Organization: Myth Detector
Applicant: Tamar Kintsurashvili
Assessor: Oleg Khomenok
Background
Myth Detector has long experience of being a signatory of IFCN and its work is based on applying professional standards and serving the audience. The editorial team does important and valuable work checking claims, revealing disinformation in the media and social networks publishing on five languages.
Assessment Conclusion
Myth Detector 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
23-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Myth Detector is a fact-checking platform founded and owned by NGO Media Development Foundation, 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.
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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Myth Detector (MD) is a distinct team that is a separate unit of a non-profit organization Media Development Foundation (MDF) 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 English and Georgian.
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
23-Feb-2022 (2 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, which includes 9 people working for Myth Detector fact-checking platform. Besides, the Myth Detector platform also involves 9 part-time contributors including 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 and information literacy, research on hate speech, anti-Western propaganda, transparency of funding, ethical journalism, training programs for journalists, teachers, university staff and etc. In addition, MDF translates and develops educational resources for academia and professional organizations on media and media and information literacy (MIL).
4. Myth Detector will continue to cooperate with Facebook in 2022. MDF is currently working on improving its website performance by making it more interactive and diverse through various multimedia content. Myth Detector also plans to cooperate with local media outlets to reach a more sceptical audience through multimedia content. In addition, MDF 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. Diversification of MIL programs' target groups is one of the organization’s priorities in the upcoming years. MDF also plans to continue the already established practice of competitions in order to generate new ideas on MIL and reveal most media literate youngsters and schools.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
MD fact-checking operation started in 2014 to address information influence operations from foreign countries, later on, Georgian domestic disinformation challenges became a focus of the platform.
There are 9 staff members of the MD team out of 22 working for MDF. Another 9 work as part-time contributors.
The organization's primary activities are fact-checking, debunking fakes, educational media literacy activities, and countering disinformation.
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
23-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Myth Detector publishes at least 3 articles on a daily basis that estimates 15 fact checks a week on average and about 60 in a month.
Detailed information about the archive is available here: https://www.mythdetector.ge/ka
In 2021, Myth Detector also submitted 396 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 resources. We also translate and publish COVID-19 related disinformation in the Russian language and disseminate them in Abkhazia via WhatsApp and Telegram channels to contribute to the resilience building of society beyond occupied lines. 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: http://mythdetector.ge/ru
4. ARM: http://mythdetector.ge/hy/myths/myth
5. AZE: http://mythdetector.ge/az/myths/myth
Over the last 6 months, Myth Detector published 443 explanatory articles, available: http://mythdetector.ge/ka/myths/myth. 42% of explanatory articles were dedicated to Covid-19 related topics.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Myth Detector is publishing 3-5 content pieces in 5 languages (Georgian, Russian, English, Armenian, Azerbaijan) per day during the last six months.
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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Most of the content units assessed are based on claims that have high importance for the Georgian society and audience.
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
23-Feb-2022 (2 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 the US, UK, Netherlands 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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Both MDF and MD state that they had no connections or influence from the side of state or political parties of Georgia.
MDF is supported by a number of international donors and the funding sources look well diversified. Financial data analysis for 2020 can be found here https://mdfgeorgia.ge/uploads//Annual%20Report-2020%20upload.pdf
Myth Detector is participating in Facebook’s third-party fact-checking program that is one of the sources of funding.
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
23-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
MDF’s code of conduct clearly defines the conflict of interests as follows: 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 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:
“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.”
See: http://mdfgeorgia.ge/uploads//antidasavlurieng2020_compressed.pdf
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
MDF has a clear policy of the conflict of interest and editorial independence.
The organization doesn't have funds from the government or local authorities.
