Organization: Myth Detector
Applicant: Tamar Kintsurashvili
Assessor: Oleg Khomenok
Background
Myth Detector has previous experience of being a signatory of IFCN and works in accordance with high professional standards. The editorial team does important and valuable work checking claims, revealing disinformation in the media and social networks. Collaboration with Facebook creates a synergy effect in enabling people access to relevant and trustworthy information.
Assessment Conclusion
Myth Detector is performing well doing fact-checking on daily basis in a professional way and fully meets all criteria for signatories.
Oleg Khomenok assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
მითის დეტექტორი პლატფორმა მნიშვნელოვან როლს ასრულებს არა მხოლოდ მოვლენების, არამედ მანიპულირებისა და დეზინფორმაციის ფაქტების შესახებ საზოგადოების ინფორმირებაში და არის IFCN– ის ღირსეული წევრი.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Detailed information about MDF and its legal status is available here: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/17
Detailed information about Myth Detector is available here: https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/about-project
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Media Development Foundation is registered by the Ministry of Justice of Georgia as Non-profit and Non-Government Media supporting organization and Myth Detector is an integral part of the organization targeted to the fact-checking and myth debunking initiative. The information about the organization is on the website and can be easily found. http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/17
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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?
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
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 became a focus of the platform. See the link: https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/about-project
2. MDF has 22 full-time staff that includes 8 people working for Myth Detector fact-checking platform. Besides, Myth Detector platform also involves 13 regional volunteers.
Detailed information about the team and the structure of Myth Detector is available here: https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/about-project
Additional information about MDF is available here: http://mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/21
3. MDF carries out different programs related to media literacy, research on hate speech, anti-Western propaganda, transparency of funding, ethical journalism, training programs for journalists, teachers, university staff and etc.
4. Myth Detector will continue to cooperate with facebook in 2021. MDF plans to purchase additional software tools for improving its fact-checking activities and training of staff on new tools. MDF also will continue to develop media literacy resources based on its fact-checking case study and to work on diversification of the content in order to reach a wider audience.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago)
Myth Detector as the MDF unit is assigned exclusively for the purpose of fact-checking and myth debunking. 8 team members are working on these tasks.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth Detector publishes at least 2 articles on a daily basis that estimates 10 fact checks a week on average and about 40 in a month.
Detailed information about the archive is available here: https://www.mythdetector.ge/ka
Myth Detector also submitted 90 articles to the CoronaVirusFacts Alliance database: https://www.poynter.org/ifcn-covid-19-misinformation/page/6/?covid_countries=47412&covid_rating=0&covid_fact_checkers=47455#038;covid_rating=0&covid_fact_checkers=47455
Furthermore, Myth Detector runs in 5 languages: Georgian, English, Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani. Georgian and English versions are updated regularly, but we prepare Armenian and Azerbaijani translations for ethnic minorities according to the ongoing projects and the resources. We also translate and publish COVID-19 related disinformation in Russian language and disseminate them in Abkhazia via WhatsApp and Telegram channels to contribute to resilience building of society beyond occupied lines. The site allows the readers to browse fact checks according to 16 different categories and date:
1. GEO: http://mythdetector.ge/ka/myths/myth
2. ENG: http://mythdetector.ge/en/myths/myth
3. RU: http://mythdetector.ge/ru
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fact-check reports are done in 5 languages (Georgian, Armenian, Azeri, English, and Russian). The reports in Georgian are produced and published several times per day. English language reports also are produced 7-11 times per week.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth Detector does a lot of work fact-checking and debunking information and statements regarding COVID-19 as well as the regional and international news that have a strong influence on public life and society. There were also a lot of publications related to elections in Georgia that are important for reliable informing people.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
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 the grants and other income (sub-grants, contracts, donations) from international donor organizations, such as UNDP, Hedayah, and also from various governments’ development assistance programs, including the countries, such as: USA, UK, Netherlands and etc.
