Organization: Maldita.es .
Applicant: Clara Jiménez Cruz
Assessor: Anabella Costache
Background
Maldita.es is an IFCN signatory since 2018 and also a verified member of the European Fact-checking Standards
Network (EFCSN) since June 2023. Clara Jiménez Cruz, co-founder and CEO, is an Ashoka fellow since 2019,
she's a member of the IFCN Advisory Board and the chair of the EFCSN.
Maldita.es was created in 2018 and ever since it has been the main fact checking platform in Spain, with a
prominent role in an increasingly polarized society.
Assessment Conclusion
The applicant continues to be compliant to the IFCN Code of Principles.
Anabella Costache assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
Desde su creación en 2018, Maldita.es ha ido siendo un punto de referencia a nivel europeo para los efuerzos de
lucha contra la desinformación y de alfabetización mediática. No cabe duda de que Maldita.es sigue actuando en
línea con los principios del Código IFCN y de que juega un papel muy importante en el combate contra la
desinformación tanto en la sociedad española como a nivel europeo e internacional.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Maldita.es is a non-profit foundation dedicated to fact-checking. Currently the media outlet is registered and working with two legal entities:
ASOCIACION MALDITA CONTRA LA DESINFORMACIÓN: PERIODISMO, EDUCACIÓN, INVESTIGACIÓN Y DATOS EN NUEVOS FORMATOS. Registered in the Registro Nacional de Asociaciones: Sección: 1• 1 under the number 616385 and Tax registration number is G88206487.
FUNDACION MALDITA.ES CONTRA LA DESINFORMACIÓN: PERIODISMO, EDUCACIÓN, INVESTIGACIÓN Y DATOS EN NUEVOS FORMATOS. Registered in the Registro de Fundaciones of the Justice Minister of Spain under the number 2330JUS and Tax registration number is G88519038.
Both legal entities continue to coexist, due to the impossibility of definitively closing the association due to commitments and projects contracted prior to the registration of the foundation.
The Foundation has a board of trustees made up of Clara Jiménez Cruz, Julio Montes, Eva Garzón, Javier Gómez and the Association Maldita represented by David Fernández. Francisco Javier Cremades is the Secretary. Our registered bylaws and our registration number are both on our website:
https://maldita.es/malditas-cuentas-de-donde-vienen-donde-van-nuestros-ingresos/
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has two legally registered organizations, an NGO and a foundation. The information is available on its website as well the registration documents.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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?
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Maldita.es was legally founded on September 27, 2018 under the name Maldita Association against disinformation: journalism, education, investigation and data in new formats Section: 1 • 1 National Number: 616385. The bylaws of the Association can be accessed here: https://es.scribd.com/document/456561523/Estatutos-Asociacion-Maldita?secret_password=bp7WTxz558QDs4w9AV7z
Before 2018 Maldita was already an operating fact-checker but it didn’t have a legal entity: we were a group of journalists dedicated to a project in our spare time.
In the quest for Maldita.es to be transparent and supervised by civil society in November 2020 Maldita.es is also registered as Maldita.es Foundation against disinformation: journalism, education, research and data in new formats. The bylaws for the foundation can be accessed here: https://es.scribd.com/document/456562725/ESTATUTOS-FUNDACIO-N-MALDITA-ES
Maldita.es’ operations started as a non-profit media outlet to fight disinformation and promote transparency through fact-checking and data journalism techniques. Its main mission is to provide citizens with tools, technology and information that allows them to build informed opinions and make informed choices.
