Myth Detector is a fact-checking platform founded and owned by NGO Media Development Foundation. Information about the ownership and legal status of Myth Detector is available in the Transparency section on our website: https://mythdetector.ge/en/about-us/

Legal Information about Myth Detector’s parent organization, the Media Development Foundation is available here: https://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/17/

Since MDF is a Non-Entrepreneurial (Non-Commercial) Legal Entity, there are no shareholders. 

Myth Detector (MD) is a fact-checking team that is a separate unit of Media Development Foundation (MDF), non-profit non-government organisation  that is legally registered in Georgia. It is stated on both websites: MDF here https://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/17 and MD here https://mythdetector.ge/en/about-us/ . The information is available in two languages: English and Georgian.

The status go MDF is also confirmed by Extract of the State register.

1. Media Development Foundation (MDF) launched its fact-checking and myth-debunking platform - Myth Detector – in 2014. Initially, the fact-checking platform was launched to address information influence operations from foreign countries; Later on, domestic disinformation challenges also became a focus of the platform. Myth Detector aims to uncover the truth behind the lies, explore hidden agendas, raise the level of media literacy and inform both people and institutions of Georgia about the impacts of disinformation.

For detailed information about “Myth Detector,” see the link: https://mythdetector.ge/en/about-us/

For detailed information about the Media Development Foundation, see: https://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/1

2. "Myth Detector” currently employs 13 full-time staff (including Editor-in-chief, Deputy editor-in-chief, Duty Editor, English-language editor, Russian-language editor and 5 fact-checkers) and 5 non-staff contributors.

Detailed information about Myth Detector’s staff is available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/our-team/

3. While our operation’s main focus is fact-checking, Myth Detector also works in the direction of Coordinated Inauthentic Behaviour (CIB). We study the use of trolls and fake pages in social media for domestic political purposes; A specific section is devoted to that part on our website. Available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/category/un-troll/

Detailed methodology about the process of identification of trolls is also included in the methodology section: https://mythdetector.ge/en/methodology/

Fact-checking articles prepared by Myth Detector are also used as examples/case studies for MIL workshops and trainings MDF conducts. These resources are available at: These resources are available here: http://millab.ge/en/

For more information about the activities undertaken by Myth Detector, see: https://mythdetector.ge/en/about-us/

4. Myth Detector will continue to cooperate with Facebook in 2023. In the upcoming year, Myth Detector aims to develop the fact-checking platform further by increasing access to it using different communication formats. We also want to diversify our content, which would entail providing weekly analytical pieces that would summarize the key trends and tendencies in terms of disinformation and information manipulation.

An additional goal of Myth Detector is to develop its Russian-language section further and reach more Russian-speaking audiences.

In addition, the Media Development Foundation plans to update insightful media and information literacy (MIL) resources based on its fact-checking case studies to provide extensive content tailored to a wider range of audiences and in different formats, including online games. These resources are available here: http://millab.ge/en/ 

Myth Detector had been launched on 2014 to address the disinformation mostly coming from Russia, later domestic disinformation was included into MD operations.

MD has now 13 full-time staff members and 5 part-time contributors.

The primary activities of Myth Detector are fact-checking, debunking fakes, educational media literacy activities, and countering disinformation.

In the upcoming year, Myth Detector aims:

1) to continue cooperation with Facebook

2) to develop the fact-checking platform further by increasing access to it using different communication formats. 

3) to diversify content, which would entail providing weekly analytical pieces that would summarise the key trends and tendencies in terms of disinformation and information manipulation.

4) to develop its Russian-language section further and reach more Russian-speaking audiences.

Myth Detector publishes at least 3 articles on a daily basis that estimate 15 fact checks a week on average and about 60 in a month.

Detailed information about the archive is available here: https://mythdetector.ge/ka/phaqtebis-gadamotsmebis-monatsemtha-baza/

Notably, since the emergence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, under Meta’s third-party fact-checking program, Myth Detector started fact-checking the claims disseminated by Russian, Ukrainian and Belorussian sources.

Hence, Myth Detector operates in 5 languages: Georgian, English, Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani. Georgian, Russian and English versions are updated regularly, but we also prepare Armenian and Azerbaijani translations for ethnic minorities according to the ongoing projects and resources.

The site allows the readers to browse fact checks according to 14 different categories and dates:

1. GEO: http://mythdetector.ge/ka/myths/myth

2. ENG: http://mythdetector.ge/en/myths/myth

3. RUS: https://mythdetector.ge/ru/mify/

4. ARM: https://mythdetector.ge/hy/tvyalneri-baza/

5. AZE: https://mythdetector.ge/az/melumatlar-bazasi/ 

Monitoring of MD site shows that during last six month Myth Detector published more that 300 stories in Georgian language, 180 in English, 180 in Russian. 