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
23-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
1. Miracle Cure for Diabetes or Miracle Fraud? available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/miracle-cure-for-diabetes-or-medical-fraud/
2. Ukrainian Land Forces or a British Movie on Equality? Who Fabricated the Video? available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/ukrainian-land-forces-or-a-british-movie-on-equality-who-fabricated-the-video/
3. Where did the Conspiracy about Justin Trudeau Being the Son of Fidel Castro Come from? available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/where-did-the-conspiracy-about-justin-trudeau-being-the-son-of-fidel-castro-come-from/
4. Luciferin – A Dark Conspiracy or a Bright Biochemical Reaction? https://mythdetector.ge/en/luciferin-a-dark-conspiracy-or-a-bright-biochemical-reaction/
5. Fabricated Post Disseminated against the President and Former Prime Minister in the Name of “TV Imedi,” available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/fabricated-post-disseminated-against-the-president-and-former-prime-minister-in-the-name-of-tv-imedi/
6. Did Saakashvili Undergo Gastrectomy Before Coming to Georgia? available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/did-saakashvili-undergo-gastrectomy-before-coming-to-georgia/
7. 3 Fake Pages Under The Name ‘Civil Election Commission’ and the Real Allegations of the CEC, available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/3-fake-pages-under-the-name-civil-election-commission-and-the-real-allegations-of-the-cec/
8. Pro-Governmental Actors Share False Information About the Deceased Cameraman in a Coordinated Manner, available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/pro-governmental-actors-share-false-information-about-the-deceased-cameraman-in-a-coordinated-manner/
9. Saved from Jail by Russian Diplomacy, Billy Six Looks for Empty Hospitals in Batumi, available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/saved-from-jail-by-russian-diplomacy-billy-six-looks-for-empty-hospitals-in-batumi/
10. Five False Allegations against the Richard Lugar Laboratory of Tbilisi, available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/five-false-allegations-against-richard-lugar-laboratory-of-tbilisi/
11. 7 Scenes from Archives that a Religious Account Links with the Pandemic, available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/7-scenes-from-archives-that-a-religious-account-links-with-the-pandemic/
12. Was Khinkali Appropriated by the Union of Russian Restaurants? available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/was-khinkali-appropriated-by-the-union-of-russian-restaurants
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 are working on an internal rating system that will ensure the additional coherence and comprehensiveness of this process.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Provided examples of the FactCheck stories and further analysis of the content shows 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. A detailed, balanced and thorough analysis of the facts is provided to all topics and statements in accordance with the same standards and rules.
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
23-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Selection criteria are defined in the methodology section of Myth Detector and are as follows: How verifiable is the information reported by media/statements made by a source? Is it a fact or an opinion, forecast, hypothesis? Does it involve the manipulation of facts? Does it look like half-truth and cherry-picking of facts? How significant is an error? How reliable is a source? Has similar misinformation been spread before and could the information be part of a coordinated and targeted campaign? How newsworthy is the story?
Virally disseminated harmful information intended to harm the society either on the ground of identity (religious, ethnic, sexual etc) or related to health, is prioritized during the selection process. In certain cases, harmful content with the potential to reach a larger audience is addressed before it goes viral.
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Content analysis shows that Myth Detector always selects a variety of topics and is not concentrated on one side of the issue.
There is a link to the methodology of the fact-checking used by the team at https://mythdetector.ge/en/methodology/. It provides a detailed and clear explanation of the procedures and methods used.
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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Myth Detector publications on the topics of possible source conflict of interest or commercial engagement openly and 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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
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.
Content analysis of the publications proved 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
23-Feb-2022 (2 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 the election process.
Myth Detector’s and IFCN’s Code of Conducts are available here: https://mythdetector.ge/en/myth-detector-code-of-conduct/
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Myth Detector Code of Conduct that states the mentioned criteria requirements and proves the compliance is published here Code of Conduct that states the mentioned in criteria requirements is published here https://mythdetector.ge/en/myth-detector-code-of-conduct/
The same is on the MDF website here https://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/87
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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Content analysis of randomly selected fact-check reports shows that the sources are quoted in an appropriate 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 double-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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Most of the fact-check pieces rely on primary sources. In the case of using secondary sources, Myth Detector is 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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
If possible Myth Detector is using and quoting more than one source in the fact-check publication.
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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Content analysis proves that Myth Detector's stories about the topics of possible source conflict of interest openly and clearly show these interests and disclose the sources of the information so the readers can make a conclusion about the influence.
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
23-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Myth Detector (www.mythdetector.ge) is a fact-checking portal of 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 the Georgian legislation. For more details, see the link: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/17
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The requirements set for this criterion are noted on the page About the project. Detalisation of the sources of funding is in the financial reports. The 2018-2021 report is here https://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/91/.