Currently 46 people work for Maldita.es either full, part time, as external collaborators or as interns:
Direction: CEO and Director
Newsroom Coordinator
Maldito Bulo (debunking): Coordinator and 2 journalists
Maldito Dato (political fact-checking): Coordinator and 4 journalists
Maldita Ciencia (science and health): Coordinator and 2 journalists
Maldita Alimentación (food & nutrition): 1 journalist
Maldita Migration (migration): 1 journalist
Maldito Feminismo (gender): 1 journalist
Maldita Hemeroteca (archive): 1 journalist
Maldito Clima: 2 journalists
Maldito Timo: 1 journalist
Factchequeado: 1 journalist
Community: 1 coordinator, 1 community manager
Projects: 1 projects and impact coordinator, 1 projects and impact assistant, 1 projects and impact technician and 1 external communications officer
EFCSN Project coordinator: 1 project coordinator
Maldita Tecnología (Technology): 1 coordinator and 1 journalist
Maldita Educa (Media literacy): 1 coordinator and 3 technicians
Technological development: 1 CTO and 1 developer
Administration: 1 accountant and 1 assistant accountant
Public Policy: 1 coordinator and 1 assistant
Academic Research: 1 coordinator and 1 intern
Audiovisual production: 1 coordinator
Design and Product: 1 graphic designer
Maldita.es is divided into sections which target specific themes and audiences:
Maldito Bulo dedicated to fact-check digital misinformation selected through crowdsourcing techniques https://maldita.es/malditobulo/
Maldito Dato dedicated to fact-checking political discourse with data journalism techniques, journalistic investigation using resources to access public information, and promoting government transparency. https://maldita.es/malditodato/
Maldita Hemeroteca dedicated to verify political speech using archive resources. https://maldita.es/malditahemeroteca/
Maldita Ciencia dedicated to the scientific dissemination and fact-check of topics related to health, food, physics, chemistry or any topic related to science. https://maldita.es/malditaciencia/
Maldita Tecnología uses journalism, tools and education to answer questions about privacy, data usage, technology ethics and digital rights. https://maldita.es/malditatecnologia/
Maldita Migración verifies misinformation around migrants and hate speech. https://migracion.maldita.es/
Maldito Feminismo fact-checks misinformation around gender issues. https://feminismo.maldita.es/
Maldita Alimentación on nutrition and scientific dissemination and fact-checking of topics related to food called https://alimentacion.maldita.es/
Maldito Clima focused on the environment and verifies disinformation relating to the climate, climate change, natural disasters, the energy transition, etc. https://maldita.es/clima/
Maldito Timo is focused on fighting online scams and cybercrime that aim to steal our data and money, including phishing, identity theft, and false investments in cryptocurrencies. https://maldita.es/timo/
Maldita Te Explica is our section dedicated to explainers about politics and current events in general https://maldita.es/maldita-te-explica/
Maldita Educa is our media literacy project which develops and creates educational content on critical thinking and fact-checking https://educa.maldita.es/
We also have a Public Policy and Institutional Development Coordination to advise regulators on how to fight misinformation. These efforts also are related to the creation of an Academic Research Coordination that allows the organization to create alliances with academics and researchers that study disinformation in order to create knowledge that enables Maldita.es better understand disinformation phenomena in order to make decisions based on facts and data. In the non editorial side of the organization we also have a Technological Development Team that creates tools that helps our fact-checking operations and provides better services to users.
In the coming year we plan to get much more involved in advising regulators on how to fight misinformation regarding the EMFA which is currently being debated in the EU.
We want to continue investing in developing technological tools that can help our fact-checking operations and others in the battle against misinformation and we also want to partner with researchers and incorporate academic profiles to our operation in order to conduct investigations using all the data around misinformation that we have gathered throughout the years. Our aim is also to reach a better coordination with other European and Spanish speaking fact-checkers to cooperate in amplifying fact-checking reach in general.
Furthermore, last year we started a pilot project with Chequeado (Argentina) aiming to serve Spanish speaking audiences in the US. That project is currently being evaluated for next steps and will be at the focus of our efforts in 2023.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The two organizations are exclusively dedicated to the purpose of fact-checking and countering disinformation.
The members of the team and their specific roles in the organizations are clearly disclosed on the applicant's website: https://maldita.es/transparencia-organizacion/. All the members have a good reputation and their professional biographies are disclosed on the website: https://maldita.es/quienes-somos.