Most of randomly selected and analysed fact-checking content proves that the stories are based on claims that are highly important for the Georgian society and audience.

MDF does not have any commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship with the state, politicians or political parties in Georgia. The main source of funding for the organization includes grants and other income (sub-grants, contracts, donations) from international donor organizations, such as USAID, UNICEF, and also from various governments’ development assistance programs, including the countries, such as the US, UK, etc.

Detailed information about programs, activities and donors is available here: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/actives

In addition, MDF publishes its financial report regularly, listing all the income sources to further ensure organizational transparency. Financial reports are available here: https://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/99/

As mentioned above, Myth Detector has joined Facebook’s third-party fact-checking program that also involves financial incentives from Facebook according to the third-party partnership agreement.

In addition, MDF’s code of conduct states that MDF shall not conclude any agreement or partnership with a political party or any other public relations that could endanger the organization’s integrity, reputation, independence and impartiality. 

Both Myth Detector and MDF do not have any financial and institutional influence of the Government, politicians or political parties in Georgia. The organisation is funded by the number of International donors. Myth Detector is participating in Facebook’s third-party fact-checking program that is one of the sources of funding. 

MDF publishes financial reports, that include all funding sources: https://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/99/ 

MDF’s code of conduct clearly defines measures undertaken to ensure editorial independence and avoid conflict of interest. Available here: https://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/87/ 

All the active and completed projects and activities of MDF are listed here: https://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/actives

Furthermore, the grant agreement contracts contain provisions that donors are not interfering in the implementation process. MDF’s fundraising policy is based only on the organization's mission and objectives, which are human rights, freedom of expression, media pluralism, conscious media consumption and resilience building. MDF cooperates with organizations pursuing the same objectives. All activities developed within donor-supported projects include disclaimers clearly stating that MDF takes sole responsibility for the content and the donor is not interfering in the process. see the example below:

The report is based on the data obtained through media monitoring, which is carried out by the Media Development Foundation within the framework of the “Unity through Diversity” program. The program is implemented by the United Nations Association of Georgia (UNAG) with the financial support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The views and opinions expressed in the publication belong to the author(s) only and should not be perceived as the position of the United States Agency for International Development and the United Nations Association of Georgia.

See: https://genderbarometer.ge/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Gender-Publication-ENG-web.pdf 

MDF have no funds from the government or local authorities. The Code of Conduct states editorial independence and principles.

1. What Do We Know about the Modelling Career of Daniil Solovyov, and Who is Depicted on the Viral Pictures? https://mythdetector.ge/en/what-do-we-know-about-the-modelling-career-of-daniil-solovyov-and-who-is-depicted-on-the-viral-pictures/

2. Did US Congressman Raskin Say that Russia Should be Destroyed Because of Orthodoxy? https://mythdetector.ge/en/did-us-congressman-raskin-say-that-russia-should-be-destroyed-because-of-orthodoxy/

3. Fabricated Post about Victoria Nuland in the Name of Radio Liberty https://mythdetector.ge/en/fabricated-post-about-victoria-nuland-in-the-name-of-radio-liberty/

4. False Information about Irakli Kobakhidze in the Name of Tabula https://mythdetector.ge/en/false-information-about-irakli-kobakhidze-in-the-name-of-tabula/

5. Fabricated Quote about the Mayor of Tsalkenjikha Disseminated in the Name of Kelly Degnan https://mythdetector.ge/en/fabricated-quote-about-the-mayor-of-tsalkenjikha-disseminated-in-the-name-of-kelly-degnan/

6. When were the TV Tower and the Peace Bridge in Tbilisi Illuminated in the Colors of the Azerbaijani Flag? https://mythdetector.ge/en/when-were-the-tv-tower-and-the-peace-bridge-in-tbilisi-illuminated-in-the-colors-of-the-azerbaijani-flag/

7. Fabricated Post About the Crimean Bridge Explosion in the Name of PM Garibashvili https://mythdetector.ge/en/fabricated-post-about-the-crimean-bridge-explosion-in-the-name-of-pm-garibashvili/

8. Video Fabrication Targeting Opposition Leader Giorgi Vasadze https://mythdetector.ge/en/video-fabrication-targeting-opposition-leader-giorgi-vasadze/

