Organization: Fakt Yoxla
Applicant: Fakt Yoxla
Assessor: Sarphan Uzunoğlu
Background
This institution has made important progress in terms of reaching international standards over the past year.
First of all, their becoming an autonomous organization removes doubts about their independence. Their willingness to share extra information with us is also a positive development. Data sets, news and explanations of many different institutions have become available on their analyses.
The institution is of great importance for the information ecosystem in terms of the language it broadcasts and the geography it serves. The institution is of great importance for the information ecosystem in terms of the language it broadcasts and the geography it serves. The fact that such an institution is a signatory to IFCN is a win for the global knowledge ecosystem.
Assessment Conclusion
In my opinion, this institution is ready to become an IFCN signatory. They have also got rid of their deficiencies in some issues that they were not good at in the past. The progress they have made over the past year, their improvement in methodology and analysis quality, is encouraging. Despite the difficult conditions they are in, their efforts to comply with our transparency criteria are admirable. I think that appreciating such efforts will serve as an example to all institutions applying to IFCN and reflect IFCN's strength in raising global standards.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
Bu qurum son bir ildə beynəlxalq standartlara çatmaq baxımından mühüm irəliləyişlər əldə edib.
İlk növbədə, onların muxtar təşkilata çevrilməsi onların müstəqilliyinə dair şübhələri aradan qaldırır. Onların bizimlə əlavə məlumat paylaşmağa hazır olması da müsbət haldır. Bir çox müxtəlif qurumların məlumat dəstləri, xəbərləri və izahatları onların təhlillərində əlçatan olmuşdur.
Qurum yayımladığı dil və xidmət göstərdiyi coğrafiya baxımından informasiya ekosistemi üçün böyük əhəmiyyət kəsb edir. Qurum yayımladığı dil və xidmət göstərdiyi coğrafiya baxımından informasiya ekosistemi üçün böyük əhəmiyyət kəsb edir. Belə bir qurumun IFCN-ə imza atması qlobal bilik ekosistemi üçün qələbədir.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fakt Yoxla is an officially registered non-profit organisation. Although it was created by Institute for Democratic Initiatives(IDI) in 2019, it has been separated from IDI and registered as an independent organisation on 28 May, 2021 in Georgia. You can check its status with 406331063 identification code.
https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?m=new_index
The proof of the official registration has been presented on the website
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago)
It is nice to see that this organization is now free from the thinktank it used to be part of and has an authentic and autonomous identity.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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?
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
1. Fakt Yoxla was exclusively set up for fact-checking purposes. Take into consideration that the political-social background of the country necessitates fact-checking in Azerbaijan, in March 2019 Fakt Yoxla started to operate.
Azerbaijan is one of the countries with restrictions on media freedom. Azerbaijan is ranked 167th out of 180 nations in Reporters Without Borders' media freedom index, whereas Georgia and Armenia are ranked 60th and 63rd, respectively. Media independence is dwindling, which opens the door for misinformation, fake news, and manipulation to spread. That was one of the motivations behind the creation of Fakt Yoxla. The goal of the organisation is to enable Azerbaijani citizens to hold politicians accountable and fight for fact-based debates in the country's politics.
2. Fakt Yoxla works with three volunteers. They assist in monitoring news websites, television, and social media, as well as data collection and dissemination of published articles.
In total “faktyoxla.info” possesses 29 staff members. 8 out of the staff members are contributors i.e. fact-checkers. The first draft of the article is being examined by field experts and lawyers once the statement involved in fact-checking has been hammered out. The editors' remarks are included in this procedure.
3. There is not any other activity by Fakt Yoxla but only fact-checking. Fakt Yoxla focuses on only fact-checking activities. It checks the statements of public figures or politicians, propaganda, fake news and myths. Additionally, it operates as a watchdog initiative over the commitments of Azerbaijan taken as a member state of the Council of Europe and other international organizations and institutions.
4. For the upcoming years, Fakt Yoxla also plans to organise public training sessions to train people about how to check the facts on their own. Additionally, it targets the following:
-continuation of the current work
-extending the number of video content
-pieces of training for capacity building
-Training sessions for the public about how to check the facts
-development of relations with other fact-checking projects
-become a member of IFCN
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
All of these statements regarding those four questions are satisfactory and in line with the related criterion.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fakt Yoxla regularly publishes materials related to fact-checking. Thus, weekly fact-checking materials have been published in Azerbaijani. Some of the materials which may be interesting international media are translated to the English language. We are providing the links to the pieces that have been created and elaborated by our contributors below.