Clara Jiménez Cruz and Julio Montes are the co-founder of Maldita.es and their are still involved since 2018 when the platform was created. Clara Jiménez Cruz is one of the most important figures for the development of fact checking initiatives in Spain.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
We divide our fact-checking operation in three different main branches:
- Maldito Bulo, our debunking section: https://maldita.es/malditobulo/
- Maldito Dato, our political fact-checking section: https://maldita.es/malditodato/
- Maldita Ciencia: https://maldita.es/malditaciencia/
Furthermore, we have sections for specific topics that we feel need attention, although any fact-check listed in them will also be in the general section and responds to the specific methodology:
- Maldita Migración: https://maldita.es/migracion
- Maldito Feminismo: https://maldita.es/feminismo
- Maldito Alimentación: https://maldita.es/alimentacion
- Maldito Timo: https://maldita.es/timo/
We publish an average of 9.4 articles a day of which at least 4 are fact-checks.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has published, on average, at least one fact check per week during the six months prior to November 2022, when the application was submitted.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In a sample of 30 fact checks randomly selected over the three months prior to the application date all of the articles tackled issues of public interest such as migration, human rights, public health, governance, climate change and education.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
All our commercial, financial and institutional relationships are public. Every year we publish our accounts, you can see our 2020 balance sheets here:
Association: https://maldita.es/uploads/public/docs/balance_asociacion_maldita_2020.pdf
Foundation: https://maldita.es/uploads/public/docs/balance_fundacion_maldita_2020.pdf
We also publish a breakdown of our income and budget in our web:
https://maldita.es/malditas-cuentas-de-donde-vienen-donde-van-nuestros-ingresos/
Through our Public Policy and Institutional Affairs office we talk to state officials and political parties regularly both at a National and European level. Our aim is to provide regulators with the best evidence and academic research available around misinformation together with assisting them through our expertise for a better understanding of the problem. We also publish position papers and quarterly reports that can be found here: https://maldita.es/politicas-publicas-desarrollo-institucional
We do have a commercial relationship with some local and regional governments for Media literacy courses and disinformation alert systems which don’t represent more than 0.96% of our 2021 annual budget and have been announced publicly on our site: https://maldita.es/nosotros/20201128/maldita-es-colaborara-con-la-junta-de-andalucia-para-luchar-contra-la-desinformacion-mediante-un-servicio-de-deteccion-temprana/
In 2022, Maldita.es has received 8 grants from public resources (Madrid’s City Council, Spain, European Union) none of them are directly related to our fact-checking operation: they cover aside specific and predefined projects around technology understanding, research and media literacy. All of this projects have been publicly communicated on our website:
- Iberifier, a regional observatory on disinformation: https://maldita.es/nosotros/20210503/malditaes-miembro-iberifier-observatorio-desinformacion-espana-portugal-comision-europea/
- FECYT and Maldita Educa: support to build a media literacy repository https://maldita.es/nosotros/20210729/Maldita_Educa_gana_beca_Fecyt_herramientas_contra_desinformacion/
- European Fact-checking Standards Network: es un proyecto con un consorcio liderado por Maldita.es y la participación de Pagella Politica, Correctiv, Demagog, AFP y EU Disinfolab que tiene como objetivo la creación del Código de Estándares Profesionales para organizaciones de fact-checking en Europa.
- Righting the wrongs: a project led by Oxfam Intermón, with the participation of Oxfam Italia and Openpolis that supports the work we do denying misinformation about the migrant population and with which we produce new tools, campaigns, research and reports on how misinformation affects narratives. 2022 is the last year of the project.
- EU Hybnet: It is a 5-year project, spearheaded by two Finnish agencies; The Laurea University of Applied Sciences and the European Center of Excellence to Counter Hybrid Threats brings together 23 organizations from 16 countries in order to carry out a comprehensive study that helps detect, prepare and counter potential hybrid threats that could affect countries of the European Union.
- Active citizen for people and planet!”: a project that seeks to promote discussions and citizen actions related to climate change and the environment. Led by Oxfam Intermón of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) program of the European Commission and will start in September 202. Maldita.es will participate together with 6 other organizations carrying out a campaign so that citizens can report possible misinformation, will deny disinforming content and will perform on Twitch programs on climate change with the participation of experts
- Fecyt and Superpoderosas: a project that began in July 2022 focused on three large fields: citizenship, superpowers and innovation. In order to increase the participation of users who raise their doubts to Maldita Ciencia, the participation of women scientists in dissemination and innovation in content dissemination formats. This project will be carried out between July 2021 and June 2022. The grade obtained in the evaluation was 79 points out of 100, obtaining 59.5% of the financing of the project through this aid. The remaining 40.5% will be provided by Maldita.es.