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
23-Feb-2022 (2 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/
Annual report of MDF for 2020 https://mdfgeorgia.ge/uploads//Annual%20Report-2020%20upload.pdf
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The affiliation of Myth Detector with MDF is stated here https://mythdetector.ge/en/about-us/
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
23-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Myth Detector fact-checking platform team consists of Editor in Chief, Deputy Editor, Duty Editor, English Content 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 a fact-checking article is available here: http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/style-guide-fact-checking-article
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The organizational structure description and management system is in compliance with the criteria requirements and is described here https://mythdetector.ge/en/about-us/
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
23-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Professional biographies of the Myth Detector's team members are available here: https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/about-project
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The list of bios of key personnel is published here https://mythdetector.ge/en/about-us/
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
23-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
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
Make a correction: https://mythdetector.ge/en/complaints/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mythdetector/
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Myth Detector uses multiple 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
23-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Myth Detector checks false information 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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Myth Detector is using advanced and detailed fact-check methodology that is published here https://mythdetector.ge/en/methodology/
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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The content analysis shows that Myth Detector is selecting the claims and topics for a fact-check based on the social importance of the information as well as explaining the reason for the publication to the readers.
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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Randomly selected content pieces analysis shows that Myth Detector is keeping balance in covering of claims 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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Myth detector equally treats with no prejudice all claims to be analyzed with no privileges to those who made the 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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 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
23-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Media Development Foundation (MDF) is accountable to the public. We consider complaints that 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 the banner Report Fake through which readers are able to submit doubtful information for fact-checking. See the link: https://mythdetector.ge/en/report-fake-news/
The information regarding checkable and non-checkable information is published on the methodology page https://mythdetector.ge/en/methodology/
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, labelled on Facebook (example: https://mythdetector.ge/en/against-vaccination-or-neo-fascism-photomanipulation-disseminated-on-social-media/). 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 correcting a mistake immediately once we learn about it, 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 information checked by us is, in an applicant’s view, inaccurate and to offer corresponding counterarguments.
In addition, guidelines on how content labelled 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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Myth Detector uses multiple channels to enable easy filing complaints to the editorial team, including social networks, forms to report fake or to send claims to be checked, e-mail, file a complaint form.
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
23-Feb-2022 (2 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 correcting a mistake immediately once we learn about it, 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 information checked by us is, in an applicant’s view, inaccurate and to offer corresponding counterarguments.
In addition, guidelines on how content labelled 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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Myth Detector has a detailed and appropriate mistakes correction policy that has a link on the front page here https://mythdetector.ge/en/complaints/
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
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Analysis of the mistakes correction policy shows that it has a detailed description of all definitions and cases of corrections.
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
23-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
One correction request was sent by a user claiming that the Myth Detector article relied only on one source while presenting a historical fact, while there were other sources that portray the fact differently. The correction request was upheld since different historical sources indeed provided different information. Other requests were mainly asking to update explanatory articles after corrections were made by them. See the details below:
On November 18, 2021, Myth Detector published the article “Sputnik Ossetia Claims the Georgian King was of Iranian Descent” which named Vakhtang Gorgasali as one of the descendants of the Parnavazid dynasty. A Facebook user contacted Myth Detector, stating that according to some sources, Gorgasali indeed belonged to the Parnavazid dynasty, although it should be noted that his historian, Juansher, refers to him as a representative of the Khosrovid dynasty. The article was updated accordingly, clarification was made on the same link where the initial material was published: https://mythdetector.ge/en/sputnik-ossetia-claims-the-georgian-king-was-of-iranian-descent/
After Myth Detector published the article titled 18th Century England’s Tradition or Vintage Halloween Masks? – What Does the Photo Portray?” on August 27, 2021, a representative of the online platform „TIA.ge“ contacted Myth Detector, stating that they have updated the material according to the information mentioned in the fact-checked article. Clarification was made on the same link where the initial material was published: https://mythdetector.ge/en/18th-century-englands-tradition-or-vintage-halloween-masks-what-does-the-photo-portray/
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Myth Detector responsibly treats mistakes and implements Correction Policy, submitted examples are proving this.
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
23-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
Please, see the links: https://mythdetector.ge/en/complaints/
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
IFCN logo is on the front page and a description of the relationship between Myth Detector and IFCN is provided here https://mythdetector.ge/en/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
23-Feb-2022 (2 years ago)
MDF's 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."
Detailed information is available here: http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/page/1
Oleg Khomenok Assessor
28-Feb-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The MDF Code of Conduct has the wording of correction policy: If you believe that Myth Detector is violating the Code of Principles, you can inform the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) and it will review your claims. The IFCN is not an appeals body but has responsibility to suspend or withdraw signatory status if it finds a signatory has seriously violated the code. You can submit your claim to the complaints page on the IFCN site: https://ifcncodeofprinciples.poynter.org/complaints-policy