ క్లాజులు లేవు

8. ‘1971 యుద్ధం: 3,000 భారత యుద్ధ ఖైదీలను ఇందిరా గాంధీ ప్రభుత్వం విడిపించలేదు’ అనేది తప్పుడు వార్త

9. GST రిజిస్ట్రేషన్ చేసుకున్న వ్యాపార సంస్థ/వ్యక్తి వ్యాపార అవసరాలకు నివాస భవనాన్ని అద్దెకు తీసుకున్నప్పుడు మాత్రమే 18% GST కట్టాల్సి ఉంటుంది

10. గుట్కా అక్రమ రవాణా కేసులో బండి సంజయ్ అరెస్ట్ అంటూ డిజిటల్‌గా మార్ఫ్ చేసిన న్యూస్ క్లిప్ షేర్ చేస్తున్నారు

11. మైనారిటీ ప్రీ-మెట్రిక్ స్కాలర్‌షిప్‌కు 1-8 తరగతుల మదర్సా విద్యార్ధులతో పాటు ఇతర మైనారిటీ విద్యార్ధులను కూడా అనర్హులుగా కేంద్రం ప్రకటించింది

12. “మాన్ ధన్ యోజన” పథకానికి ప్రస్తుతం 18-40 ఏళ్ల వయస్సు ఉన్న చిన్న రైతులు మాత్రమే అర్హులు

The applicant uses the same standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim. 

The applicant uses the same standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim. 

As an organization, we remain committed to objectivity and non-partisanship. Our clearly laid down methodology ensures that objectivity remains the cornerstone of every fact-check. The methodology is explained in detail here (https://factly.in/factchecking-methodology/)

The fact-checking by the applicant is not concentrated on any one side. It considers the reach and importance of the claims it selects to check, explaining why it has checked them. 

The fact-checking by the applicant is not concentrated on any one side. It considers the reach and importance of the claims it selects to check, explaining why it has checked them. 

There have been no instances of conflict of interest and hence no such disclosure.

The applicant clearly states its sources and the reader could easily understand if the sources had interests that might influence the fact check. The applicant has said that no such conflicts of interest have risen yet. 

The applicant clearly states its sources and the reader could easily understand if the sources had interests that might influence the fact check. The applicant has said that no such conflicts of interest have risen yet. 

We have a strict non-partisanship policy (https://factly.in/non-partisanship-policy/)

The applicant is not affiliated with nor does it show any support for any political party or politician. 

The applicant is not affiliated with nor does it show any support for any political party or politician. 

Every employee of Factly is briefed at the time of joining about our non-partisanship policy. A document with this effect is also signed at the time of joining (https://factly.in/non-partisanship-policy/). One such agreement signed with an employee is attached.

The applicant sets out its non-partisanship policy for its staff on its website. It has also attached a copy of a letter issued at the time of employment that clearly demands non-partisanship from the staff member.

The applicant sets out its non-partisanship policy for its staff on its website. It has also attached a copy of a letter issued at the time of employment that clearly demands non-partisanship from the staff member.

All sources of evidence used are clearly identified in the applicant’s fact checks, with links provided where possible. Users can replicate their work if they wish to.

All sources of evidence used are clearly identified in the applicant’s fact checks, with links provided where possible. Users can replicate their work if they wish to.

The applicant uses mostly primary sources, but has also used secondary sources. It explains how sources have been used. 

The applicant uses mostly primary sources, but has also used secondary sources. It explains how sources have been used. 

Most key evidences of claims have been checked against more than one source. 

Most key evidences of claims have been checked against more than one source. 

All sources are clearly identified and the user can decide if the interests of the sources might influence the accuracy of the evidence provided. 

All sources are clearly identified and the user can decide if the interests of the sources might influence the accuracy of the evidence provided. 

Factly is an independent registered for-profit organization & the Fact-checking unit is part of this larger for-profit entity. All the details are in the ‘About Us’ page (https://factly.in/about/). The official registration certificate of the organization is also on this page. Names of each source of funding accounting for 5% or more of total revenue for its previous financial year (2021-22) are also listed on this page. (https://factly.in/about/).

The applicant is a fact-checking unit of an independent organization. Its website details all sources of funding that account for 5% or more of total revenue. Most of this revenue is from fact-checking work that they do for social media platforms and tech companies.

The applicant is a fact-checking unit of an independent organization. Its website details all sources of funding that account for 5% or more of total revenue. Most of this revenue is from fact-checking work that they do for social media platforms and tech companies.

Please refer to (https://factly.in/about/) for details of our legal entity and funding

The applicant makes a statement on its website on ownership and explains how it is a unit of a larger, independent organisation. 