- Jóvenes y Desarrollo: This foundation received a grant from the Madrid City Council, in which we participate as partners, to train teachers from educational centers in the municipality with tools in the fight against misinformation.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant is transparent regarding all the sources of income and discloses the transactions made each year. The majority of funds come from independent grants and even when they receive funds from public authorities it seems to be for the benefit of the broad audience and they are not related to the applicant's fact checking activity and the. The applicant does not show any sign of dependence of state or political party of person.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
All our income sources are listed and deeply explained and with additional information on links in our website: https://maldita.es/malditas-cuentas-de-donde-vienen-donde-van-nuestros-ingresos/
Furthermore, we have a neutrality policy that applies to all the members of the team and we specify in all our projects and contracts that the editorial decisions depend only on us and are driven by our methodologies. Here you can find our neutrality policy: https://maldita.es/politica-de-neutralidad/
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant's neutrality policy is clearly explained and published on its website.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
MALDITO BULO
We verify claims using the same standard for every piece. We do not concentrate our fact-checking on any one side, since we have a process in which we rank the viralization of disinformation according to its spread on social media together with the reports of our community. We follow the same process on every issue and search for the necessary data to debunk a piece of misinformation no matter who it may benefit. We do not take policy positions on the issues we fact-check. We decide what to fact-check first considering virality and dangerosity to public health, social peace, etc. Here are some examples:
No, esta foto de la OTAN en la que aparece Pedro Sánchez en última fila no es de la cumbre de Madrid: fue tomada durante una cumbre extraordinaria en Bruselas en marzo de 2022 https://maldita.es/malditobulo/20220629/no-esta-foto-de-la-otan-en-la-que-aparece-pedro-sanchez-en-ultima-fila-no-es-de-la-cumbre-de-madrid-fue-tomada-durante-una-cumbre-extraordinaria-en-bruselas-en-marzo-de-2022/
No, esta foto de Alberto Núñez Feijóo dándole la mano a Arnaldo Otegi no es real: es un montaje https://maldita.es/malditobulo/20220905/montaje-feijoo-saluda-arnaldo-otegi/
No, esta foto de Santiago Abascal sosteniendo una botella de vino con la cara de Franco no es real: se trata de un montaje https://maldita.es/malditobulo/20220525/santiago-abascal-vox-botella-vino-franco/
No, este cartel sobre un acto de Yolanda Díaz junto a Mertxe Aizpurua en el pabellón Miguel Ángel Blanco en Ermua (Vizcaya) no es real: es un montaje https://maldita.es/malditobulo/20220919/yolanda-diaz-mertxe-aizpurua-montaje/
No, Juan García-Gallardo no ha tuiteado que quiere “despenalizar y legalizar” el amianto https://maldita.es/malditobulo/20220929/garcia-gallardo-despenalizar-amianto/
No, Pablo Echenique no ha tuiteado que "la misión" de Putin en Ucrania es la de "imponer el orden" y que las "víctimas ucranianas civiles son un daño colateral sin importancia": es un montaje https://maldita.es/malditobulo/20220309/echenique-ucrania-putin-imponer-orden/
Las declaraciones de Montero sobre “el derecho de los niños a tener relaciones sexuales con quien les de la gana”: qué ha dicho y qué no y cuál era el contexto de la intervención https://maldita.es/feminismo/20220927/irene-montero-ninos-relaciones-sexuales-consentimiento-pederastia/
Las declaraciones de Enrique Ossorio sobre la comisión de investigación en residencias y que “las familias ya lo han superado”: qué ha dicho y qué no y cuál era el contexto de la intervención https://maldita.es/malditobulo/20221007/ossorio-familias-superado-residencias/
No, la persona que habla en este vídeo sobre el gasto en tratamientos para pacientes con cáncer no es "la responsable de Vox en Jerez" (Cádiz) ni va en las listas del partido a las elecciones andaluzas del 19 de junio https://maldita.es/malditobulo/20220525/gasto-cancer-vox-jerez-andalucia/
No, la persona que confunde en este vídeo dónde se ubican Ronda y Cádiz no es la candidata de la coalición Por Andalucía a las elecciones andaluzas https://maldita.es/malditobulo/20220519/ronda-cadiz-candidata-por-andalucia/
MALDITO DATO
We verify political claims using the same standards for every piece. We do not concentrate our fact-checking on any one side but do not generate a false balance either: We listen approximately to the same amount of time from each political party and publish only fact-checks which are false or need further context. Here are some examples:
Por qué no se puede afirmar que "cada madrileño" se haya "ahorrado 6.700 euros en impuestos" con el Gobierno de Díaz Ayuso https://maldita.es/malditodato/20221024/madrileno-6700-euros-impuestos-ayuso/
Por qué no se puede afirmar que el PP no haya "votado a favor de los ERTE" como dice Yolanda Díaz: votó que sí a su activación y a sus siete prórrogas, aunque no a un real decreto ley que "agilizaba su tramitación" https://maldita.es/malditodato/20220930/pp-erte-yolanda-diaz/
Es falso que España sea el país con mayor cobertura vacunal contra la COVID-19 de Europa y del mundo como dice Carolina Darias https://maldita.es/malditodato/20211203/espana-pais-mayor-cobertura-vacunal-europa-mundo-carolina-darias/
Datos, verificaciones y contexto del debate en la Asamblea de Madrid sobre el estado de la región https://maldita.es/malditodato/20220914/debate-asamblea-madrid-estado-region/
Datos, verificaciones y contexto del debate entre Sánchez y Núñez Feijóo en el Senado https://maldita.es/malditodato/20220909/debate-verificaciones-contexto-sanchez-feijoo-senado/
Es falso que "PSOE, PP y Podemos" pretendieran aprobar "subirle la cuota mínima de 294 euros a casi 600 euros" a los autónomos que ingresen "1.900 euros" como dice Inés Arrimadas https://maldita.es/malditodato/20220826/arrimadas-cuota-autonomos-congreso-psoe-podemos/
Es falso que las matrículas de las universidades públicas de Madrid cuesten "3.000 euros" como dice Alberto Núñez Feijóo https://maldita.es/malditodato/20220719/falso-matriculas-universidades-madrid-3000-euros-feijoo/
Datos, verificaciones y contexto del debate sobre el estado de la nación https://maldita.es/malditodato/20220713/datos-verificaciones-contexto-debate-estado-nacion/
Es falso que Juan García-Gallardo, el vicepresidente de Castilla y León, cobre "101.000" euros "al año" como dice Edmundo Bal https://maldita.es/malditodato/20220622/edmundo-bal-garcia-gallardo-101000-euros/
Es falso que el programa educativo que enseña "qué es la masturbación" a niños de 11 años pertenezca a la Junta de Andalucía como dice Macarena Olona
https://maldita.es/malditodato/20220616/olona-libro-andalucia-masturbacion/
MALDITA CIENCIA
Since September 2020, we have implemented a public methodology also in Maldita Ciencia. We verify claims about health and scientific issues using the same standards for every piece. Our work is based on the search and explanation of scientific literature and on the consultation of experts who help us by providing context and information from their respective scientific branches.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant uses the same high standards of evidence for equivalent claims both in its selection from the application and my random selection. This is specifically clear in the case of the claims of politicians. The fact checking process is mostly the same in each article and the reader can do the fact check by himself. For each fact check, the applicant has a tag with the resources used for the fact check (for example Google reverse search, official documents from Official State Bulletin, data, observation etc.) and we find it particularly useful for the reader and also a sign of transparency.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
MALDITO BULO
Our Maldito Bulo methodology is public in this link: https://maldita.es/metodologia-de-maldito-bulo/
We select what we are going to debunk based on two variables:
Virality: It is measured according to reports from our community and virality on social networks, specially WhatsApp, but also includes Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or if it is broadcast by a public figure or on a web page or media with public reach. We will not publish a denial of a hoax that has had practically no impact in order not to amplify it, except in dangerous situations.
Dangerousness: there are hoaxes that appear in particularly delicate crisis situations such as attacks or natural catastrophes, those that affect public health or social coexistence, which we will try to stop from the first moment we detect them.
MALDITO DATO
Our Maldito Dato methodology is public in this link:
https://maldita.es/metodologia-de-maldito-dato/
The Maldito Dato team monitors the statements of Spanish politicians made publicly, that is, through the media, at events or through social networks. We do not concentrate our fact-checking on any one side but do not generate a false balance either: we listen approximately to the same amount of time from each political party and publish only fact-checks which are false or need further context.
The selection of the statements or messages that are verified is carried out through a weighting system that is based on the viralization of the statement itself or on the possible political or social repercussions it may have. We only check figures or statements based on alleged facts or statistics, not opinions.