Detailed information about programs, activities and donors is available here: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/actives
As mentioned above, Myth Detector has joined Facebook’s third-party fact-checking program that also involves the financial incentives from Facebook according to the third party partnership agreement.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago)
Basing on the content and information provided at http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/actives Myth Detector looks like an independent entity that has no influence from the state, government, or politicians. They have diversified sources of funding through foreign donors and charity funds.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
MDF’s code of conduct clearly defines the conflict of interests as following: 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. Employees should not advocate or campaign for any political candidates.
Available here: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/87
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 that are human rights, freedom of expression, media pluralism, conscious media consumption and resilience building. MDF cooperates with the 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 donor is not interfering in the process. see example below:
This report “Anti-Western Propaganda” by Media Development Foundation (MDF) is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) within “Promoting Integration, Tolerance and Awareness Program in Georgia” [PITA], implemented by the UN Association of Georgia. The contents are the responsibility of MDF and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government and UNAG. Please, find the link: http://mdfgeorgia.ge/uploads/library/173/file/eng/AntiWest-Booklet-ENG.pdf
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth Detector has a Code of Conduct http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/geo/page/87/ that clearly states editorial independence as a fundamental value and part of the general policy in relationship with donors and funders.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
1. A Fake Video about Armenian Scuba-divers is spread on Social Network, available only in Russian and Georgian: http://mythdetector.ge/ru/myth/v-socseti-rasprostranaetsa-feikovoe-video-pro-armanskih-akvalangistov
2. “Did Ants Save the Icon of Christ?”, available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/did-ants-save-icon-christ
3.Disinformation by Fake BBC, CNN, ABC about Harvard Professor Allegedly Arrested for Creating COVID-19, available here: http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/disinformation-fake-bbc-cnn-abc-about-harvard-professor-allegedly-arrested-creating-covid-19
4. “How did official documents leak and what experiments are Georgian scientists carrying out on bats?”, available here: https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/myth/how-did-official-documents-leak-and-what-experiments-are-georgian-scientists-carrying-out-bats
5. “When Were the Georgian Dream Flags Burned – Prior to the Elections or on Gavrilov’s Night?”, available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/when-were-georgian-dream-flags-burned-prior-elections-or-gavrilovs-night
6. “Did Erdogan and Gakharia Agree on Repatriation of 100,000 Deported Meskhetians?”, available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/did-erdogan-and-gakharia-agree-repatriation-100000-deported-meskhetians
7. “Disinformation about McDonald’s Refers to Satirical Blog and Fake Photos”, available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/disinformation-about-mcdonalds-refers-satirical-blog-and-fake-photos
8. “Two Stories of the Duisi Bridge”, available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/two-stories-duisi-bridge
9. “Who’s a person that Sandro Bregadze passes as “chief of Intelligence Service” of Estonia?”, available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/whos-person-sandro-bregadze-passes-chief-intelligence-service-estonia
10. “Facebook Page Spreads Eight Lies and Two Manipulations about Vaccination”, available here: http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/facebook-page-spreads-eight-lies-and-two-manipulations-about-vaccination
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. Search of 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 are working on the internal rating system that will ensure the additional coherence and comprehensiveness of this process.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In the list of stories, there are a range of topics and diversity of the sources of claims, the checks are based on the professional methodology and equal treatment approach that are clearly described on the website.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Selection criteria are defined in Myth Detector's methodology and is available here: http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/methodology
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The methodology of selection of the claims for fact-checking is placed on the web http://mythdetector.ge/ka/page/metodologia It has a detailed explanation of both the selection and verification process.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth Detector publications on the topics of possible commercial interest clearly show these interests and disclose the sources of the information so the readers can make a conclusion about the influence.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth Detector Code of conduct clearly defines the conflict of interests: "employees should avoid any personal, financial, political, or other interests... ...Employees should not advocate or campaign for any political candidates".
The publications that had been reviewed show an impartial and unbiased approach to all organizations and persons that were subjects of fact-checking.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
MDF's Code of Conduct notes 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. Employees should not advocate or campaign for any political candidates.
MDF’s Code of Conduct, available here: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/87
Myth Detector's Code of Conduct also involves the principle of impartiality noting: to rely only on evidence and act in an independent, impartial and apolitical manner. To 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 in election process.