The applicant makes a statement on its website on ownership and explains how it is a unit of a larger, independent organisation. 

The organisation is run by the Founder & Chief Editor, Rakesh Dubbudu and the fact-check team is led by Editor Bharat Guniganti. The names of the team members including its editors are listed on the team page. The editorial control is exercised by the Chief Editor Rakesh Dubbudu & Editor Bharath Guniganti, as explained in the methodology section.

Team Page - https://factly.in/fact-check-team/

Methodology - https://factly.in/factchecking-methodology/

The applicant’s organisational structure is put out on the website and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised. 

The applicant’s organisational structure is put out on the website and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised. 

https://factly.in/fact-check-team/

Professional biographies of all in the editorial department are detailed. 

Professional biographies of all in the editorial department are detailed. 

The page has a dedicated e-mail ID which is directly accessed by the editors and also a WhatsApp helpline number where readers can get in touch and also submit claims

https://factly.in/contact/

Users can get in touch with the organization easily. Information about a WhatsApp number is visible on the page which has the professional biographies.

Users can get in touch with the organization easily. Information about a WhatsApp number is visible on the page which has the professional biographies.

The methodology can be accessed from the About Us section on the main menu

https://factly.in/factchecking-methodology/

The applicant makes a statement on its website about the methodology it uses to select, research and publish fact checks. 

The applicant makes a statement on its website about the methodology it uses to select, research and publish fact checks. 

Most claims that are checked are in the public interest and are selected on the basis of their reach and importance. 

Most claims that are checked are in the public interest and are selected on the basis of their reach and importance. 

The applicant sets out relevant evidence that appears to support the claims as well as evidence that appears to undermine it. 

The applicant sets out relevant evidence that appears to support the claims as well as evidence that appears to undermine it. 

The applicant applies the same standards to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim. 

The applicant applies the same standards to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim. 

Where possible, the applicant contacts those who made the claim to seek supporting evidence. However, where needed, in the public interest, it fact-checks the claim regardless of it having been able to contact the person who made the claim. 

Where possible, the applicant contacts those who made the claim to seek supporting evidence. However, where needed, in the public interest, it fact-checks the claim regardless of it having been able to contact the person who made the claim. 

Users have multiple options to reach out to us with claims they would like us to fact-check. We have a WhatsApp helpline (+91 92470 52470), the link to which is available at the end of every fact-check. We also have a dedicated e-mail ID to which users can share their claims to be fact-checked.

Users can also contact us by filling out the form on the following page. We also encourage readers to reach us on Facebook Page or Twitter Handle all of which are detailed on the following page.

https://factly.in/contact/

The applicant encourages users to send in claims to check, making it clear what can be fact-checked and what cannot. 

The applicant encourages users to send in claims to check, making it clear what can be fact-checked and what cannot. 

The corrections policy is listed on the corrections page (https://factly.in/corrections-policy/) with details of a dedicated email. 

The applicant’s correction policy is easily accessible on its website. 

The applicant’s correction policy is easily accessible on its website. 

https://factly.in/corrections-policy/

The policy clearly explains what it covers and how major mistakes are handled and how corrections are made. The applicant seems to adhere to the policy. 

The policy clearly explains what it covers and how major mistakes are handled and how corrections are made. The applicant seems to adhere to the policy. 

We have not received any correction requests in the last 12 months. However, the following are a few fact-checks where we have included updates. Updates are made when additional information is available, or when data or information changes. These are not corrections, but updates intended to inform users of the latest developments.

1. Rumours about Pele’s death are False; He is still alive and is in stable condition

2. A state-specific ‘Blood on Call’ (104) service in Maharashtra is being shared as a Pan-Indian service

3. The news regarding toll exemption at toll booth when you come back in 12 hours is fake

In the past year, the applicant has not received any requests for corrections. However, earlier, it has made corrections openly and transparently; users can see the difference between the original and the corrected version. 

In the past year, the applicant has not received any requests for corrections. However, earlier, it has made corrections openly and transparently; users can see the difference between the original and the corrected version. 

We have linked it on the corrections policy page informing users about the complaints page on the IFCN website (https://factly.in/corrections-policy/)

The applicant informs users, with an appropriate link that they can complain to the IFCN if they believe that the applicant is violating the IFCN code. 

The applicant informs users, with an appropriate link that they can complain to the IFCN if they believe that the applicant is violating the IFCN code. 

The earlier corrections policy is applicable to the entire organization. (https://factly.in/corrections-policy/)

The parent organization also has a clear and transparent correction policy.

The parent organization also has a clear and transparent correction policy.