MALDITA CIENCIA
Our Maldita Ciencia methodology is public in this link: https://www.maldita.es/metodologia-de-maldita-ciencia
The Maldita Ciencia team is focused on the debunk or dissemination of scientific literature and experts that provide context and more information. This methodology is clear on the publication date of our articles, because scientific knowledge can change.
To select the topics to be debunk or explained are selected based on the same criteria applied on the Maldito Bulo methodology: virality and dangerousness.
Due to the specific characteristics of the contents from Maldita Ciencia we also defined 4 categories to indicate the type of content: hoax, no evidence, false affirmations and divulgation.
The edition process will involve three levels: first the journalist, then the section coordinator, and finally a senior editor. In the case of food topics published in our independent section Maldita Alimentación, we also count with an advisor board that ensures our quality and rigor.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant's methodology is published on the website and it sets out clearly that the main factors taken into consideration when choosing the claims are virality and dangerousness.
Comparing the fact checks selected by the applicant and a random selection of fact checks, these criteria are being respected and the selection of claims is indeed done according to their reach and importance.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The reader can easily draw his own conclusions regarding any interests that might influence the conclusion of the fact check.We were unable to find any hidden interest or relationship that might influence the conclusions of the fact checks. Whenever possible, the applicant uses more than one source of evidence to fact check the claims.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant is neutral and objective when addressing political claims and there is no sign of partisanship.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
We have a public neutrality policy that applies to the whole organization and can be checked here: https://maldita.es/politica-de-neutralidad
"At Maldita.es we believe that the neutrality and non-partisanship of the journalistic contents that we carry out is essential to maintain our credibility and the trust of our community.
Therefore, although members of our team can participate in social and political events individually, they will never do so in the name of Maldita.es.
We understand that, as members of civil society, team members can take sides on political issues as long as they do so on their behalf and not on behalf of the organization. In addition, if a member of the team accepts some type of position within a political party that would mean their immediate disengagement from the project.
In the same way, if there is a conflict of interest between a member of the team and a journalistic issue, that member would be separated from the management of that specific topic to protect the honesty and credibility of the contents of Maldita.es.”
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The neutrality policy of the staff is disclosed on the applicant's website and it clearly states that the staff will not express personal political opinions through the fact checks and will not have any links with a political party. In case of a potential conflict of interests, the member of the team will not get involved in that specific topic, as in this case, where one of the senior editors of the team did not engage in the fact check because he had a direct family relationship with one of the persons involved in the topic: https://maldita.es/malditobulo/20211220/complutense-incidencia-acumulada-madrid-15000/
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant discloses all the sources of evidence used in the fact checks and, generally, the reader can replicate the fact checks on its own using the links provided in the fact check.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Whenever possible, the applicant uses only primary sources of evidence and the sources are always the most relevant for the topic addressed.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Whenever possible, the applicant uses more than one source of evidence to check the claims.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Whenever required by the context and the type of evidence used, the applicant is transparent about the interests of the sources.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Maldita.es is an independent organization set up as a non profit association and a non profit foundation.
This are the association bylaws:
This are the foundation bylaws:
https://es.scribd.com/document/456562725/ESTATUTOS-FUNDACIO-N-MALDITA-ES
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant is transparent about their sources of revenue and discloses all the funding received: https://maldita.es/malditas-cuentas-de-donde-vienen-donde-van-nuestros-ingresos/
The legal forms of organization are also disclosed: https://maldita.es/malditas-cuentas-de-donde-vienen-donde-van-nuestros-ingresos/
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
At Maldita.es we believe that transparency is essential, that is why every year we make our income and expense accounts public together with our yearly budget and every six months we update the current expenses and incomes. We also publish our bylaws. You can find everything here https://maldita.es/malditas-cuentas-de-donde-vienen-donde-van-nuestros-ingresos/
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
This is not the case. The applicant is an independent organization.