9. Pro-Kremlin Actors Presented as Georgian Scientists Ask Kremlin to Examine the Lugar Lab https://mythdetector.ge/en/pro-kremlin-actors-presented-as-georgian-scientists-ask-kremlin-to-examine-the-lugar-lab/

10. Fraudulent Website Encourages Users to Use a Cryptocurrency Trading Platform in the Name of the President of Georgia https://mythdetector.ge/en/fraudulent-website-encourages-users-to-use-a-cryptocurrency-trading-platform-in-the-name-of-the-president-of-georgia/

11. Fabricated Posts about Turkey in the Name of Guram Palavandishvili. https://mythdetector.ge/ka/thurqethze-guram-phalavandishvilis-sakhelith-qhalbi-postebi-vrtseldeba/ (in Georgian only)

The “Code of Conduct” and “Methodology” of “Myth Detector” both underscore that the process of fact-checking should rely only on evidence and act in an independent, impartial and apolitical manner. Myth Detector must apply identical standards and procedures in fact-checking in order to avoid a selective approach.

Namely, Myth Detector’s Methodology maintains coherent standards across the fact checks. The fact-checking process involves four stages: 1. Selection; 2. Verification of facts; 3. Evaluation; 4. Searching for information about a source.

The evaluation process is based on the internal code of conduct of Myth Detector and also involves Facebook rating options and program policies. Besides, we also have on an internal rating system that will ensure the additional coherence and comprehensiveness of this process.

Moreover, the articles indicated above demonstrate that we have fact-checked disinformation that targeted members of different political parties, including the incumbent Georgian Dream party members and the representatives of the opposition, as well as disinformation directed against diplomats, foreign politicians and celebrities. We have also debunked disinformation that was disseminated against Vladimir Solovyov, who himself is a widely known Kremlin propagandist and even Guram Palavandishvili, who himself is infamous for anti-Western rhetoric and dissemination of false information. 

Provided examples of the fact-checking publications show that Myth Detector is following the standards of non-partisanship and fairness, selecting the topics and claims in an unbiased way basing selection on the socially important issues. Myth Detector applies the same standards and procedures on the fact-checking to avoid a selective approach. 

The process of selection, research and completion of investigations is explained in detail in our methodology, available on our website. See link: https://mythdetector.ge/en/methodology/ 

In addition to the methodology, the code of conduct of Myth Detector further underscores the need for impartiality, stating that Myth Detector must apply identical standards and procedures in fact-checking in order to avoid a selective approach. available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/myth-detector-code-of-conduct/

Namely, our methodology states that Myth Detector focuses on topics that are of public concern (and not mere curiosity of individuals), which, according to Georgian law, entails events that are connected to the execution of public self-government in a democratic state. Myth Detector concentrates on topics that concern the welfare of society and/or individuals and has established a rapid-response mechanism when dealing with claims that could have serious damage to the public, such as claims related to public health, attacks, civil coexistence or natural catastrophes.

As an example, Myth Detector mobilized its efforts and debunked a number of false claims regarding the recent earthquake in Syria and Turkey. (See here) During the pandemic, Myth Detector focused on verifying viral mis- and disinformation about the virus, vaccines and false treatments.

In addition, as underscored in our methodology, when the error made by a source is not significant, viral or harmful, meaning that it could not have any possible consequence on the public, we will not debunk it in order not to contribute to its amplification.

Myth Detector rules and procedures of selection, fact-checking research and verification are explained in details in the methodology: https://mythdetector.ge/en/methodology/ 

Analysis of the fact-checking stories shows that Myth Detector selects broad range of topics and is not concentrated on one side of the claim. 

Myth Detector analysed publications on the controversial topics where possible conflict of interest or commercial engagement of the source can be seen, openly and clearly show these interests and disclose the sources of the information so the readers can make a conclusion about the influence and accuracy of the facts provided by the source.

Randomly selected Myth Detector publications analysis proved an impartial and unbiased approach to all institutions and persons that were subjects of fact-checking.

The Code of Conduct https://mythdetector.ge/en/myth-detector-code-of-conduct/ clearly defines the conflict of interests and declares that employees and the organization itself should avoid any personal, financial, political, or other interests and should not advocate or campaign for any political candidates.

The Code of Conduct of Myth Detector states that the operation should rely only on evidence and act in an independent, impartial and apolitical manner. Myth Detector must apply identical standards and procedures in fact-checking in order to avoid a selective approach. Our employee shall not be a member of any party or publicly support any candidate or party for the office. Myth Detector shall not conclude any agreement or partnership with a political party or any other public relations that could endanger the operation’s integrity, reputation, independence and impartiality. Available here:

https://mythdetector.ge/en/myth-detector-code-of-conduct/

The Code of Conduct of MDF states that employees should avoid any personal, financial, political or other interests that might hinder MDF’s integrity and their capability or willingness to perform their job duties. Our employee shall not be a member of any party or publicly support any candidate or party for the office. MDF shall not conclude any agreement or partnership with a political party or any other public relations that could endanger the organization’s integrity, reputation, independence and impartiality.