Links of articles:
https://www.faktyoxla.info/articles/DIN-SHeher-merkezinde-quzu-gezdirmek-olmaz
https://www.faktyoxla.info/articles/Sputnik-Azerbaijan-AstraZeneca-kills-European-country-rejects-it
https://www.faktyoxla.info/articles/Sputnikaz-Sinovac-vaccine-is-504-effective
https://www.faktyoxla.info/articles/Mikayil-Cabbarov-Israil-Azerbaycanin-ixracinda-3-cu-yerdedir
https://www.faktyoxla.info/articles/Agil-Abbas-
https://www.faktyoxla.info/articles/Tahir-Karimli-
https://www.faktyoxla.info/articles/Gudrat-Hasanguliyev-
https://www.faktyoxla.info/articles/Vusala-Mahirkizi-
https://www.faktyoxla.info/articles/Siyavush-Novruzovun-sabiq-deputatlar-haqqinda-iddiasi
https://www.faktyoxla.info/articles/Trendin-SHahdeniz-yataghi-haqqinda-iddiasi
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
They publish regularly enough in general.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The content produced is useful in terms of improving democracy in the country and political transparency. In this context, it provides the criterion of social benefit.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fakt Yoxla checks the statements made by local politicians and public figures or NGO’s. Our institution does not have any financial or institutional relationship with the state, politicians or political parties. Financial sources of Fakt Yoxla based on foreign donors - NGOs.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Since there is no such relationship, no additional documentation is required.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
As we have stated in response to previous questions Fakt Yoxla does not receive funding from the above-mentioned sources.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
No problem about this criteria or no conflicting data detected regarding this issue.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Monitoring and selecting topics- Once a week all fact-checkers gather and select the most important topics. All fact-checkers monitor social media and other media organisations permanently to find relevant topics. As we have mentioned above, some of the volunteers are also involved in this process.
Checking- After the chosen statements are appointed to different team members the fact-checkers start the actual work on the articles.
Publishing - After experts’ opinions fact-checkers edit the article for the last time and the article is published.
We strongly comply with the methodology of our outlet during the fact-checking:
https://faktyoxla.info/pages/Methodology
As a piece of evidence we are presenting several links for your attention:
Fakt Yoxla has checked the news of Oxu.az news website about the number of vaccinated people in Azerbaijan
https://www.faktyoxla.info/articles/Oxuaz-Olkede-vaksinasiya-olunanlarin-sayi-4-milyonu-kechdi
Fakt Yoxla has checked the statement of the Minister of Education about the number of students who entered universities in Azerbaijan
Fakt Yoxla has checked the statement of the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population about the demography of Azerbaijan
Fakt Yoxla has checked the statement of the ambassador of France to Azerbaijan about the recognition of the independence of Azerbaijan by France firstly
Fakt Yoxla has checked the news of the official media outlet of opposite Azerbaijan Popular Front Party about the delivery of Pfizer vaccine through the COVAX platform
Fakt Yoxla has checked the statement of the member of the board of the opposite REAL party about the number of vaccinations all around the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkdER7jmFVg
Fakt Yoxla has checked the news published by independent media outlet Meydan tv about the incarceration of Iranian intelligence agents
Fakt Yoxla has checked Habib Muntazir’s claim, who is a well-known public figure in Azerbaijan, about the Sinovac jab.
https://www.faktyoxla.info/articles/Blogger-Habib-Muntazirs-claim-about-the-COVID-19-vaccine
Fakt Yoxla has checked the statement of the executive director of Bakcell (Telecompany) about the speed of the internet in Azerbaijan
https://www.faktyoxla.info/articles/Rainer-Rathgeber-The-internet-is-fast-and-cheap-in-Azerbaijan
Fakt Yoxla has checked the statement of the president of the Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev about multi-party system in Azerbaijan.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Sources from very different political tendencies were referenced in the fact-checking processes. In this context, the necessary amount of diversity has been provided.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fakt Yoxla regularly follows and monitors the flow of trends in social media and the statements made by public figures. During the monitoring process, each member of the monitoring group individually finds out and indicates the statements with public importance. While selecting the claims, priority is given to the claims that may pose a serious threat towards the public health, democratic governance, as well as, that may lead to manipulation of the public opinion regarding the political, legal, economic, COVID-19 related issues.The targets are tv channels that are directly and indirectly funded from the state budget (including private TV), news websites that broadcast in Azerbaijan and are ranked in the top 100 by reliable rating agencies, and materials that published on social media accounts with more than 10,000 followers.