Myth Detector’s Code of Conduct, available here: https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/page/myth-detector-code-conduct
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Code of Conduct that states the mentioned in criteria requirements is published here https://www.mythdetector.ge/ka/page/saredaktsio-kodeksi
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In all fact-check reports that were reviewed the sources are referred to in a proper way enabling users to understand how the fact-check was done. The links to the sources available online are provided. Myth Detector is using multiple sources and tools to check and verify claims and publications.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Most of the stories are based on primary sources. In the case of using secondary sources, the authors are noticing that they tried to reach the primary sources and explain why they should use secondary sources.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth Detector tries to find and frequently use, if possible, more than one source confirming information distributed in the story unless the claim is based only on one source.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth Detector publications on the topics of possible interest of the sources in revealing information clearly show these interests and disclose the sources of the information so the readers can make a conclusion about the influence of the source on the relevance of the story.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth Detector (www.mythdetector.ge) is a fact-checking portal of Media Development Foundation (MDF), aimed at fighting anti-Western propaganda through providing fact-based information and enhancing media literacy. 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 the Georgian legislation. For more details, see the link: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/17
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The requirements set for this criterion are noted on the page About the project. Detalisation of the sources of funding is at the financial reports. http://mdfgeorgia.ge/uploads//Financial%20report%20for%20the%20year%202019%20MDF.pdf
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
MDF is a non-governmental, non-entrepreneurial (non-commercial) organization. The detailed information about the organization 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/
Annual Financial Reports, available here: http://mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/91/
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The statement about the ownership of Myth Detector is on the page https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/about-project It clearly states that Myth Detector is a fact-checking platform of MDF.
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth Detector fact-checking platform team consists of: Editor in Chief, Duty Editor, Researchers and Regional Volunteer Contributors.
Information about the authors and key actors behind Myth Detector and their biographies is publicly available on our website: http://mythdetector.ge/en/about-project
Besides the staff members, MythLab students do their internships at Myth Detector and contribute to the platform with their fact-checking articles. Biographies of our students and their fact-checks are available on our website http://mythdetector.ge/en/laboratory
The style guide of fact checking article is available here: http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/style-guide-fact-checking-article
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The Board page of the MDF site clearly stating who are the people making decisions in the organization and the form of the registration as an NGO.
Information about organizational structure, key team members, and authors of Myth Detector and their bios is publicly available on the website: http://mythdetector.ge/en/about-project
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Information about Myth Detector's team is available here: https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/about-project
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Information about key team members and authors of Myth Detector including their bios is publicly available on the website: http://mythdetector.ge/en/about-project
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
MDF's contact information: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/contact
Myth Detector's contact information: http://mythdetector.ge/en/contact
Report fake: http://mythdetector.ge/en/about-project
Make a complaint: http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/complaints
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mythdetector/
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth Detector uses a number of channels to enable easy communication of the audience with the editorial team, including social networks, forms to report fake or to send claims to be checked, e-mail, file a complaint form.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth Detector checks fake news revealed in the media by means of open sources. In doing so, researchers follow the Code of Conduct and methodology.
Myth Detector's code of conduct: http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/myth-detector-code-conduct
Myth Detector's methodology: http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/methodology
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The step-by-step methodology is published on the Myth Detector website and explains how the fact-check reports are produced.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth Detector explains the importance of checking some statements and in general, the selection of the claims for checking is based on evidently important topics: public health, elections, international relations, public security etc.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
There is equal and unbiased treatment describing in the stories both "pro et contra" of the claim and the context that helps the reader to understand all aspects of the issue covered in the story.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Basing on the analysis of Myth Detector publications it is clear that they have no privileges and prejudice toward anybody who made a claim.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In almost all cases Myth Detector tries to reach the primary source, the person or organization that made the claim, informing readers in case the source denied to respond.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Media Development Foundation (MDF) is accountable to the public. We consider complaints which are made under the Code of Conduct of Myth Detector.