Available here: https://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/87/  

Myth Detector Code of Conduct https://mythdetector.ge/en/myth-detector-code-of-conduct/ states the operation should rely only on evidence and act in an independent, impartial and apolitical manner. The employees shall not be a member of any party or publicly support any candidate or party for the office.

The same is on the MDF website here https://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/87 

Randomly selected fact-checking publications analysis shows that the sources of all significant evidence in the stories are identified  in a way enabling users to understand how the fact-check was done. Myth Detector is always using multiple sources to double-check and verify claims and publications.

Most of randomly selected fact-check publications are based on primary sources. In the case of citing secondary sources, Myth Detector is stating that newsroom tried to reach the primary source and explaining why secondary source is used.

Analysis of content shows that using of multiple sources to double-check and verification of the facts is the rule set and enforced by Myth Detector.

Randomly selected fact-checking stories analysis proves that Myth Detector is noticing the affiliation or specific interest or affiliation of the source for the transparency and understanding of the context and accuracy of the information provided by the source.

Myth Detector (www.mythdetector.ge) is a fact-checking portal of the Media Development Foundation (MDF), established by a group of professional journalists, aimed at promoting critical thinking in a new media ecosystem and resilience building for citizens through conscious media consumption and provision of fact-based information and media literacy programs. For more details, see the link: https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/about-project

As mentioned above, Media Development Foundation is a non-governmental, non-entrepreneurial (non-commercial) legal entity registered in accordance with Georgian legislation. For more details, see the link: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/17 

Media Development Foundation is a non-governmental, non-entrepreneurial (non-commercial) legal entity registered in accordance with Georgian legislation. This is stated at: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/17 

Myth Detector is a fact-checking project of the Media Development Foundation as it stated here: https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/about-project                                                                                                          

MDF is a non-governmental, non-entrepreneurial (non-commercial) organization. The detailed information about the organization’s legal status and structure is available here: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/17 

MDF’s board: http://mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/19

Detailed information about Projects and Donors: http://mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/actives/

MDF’s financial information: https://mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/99/

MDF’s financial data and list of income sources for the year 2022: https://mdfgeorgia.ge/uploads//Pie-Charts-2022-ENG.pdf 

MDF is a non-governmental, non-entrepreneurial (non-commercial) organization. The detailed information about the organisation legal status and structure is published here: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/17 

The information about Myth Detector working as independent fact-checking project of Media Development Foundation is here: https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/about-project 

Detailed information about Projects and Donors of MDF is present here: http://mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/actives/

MDF’s financial reports explaining funding structure are available at: https://mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/99/ and the last one is here: https://mdfgeorgia.ge/uploads//Pie-Charts-2022-ENG.pdf                                                                                                          

Myth Detector’s organizational transparency, including the editorial team, is available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/about-us/

MDF’s organizational structure is available here: https://mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/17/  

The management system and organisational structure of MDF are clearly described here https://mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/17/ 

Information about editorial team and status of team members available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/our-team/ 

The biographies of Myth Detector staff are available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/our-team/ 

Links to the biographies of Myth Detector’s editorial team is also available under the transparency section here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/about-us/ 

Information about the Editorial team and Board is published on: https://mythdetector.ge/en/our-team/ 

This section provides relevant information about each team member including a short bio and position in the Myth Detector newsroom.

Users are also encouraged to send possible claims to fact-check, make complaints and corrections, or contact either MDF or Myth Detector relating to any possible concern. 

MDF's contact information: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/contact

Myth Detector's contact information: http://mythdetector.ge/en/contact

Report fake: https://mythdetector.ge/en/report-fake-news/

Make a complaint: http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/complaints

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=zSiftXFom06GsufboBft_Fbf1sNYrPNGm2NwneHQLzhUM0dKWVVFVU1KRlVTSzUzUjVOTUtDT05KNC4u

Make a correction: https://mythdetector.ge/en/complaints/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mythdetector/   

Myth Detector newsroom is using multiple channels to encourage audience to communicate with the editorial team, including social media platforms, forms to report fake or to send claims to be checked, e-mail, file a complaint form or request correction.

