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. Since 2016, the MDF has been cooperating with the EU strategic communications service. The Myth Detector fact-checking web-page is a partner of DisinfoPortal, an online platform of the Atlantic Council.

Media Development Foundation is registered as Non-profit and Non-Government Media supporting organization and Myth Detector is part os the organization targeted to fact-checking initiative.

Myth Detector runs in 4 languages: Georgian, English, 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. 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. ARM: http://mythdetector.ge/hy/myths/myth

4. AZE: http://mythdetector.ge/az/myths/myth 

Fact-check reports are done in accurate and professional way in 4 languages. At the same time the latest Armenian and Azeri languages reports were published at the end of 2018. This is not a big deal since the major language is Georgian and the reports in Georgian are produced and published several times per week. English language reports also are produced several time per week. 

1. How Kremlin Tries to Cover up Russian Trace in Skripal Case with Lugar Laboratory
http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/how-kremlin-tries-cover-russian-trace-skripal-case-lugar-laboratory

2. Disinformation, as if Turkish government is going to help Adjarian Muslims to gain independence
http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/disinformation-if-turkish-government-going-help-adjarian-muslims-gain-independence

3.Geworld Disseminated Fake Information on the Number of Muslims in Europe
http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/geworld-disseminated-fake-information-number-muslims-europe

4. Fake Russian Story about Women Allegedly Apologizing to Offender Migrants
http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/fake-russian-story-about-women-allegedly-apologizing-offender-migrants

5. 18+: disseminated video of "organ trading" depicts victims of Russian air bombing in Syria instead of black market trade victims in Turkey
http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/18-disseminated-video-organ-trading-depicts-victims-russian-air-bombing-syria-instead-black  

6. Fake News Image Depicts Turkish Citizen, Who Jumped from Hotel Window
http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/fake-news-image-depicts-turkish-citizen-who-jumped-hotel-window-0

7. Baghaturia shares disinformative photos about alleged raids in Ukrainian Orthodox churches
http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/baghaturia-shares-disinformative-photos-about-alleged-raids-ukrainian-orthodox-churches

8. Disinformation on human Leather Clothes in Asaval-Dasavali and Russian Media
http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/disinformation-human-leather-clothes-asaval-dasavali-and-russian-media

9. Geworld.ge and Sakinform Post Fake Interview with Former MI6 Chief
http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/geworldge-and-sakinform-post-fake-interview-former-mi6-chief

10. Geworld.ge Uses a 2016 Photo of a Manifestation in Poland to Illustrate the Developments in Norway
http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/geworldge-uses-2016-photo-manifestation-poland-illustrate-developments-norway

Myth Detector’s Code of Conduct rests on seven fundamental principles. They are: 1. Accuracy; 2. Impartiality; 2. Transparency of Sources; 4. Transparency of Methodology; 5. Correction; 7. Prevention of Discrimination; 8. Transparency of Organization and Financing.

Most of the fact-check reports are based on the publications of the Russian, national or international Pro-Russian media or politicians and focused on debunking mostly on Russian propaganda narratives and fakes which is really important since Russian propaganda machine is very active in the region. There is a certain lack of the content dedicated to the analysis of the local issues, politicians and parties promises and claims verifying what is true and what is false.

Recommendation: to extent the variety of fact-check topics from the Russian propaganda and international topics to local issues important for Georgian population.

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. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V2X0iBU5uGsfXbVKTHbkQkPRxaboUyzwjNPFFGDQgp4/edit?usp=sharing 

The MDF Code of Conduct is clearly stating the rules of nonpartisanship. But this Code of Conduct is not available non the MDG web-site or at least I didn't managed to find it on the http://www.mdfgeorgia.ge 

At the same time Myth Detector Code of Conduct http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/myth-detector-code-conduct was generic description of the impartiality.

Recommendations: a) to publish MDF Code of Conduct online. b) to update Myth Detector Code with he part stating nonpartisanship.  