Fakt Yoxla strictly selects the contents in terms of public importance, regardless of the status and/or position of the person who made this particular claim. Furthermore, we should mention that Fakt Yoxla is not checking the judgemental and/or personal sentiments of any politician over the facts and societal issues, as we are primarily dealing with the checking facts themselves.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
There is no effort to set a special agenda for the selected content. It is not possible to talk about setting a biased agenda. Their editorial practice is in line with their statement regarding giving priority to topics related to public health, democratic governance, as well as, that may lead to manipulation of the public opinion regarding the political, legal, economic, COVID-19 related issues. If you visit their web site, stories with such focuses are available.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Information on the background of the sources is used in all texts. Details such as past and current missions are shared in analyses.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
There is no sign regarding any affiliation with any party, any politician or political candidate. They don't seem to dvocate for or against any policy positions on any issues save for transparency and accuracy in public debate either.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fakt Yoxla declares its non-partisanship in the Methodology section of the following link.
Fakt Yoxla does not concentrate its fact-checking on any one side. It follows the same process for every fact check and let the evidence dictate the conclusions. There is a clear obligation for fact-checkers to be objective and follow rules of methodology while writing an article. They have to keep their prejudices out of every article and only look at the real facts. Every article is checked by the team to avoid the risk of any individual point of view. Team members are not allowed to contribute or be members of any political party or advocacy organisation to refrain from any potential conflict of interest.
https://www.faktyoxla.info/pages/Methodology
After completing work on an article, authors are expected to follow up on familiar issues. Furthermore, they must constantly seek public information on themes that are likely to become actual.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
They have a section in their methodology related to non-partisanship. Their statements regarding this criterion are satisfactory enough. The guideline and methodology page are also providing the information needed.
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Related links are provided as hyperlinks within the stories whenever the source is available online. This hyperlinks are visible design wise as well.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Despite being active in a country that is a little bit problematic in terms of reliability of the sources, they multiplied number of sources they benefit from compared to last year and this reached to a satisfactory level.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
They try to multiply their sources and reach out to potential relevant sources according to their stories and methodology.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Titles and descriptions regarding recent and former roles or positions related to the topic are mentioned while quoting sources.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fakt Yoxla is an independent registered non-profit organization. Despite the fact that it was founded by the Institute for Democratic Initiatives (IDI) in 2019, it was separated from IDI and registered as an independent organization in Georgia on May 28, 2021. The identifying code 406331063 can be used to check its status.
https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?m=new_index
The proof of the official registration has been presented on the website
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
They can now be identified as an independent media organization.
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have provided IFCN with detailed information regarding funding.
Fakt Yoxla is an independent registered non-profit organization. Despite the fact that it was founded by the Institute for Democratic Initiatives (IDI) in 2019, it was split from IDI and registered as an independent organization in Georgia on May 28, 2021. The identifying code 406331063 can be used to check its status.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Relevant data has been provided and satisfactory in terms of the related criteria.
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Leyla Mustafayeva is the editor-in-chief of Fakt Yoxla. You can find detailed information about her below-mentioned link:
https://www.faktyoxla.info/pages/Who-are-we
The work process on the articles has been shared in the methodology:
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
There is a relevant information regarding organizational structure and definition of the organizational flow.
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Members of independent media organizations and non-governmental organizations are unfortunately subjected to a great deal of intimidation as a result of state entities' administrative abuse of discretion. Human rights and civil freedoms are routinely violated in practice. According to the Freedom House, Azerbaijan is considered a “not free” country which scored 2 out of 40 in political rights and 8 out of 60 in civil liberties. To safeguard the security of our employees, we are unable to display all of their names on the website due to human rights violations and persecution of activists who deal with independent research.
On the website, just the biography of the editor-in-chief is listed.
https://www.faktyoxla.info/pages/Who-are-we
However, we have provided IFCN with detail information about the staff.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Considering the situation in the country, their explanation and provided information is satisfactory. I don't see a reason to force fact-checking activists working in such a tense environment to reveal their identities publicly. This will just make them more vulnerable.