We can accept complaints either by email or through our online form. See the link: http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/complaints
Myth Detector website also has banner Report Fake through which readers are able to submit doubtful information for fact-checking. See the link: http://mythdetector.ge/en/about-project
Detailed information on corrections and complaints, including how to address IFCN and facebook ratings are available here: http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/correction-complaints
Information about facebook ratings and corrections and dispute policies is provided under each explanatory article, labeled on facebook (example: http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/disinformation-about-nanorobots-german-regulations-and-vaccines ).
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth detector has a special banner to send claim https://www.mythdetector.ge/sites/default/files/2019-12/WEB-Banner-ENG%20%281%29.jpg
The information regarding what is checkable and what is non-checkable is published on the Methodology page https://www.mythdetector.ge/ka/page/metodologia
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth Detector declares its full commitment to the code of principles elaborated by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) and open and honest correction policy. Correction policy is part of Myth Detector's Code of Conduct as well. We are committed to correct a mistake immediately once we learn about it, also to update 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 information checked by us is, in an applicant’s view, inaccurate and to offer corresponding counter arguments.
In addition guidelines how content labeled on facebook might be corrected or disputed are available in the section of correction/complaints:
https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/page/correction-complaints
Myth Detector's Code of Conduct: http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/code-conduct
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Myth Detector has written corrections and complaints policy as part of the Code of Principle. It also refers to the IFCN complaints policy and says that any user can also submit a complaint to IFCN.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Correction and compliant policy has very detailed guidance explaining all aspects and is published here https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/page/correction-complaints Myth Detector declares its full commitment to the code of principles elaborated by the IFCN.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
One request for correction of rating was submitted and was upheld because of lack of evidence that the quote was presented in a misleading way. Other three requests were mainly asking to update explanatory articles after corrections were made by them. Below are concrete examples of third party content updates that have been clarified later in the original articles as well. See the details:
1. After Myth Detector published the article titled “ Does the United Nations Demand an Abolition of Religious Beliefs?” on April 1, 2020, representative of the online platform „ქრისტიანული არხი“ (“Christian Channel”) contacted Myth Detector, stating that they removed the material mentioned in the fact-checked article. The mistake was caused by the fact that the source (bibliatodo.com) from which the journalist translated the material into Georgian turned out to be unreliable.
Clarification was made on the same link where the initial material was published. https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/myth/does-united-nations-demand-abolition-religious-beliefs
2. Shortly after Myth Detector published the article titled “Did Tbilisi City Hall Finance Facebook Post against Mtavari Arkhi, TV Pirveli and Formula?” on July 1, 2020
the press office of Tbilisi City Hall clarified in the conversation with Radio Liberty that Kaladze paid his own money for the ad against three TV channels; however, the exact amount was not specified.
Clarification was made on the same link where the initial material was published.
3. After the Myth Detector released the article titled “Where Was the Photo Linked by Prime Time to Tehran Plane Crash Actually Taken?” on January 14, 2020 the Prime Time editorial board corrected the initial information and explained that it spread the photo indicating an incorrect date and location based on one of the foreign websites, which cannot be searched for now.
Clarification was made on the same link where the initial material was published.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Provided examples show responsible treatment of the issues when mistakes happened. Myth detector publishes corrections in a way that the user can see what had been corrected and why.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Please, see the links: http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/correction-complaints
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The explanation and notification regarding the option to file a complaint to IFCN if published here http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/correction-complaints
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Oleg Khomenok.
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.
Myth Detector
26-Nov-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Detailed information is available here: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/1
Myth Detector
18-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Media Development Foundation has updated its Code of Conduct as requested.
Detailed information is available here: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/87
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
14-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The MDF Code of Conduct on the page http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/1 doesn't have the wording of correction policy. The suggestion is to update the Code of Conduct with the chapter:
Open & Honest Corrections Policy
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
cancel 6.5 marked as Request change by Oleg Khomenok.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
23-Dec-2020 (3 years ago)
The MDF Code of Conduct on the page http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/1 doesn't have the wording of correction policy. The suggestion is to update the Code of Conduct with the chapter:
Open & Honest Corrections Policy
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