The process of selection, research and completion of investigations is explained in detail in our methodology, available on our website. See link: https://mythdetector.ge/en/methodology/  

Myth Detector has well described and detailed fact-check methodology including process of selection, research and publication that is published here https://mythdetector.ge/en/methodology/ 

Most of the publications provided with the application and randomly selected for analysis on the website are targeted on socially important topics of disinformation, propaganda, finances, economy, social issues, international relations etc. Myth Detector is selecting the claims and topics for a fact-checking basing on the social importance of the information as well as explaining the reason for the publication to the audience.

Content analysis proves that Myth Detector, doing fact-checking, collects and provides a broad range of evidences that can both support and undermine the claim giving readers a chance to see the whole picture and understand the context.

Randomly selected publications analysis shows that Myth Detector applies the same standards of equal, unbiased and neutral approach to the sources of claims with no privileges to any source.

Myth Detector is always trying to reach the claims source to find out whether there is any additional information proving facts in a claim or explaining context. The audience is also informed in case the source was not available or denied to respond.

On the start page of Myth Detector, there is a designated section that says “Report Fake News.” By clicking the section, it will redirect the user to a window, where they can submit a possible claim for verification. The readers will also see a disclaimer, about what is and isn’t fact-checkable.

The “Report Fake News” section link is available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/report-fake-news/

In addition, the audience of Myth Detector can send allegedly false claims directly to our Facebook pages.https://www.facebook.com/mythdetector and https://www.facebook.com/MythDetectorEnglish or write to us directly at info@mdfgeorgia.ge   

Myth Detector uses multiple channels to enable easy communication with the editorial team, including "Report Fake News" section https://mythdetector.ge/en/report-fake-news/ on the website, social media platforms, forms to report fake or to send claims to be checked, e-mail, file a complaint form.

The information about what is checkable and what is non-checkable is  available at the a disclaimer on the "Report Fake News" page was well as is published on the Methodology page https://www.mythdetector.ge/ka/page/metodologia 

Myth Detector declares its full commitment to the code of principles elaborated by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) and its open and honest correction policy.

Correction policy is part of Myth Detector's Code of Conduct as well. We are committed to correcting a mistake immediately once we learn about it, and also to updating information when we learn that a source of misinformation or/and manipulation has corrected or deleted the initial version.

Everyone is free to apply to Myth Detector if the information checked by us is, in an applicant’s view, inaccurate and to offer corresponding counterarguments. Our corrections/complaints policy is available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/complaints/

Myth Detector's Code of Conduct: http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/code-conduct  

Myth Detector has developed and published a detailed and honest correction and complaints policy based on IFCN principles. The link to the policy is on the Myth Detector front page: https://mythdetector.ge/en/complaints/ 

Moreover the link to the correction policy is posted at the bottom of each story published by Myth Detector. 

The analysis of the Correction and Complaints Policy https://mythdetector.ge/en/complaints/ has proven that Myth Detector policy has a detailed description of all definitions and cases of corrections including how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled, and the fact that some complaints may justify no response.

Notably, Myth Detector did not issue a significant correction in 2022; We have received letters from our readers saying that after reading our articles, they have corrected the mistakes, after which, we have updated the information in our articles, noting the mentioned sources have corrected the information.

Notably, Myth Detector keeps track of the significant corrections made from our side published over the last years, which is available on our website: https://mythdetector.ge/en/complaints/

We also try to ensure our accountability to the public by pointing out any addition of new information made to our articles. We use the disclaimer “UPDATE” at the beginning of each article. See example: https://mythdetector.ge/en/the-origin-and-context-of-the-video-showing-flocks-of-dark-colored-birds/   

The example and explanations provided by Myth Detector shows a dedicated and responsible approach to the treating of the readers providing updates to previously published information. The fact that Myth Detector keeps track of the significant corrections https://mythdetector.ge/en/complaints/ published over the last years, is also a sign of the openness and transparency.

See the links: https://mythdetector.ge/en/complaints/ and https://mythdetector.ge/en/myth-detector-code-of-conduct/ 

The IFCN disclaimer and link to the complaint form are properly located at the from page as well as at: https://mythdetector.ge/en/complaints/ and https://mythdetector.ge/en/myth-detector-code-of-conduct/ 

Detailed information about the honest correction’s policy of MDF is available here: https://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/87/ 

MDF (Myth Detector parent organisation) Code of Conduct has chapter "Open & Honest Corrections Policy" that states: "Employees should correct a mistake immediately once they learn about it. Correction is done clearly and transparently in line with the corrections policy, seeking so far as possible to ensure that readers see the corrected version."