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In this link, permanently updated, we make the profile and position of each of the members of the Maldita.es team available: https://maldita.es/quienes-somos/
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant is transparent regarding the members of the two organizations and who is engaged in the editorial control: https://maldita.es/transparencia-organizacion/, https://maldita.es/quienes-somos/
There is also a separate page with a short biography of each editor: https://maldita.es/quienes-editores-con-voto-segun-la-metodologia-de-maldito-bulo/
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Although all the team’s biographies are updated on the previous link, we also set up a separate page linked on our methodologies explaining who are the editors that can vote fact-checks here: https://maldita.es/quienes-editores-con-voto-segun-la-metodologia-de-maldito-bulo
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant discloses the biographies of all the team members: https://maldita.es/quienes-somos
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
All our strategy as an organization is related to talking back and forth with our audience. They can reach out to us on social media (where all our messages are open and accessible); they can write to us through our WhatsApp chatbot; they can send us direct e-mails (which are listed within the methodology but also at the bottom of the webpage); they can write to us on our App and they can also reach out through our plug-in. Furthermore, each section has an ‘Ask us a question’ block that allows users to put forward questions for our Q&As.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant can easily be contacted by the readers through social media, their WhatsApp chatbot, on their app or directly from the website. At this moment the website has a bar with all the tools created for the readers, including the means of communication with the editorial team.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Maldito Bulo's methodology: https://maldita.es/metodologia-de-maldito-bulo/
Maldito Dato's methodology: https://maldita.es/metodologia-de-maldito-dato/
Maldita Ciencia’s methodology: https://www.maldita.es/metodologia-de-maldita-ciencia
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The methodology for each type of fact checking are published on the applicant's website and clearly explained.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant selects the claims to be checked according to the level of reach and importance and this is also confirmed by the fact checks we assessed. The applicant selects, verifies and publishes mostly fact checks that address claims that have a high degree of importance at a political and social level.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Whenever applicable, the applicant discloses also evidence that seems to undermine the claim and depict to the reader the full context of the topic.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant uses the same methodology and high standards of evidence regardless the topic and of who made the claim. This is particularly visible in fact checks of claims from politicians from all the Spanish political parties.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Whenever possible and relevant for the fact check, the applicant has contacted the persons who made the claims and the other parties involved.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
We permanently campaign on social networks and through television and radio programs where we collaborate by providing our users with our WhatsApp Chatbot number and all our social media accounts.
On this number we receive an average of 600 queries sent by users everyday.
In addition we have our community of members (whom we call "Maldit@s") who bring their talents and experience to help us deny information. This community of more than 50,000 users receives constant communications through newsletters and messages that allow them to be part of our verification process: https://comunidad.maldita.es
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The readers are encouraged to send claims. Although the users can refer to the fact checking methodologies in order to understand what can be fact-checked and what not, it would be useful to dedicate a separate page to explaining it specifically for this situation and to list all the means of communication accessible to the users.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Our Correction's policy can be found here: https://maldita.es/politica-de-rectificacion/
At Maldita.es we believe that if we make mistakes we have to rectify them. We promise to be transparent when correcting our own mistakes and to do so on our web page and on our social networks. If the errors affect the meaning of the verification, the word CORRECTION will go in the headline when it comes to rectifying.
Sometimes we add information to an article, change something or qualify a phrase that we think is not being well understood. Whenever we do, we mark it with an asterisk and explain at the end of the article what has changed and why it has.
We also keep a date track when articles are modified. We maintain a first publishing date at the bottom of every article and the actualization date at the top of the article.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The correction policy is visible and accessible on the applicant's website: https://maldita.es/politica-de-rectificacion/
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant's policy is clear regarding the way they handle corrections and the fact that the readers are invited to signal errors or complementary sources of evidence, but that they won't be taken into consideration if they are an attempt to manipulate the fact check.
From what can be verified on the website and the social media pages of the applicant, the policy is respected.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Between june 2021 and october 2022 we’ve corrected the following articles:
CORRECCIÓN: La imagen que alertaba de un agresor sexual en Barcelona: Un hombre de 26 años ha sido detenido acusado de cinco agresiones sexuales cometidas en la ciudad condal y L'Hospitalet: https://maldita.es/malditobulo/20210914/hombre-perseguir-mujeres-golpear-violar-hospitalet-collblanc-barcelona/
CORRECCIÓN SOBRE LA APLICACIÓN TEK FOG: https://maldita.es/malditatecnologia/20220225/tek-fog-aplicacion-desinformacion-india/
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The two corrections are visible for the users and they are clearly explained.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Maldita.es .
23-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The link to the IFCN's complaints page is also published on the applicant's website, in the Correction and complaints policy section: https://maldita.es/politica-de-rectificacion/
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Anabella Costache.
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.
Anabella Costache Assessor
04-Sep-2023 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Not the case.