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
On the website, we have created a “Connect with us” button for readers. They may communicate with the editorial team via this section. Additionally, users may send their messages through Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, Telegram to the editorial team.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
"Connect with us" button is visible and interactive enough. I think it is sufficient in terms of encouraging their community to interact and share their thoughts and claims with them.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In methodology, we provide the users with information about the process of preparing the article. We noted in methodology how we select topics, what kind of tools authors use, how experts and public figures participate in the process.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The methodology is visible to their audience and anyone who is interested. All relevant subtopics are present there and the methodology is in line with IFCN members' average standards.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Firstly, the “Fakt Yoxla” team monitors permanently the statement of public figures which have been published on different media organs. Fakt Yoxla regularly follows and monitors the flow of trends in social media and the statements made by public figures. During the monitoring process, each member of the monitoring group individually finds out and indicates the statements with public importance. While selecting the claims, the priority is given to the claims that may pose a serious threat towards the public health, democratic governance, as well as, that may lead to manipulation of the public opinion regarding the political, legal, economic, COVID-19 related issues. The targets are tv channels that are directly and indirectly funded from the state budget (including private TV), news websites that broadcast in Azerbaijan and are ranked in the top 100 by reliable rating agencies, and materials that published on social media accounts with more than 10,000 followers.
Fakt Yoxla strictly selects the contents in terms of public importance, regardless of the status and/or position of the person who made this particular claim. Furthermore, we should mention that, Fakt Yoxla is not checking the judgemental and/or personal sentiments of any politician over the facts and societal issues, as we are primarily dealing with the checking facts themselves.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
As well known, claim prioritization policy says a lot about the nature of such organizations. Especially in fragile democracies, it is important which claims are examined. This organization has developed its policy on which allegations to review over time, and this is reflected in their policy analysis. Fundamental factors such as social interests and social benefit are given importance.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
In cases where there is conflicting information, this institution presents both information sets to the reader with an analysis within the scope of the methodology. There is no question of underestimating or ignoring any of the sources.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Evaluation of evidence is decided by considering methodology and general knowledge hierarchy.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
As can be seen in the submitted case, the relevant criteria are met.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
On the website of Fakt Yoxla, there is “Check Your Fact” section which allows the people to send facts for checking. In this section, it is clearly stated what kind of facts we check.
https://www.faktyoxla.info/check-fact
Additionally, we constantly share posts on social media pages such as Facebook, Twitter and so on to make the audiences aware that they have an opportunity to check their facts.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
They have a special section dedicated to this function and it is visible for all their users. I'd definitely suggest them to promote this function more in future on their social accounts etc.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have mentioned our correction policy in the methodology.
https://www.faktyoxla.info/connect-with-us
A “Connect with us” section on the website has also been created. Those who disagree with the decision can send their opinions to the specified email address or to the inboxes of social media accounts, including Whatsapp. In addition to methodology, we have specified our correction policy in this area.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
They have related section in their connect with us page. I think all fact-checking organizations should have some notification or note for people who disagree with content below each article but this looks satisfactory for now.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have presented information in "Methodology"
https://www.faktyoxla.info/pages/Methodology
Additionally, In this section, it is clearly stated what kind of facts we check.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In the last 12 months, we had received only one request for the change in the article. We compared the population growth of Azerbaijan with different countries. Unfortunately, some digits have been written wrong in the article. After a request from a reader, we corrected it and informed the people about that mistake.
https://www.faktyoxla.info/articles/Azerbaycan-ehali-sayinin-artimina-gore-onde-geden-olkelerdendir
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The correction was made publicly available. Necessary meta information is also included. Thus, any type of misunderstanding or misdirection is avoided.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We are not able to show a link since we are not IFCN signatory yet. Although we are not a member of IFCN, we follow the principles of IFCN. We provide information on our website about our policy and it is in line with IFCN. Additionally, we cooperate with fact-checking organisations which are members of IFCN.
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
No problem about this criteria.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Sarphan Uzunoğlu.
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.
Fakt Yoxla
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fakt Yoxla is an independent non-profit organisation and functions independently. However, it has a correction policy on its website:
Sarphan Uzunoğlu Assessor
16-Dec-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
They are now an independent organization free from any other media organization. They have an autonomous identity and operation structure.