As noted above, Myth Detector's Code of Conduct rests on seven fundamental principles. They are: 1. Accuracy; 2. Impartiality; 2. Transparency of Sources; 4. Transparency of Methodology; 5. Correction; 7. Prevention of Discrimination; 8. Transparency of Organization and Financing.

Fact-checking process involves four stages: Selection; Verification of facts; Evaluation; Search of information about a source.

Fact-checkers are obliged to indicate their sources on each claim or statement. Hyperlinks are regularly provided so the readers are able to verify information independently. We recognize internationally approved data sources and scientific evidence as credible source.

Detailed information about Myth Detector's methodology is publicly available on our website: http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/methodology   

In all fact-check reports that I tracked the sources are referred in proper way enabling users to understand how the fact-check was done. Applicant is using multiple sources and tools to check and verify claims and publications.

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

Projects, donors: http://mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/actives/   

The Board page of MDF site clearly stating who are the people making decisions in he organization and the form of the registration as NGO.

On the page http://mdfgeorgia.ge/eng/actives/ there is only the list of funded projects and it is hard to define the whole picture of the MDF funding. There is no overview of the spendings. 

Recommendation: to produce annual financial overview at least in a format of the pie-charts that will show the income structure including sources of funding and major spending structure.

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 

All people including Board, Management team and Authors are listed on the MDF and Myth Detector pages with short bios and direct links to the stories produced by authors.

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/  

The contact page http://mythdetector.ge/en/contact has address, e-mail, phone and map in generic format located at the bottom of the page so the user should scroll down before will find the link. The link to complaint page is also located at the bottom of the site.

Recommendation: to move "Contact us" and "Complaint" buttons on the first screen of the web-site close to the FB, Twitter and YouTube buttons.

Myth Detector checks fake news revealed in 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  

The step-by-step methodology is published on the Myth Detector web-site and explains how the fact-check reports are produced.

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.

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. http://mythdetector.ge/en/about-project  

There is an opportunity to submit the claims to fact-check. "Report Fake" button of a big size is appearing on the third screen while scrolling. There is an explanation engaging audience to send claims for the fact-checking though the site and Facebook page.

Recommendation: To move up the Report Fake button. 

Correction policy is part of Myth Detector's Code of Conduct. 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.

http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/myth-detector-code-conduct

http://mythdetector.ge/en/page/methodology  

The policy of correction of mistakes has generic description in the Code of Conduct "To correct a mistake immediately once we learn about it." 

And in the Methodology "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. To this end, an applicant must write to us (info@mdfgeorgia.ge) or fill in a complaint form." 

Recommendation: to produce more substantial description of the corrections and mistakes treatment.

1. On June 6, 2018, Myth Detector published a material concerning Russian and Azerbaijani gas prices. Considering the fact that the price of the Russian gas in 2019 is classified and existing open sources may be interpreted in various different ways, Editorial Board of Myth Detector decided to temporarily remove the publication from the website. Clarification was made on the same link where the initial material was published.

http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/clarification-statement-russian-and-azerbaijani-gas?fbclid=IwAR1-rPBj_7auHEZsMaxclQYREKDi2RWxAYTE-pMGGfUk9HIiorPcNMEBK8Y

2. After publishing the Myth Detector's article, Facebook page "ლიდერი 41" has apologized for publishing false information as if Russian fighter jets intervened in Georgia. We have updated our article with this information. http://mythdetector.ge/en/myth/disinformation-if-russian-fighter-jets-intervened-georgia 

The example https://www.mythdetector.ge/en/myth/clarification-statement-russian-and-azerbaijani-gas is related to the story published on June 6, 2018. On August 6, 2019, 13 month after the initial publication, Myth Detector newsroom considered to remove the publication form the site. Since there is no detailed explanation it is hard to define what was the mistake and why it took 13 month to discover the mistake. 

The second example is not a correction but informing users about Myth Detector publications impact.