Organization: Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
Applicant: Coreena Enet Suares
Assessor: Kanchan Kaur
Background
The applicant is a unit of a legally registered media organization. This unit has been publishing fact checks regularly over the last year, most of them around issues that could be of public importance. It does not seem to have any relationships, financial or otherwise, with any politicians or political parties.
The applicant uses the same standards of evidence for equivalent claims, and follows the same process for all fact checks. It does not focus on one side, and clearly enunciates the sources it uses making it clear to the reader who these sources are. It is not affiliated with any organization or political party and does not indulge in advocacy. It has a clear non-partisanship policy for staff.
It identifies and provides links to all sources thereby enabling readers to replicate most fact checks. It uses primary sources, as well as secondary ones and checks claims with more than one source, usually.
Its funding comes from the promoters of the media house and from advertising revenue.
The applicant’s website indicates its organizational structure and details professional biographies of all important staff members. It also has a contact page where readers can get in touch with the editorial staff.
The applicant publishes on its website the methodology it uses to select claims, research them and publish fact checks. It sets out evidence to support the claim as well as undermine it and uses the same standards of evidence irrespective of who made the claims. It also encourages users to send in claims to check, making it quite easy for them to do so.
Its correction policy that sets out how mistakes are handled and in what time frame is easily accessible on its website. In the instances that the applicant has made a mistake, it has published transparent and open corrections. The fact-checking unit and the media company have a common corrections policy.
The applicant is a signatory of the IFCN and displays the badge on the Home Page. It also informs users that any perceived violations of the IFCN code may be brought to the notice of the IFCN, with a link to the complaints page.
Assessment Conclusion
The application may be accepted.
Kanchan Kaur assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
The main publishing language of this applicant is English.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have explained the legal status of our organisation in 'About Newsmeter'. https://newsmeter.in/about-newsmeter/
NewsMeter is a digital media brand of Fifth Estate Digital Pvt. Ltd running English, Telugu news websites and Youtube channels. Newsmeter is a brand and Fifth Estate Digital Pvt Limited is a company. Newsmeter Fact Check is a separate independent unit Fifth Estate Digital private limited is a legally registered company under Section 7 of Companies Act 2013 with Registrar of Companies Hyderabad of Ministry of Corporate Affairs India. The Corporate Identity Number of the company is U22300TG2019PTCI34125.
Newsmeter has a dedicated fact-checking team in both English and Telugu. The details of the Fact Check team can be found on the Fact Check methodology page of the website.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is a separate unit within a legally registered organization and details of this are easily found on its website.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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?
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Newsmeter publishes Fact check stories with a dedicated category, with a total of 1120 claims fact checked so far. Fact-check is one of NewsMeter 's prime element of reportage along with Satellite journalism, Investigative stories and Data journalism. The team debunking misinformation through their fact-check stories are Journalists trained by Google News Initiative- India.
NewsMeter started a dedicated category for fact-check stories with a total of 1120 claims fact checked so far. (In 2019 : 62, 2020 : 740, 2021 : 318 Factchecks) Currently, a team of three dedicated fact checkers and 5 trainee fact checkers are working continuously to debunk misinformation for Newsmeter. The fact check team is led by Satya Priya BN trained by Google News Initiative in TOT programme.
NewsMeter is India's first English website to do 'Satellite imagery based Journalism'. Besides bringing to the table conventional and special stories from South India particularly Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, NewsMeter Bureau focuses on highlighting graft in society and holding the government accountable. The website has dedicated a column for 'Consumer voice ', where success stories of consumers are reported further leading to building hope to fight against the corrupt system. Our fact check stories are quoted by few news websites and also several international fact-checking organisations which include IFCN signatories.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/nobel-laureate-tasuku-honjo-covid/
https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/israel-palestine-disinformation-censorship-discourse
https://elpais.com/elpais/2020/03/17/planeta_futuro/1584442462_546525.html
https://www.altnews.in/video-from-hyderabad-falsely-viral-as-muslim-man-adulterating-milk-in-mumbai/
https://thelogicalindian.com/fact-check/coronavirus-clapping-vibration-janta-curfew-20283
https://www.boatos.org/ciencia/tasuku-honjo-ganhador-premio-nobel-coronavirus-nao-natural.html
https://www.aap.com.au/infrared-thermometers-do-not-pose-a-risk-to-pineal-gland/
https://observador.pt/factchecks/fact-check-videos-mostram-grande-incendio-no-aeroporto-do-dubai/
https://www.91mobiles.com/hub/fake-amazon-free-gift-offer-whatsapp/
https://www.boomlive.in/fake-news/video-showing-suicide-bid-falsely-linked-to-caa-6563
https://thelogicalindian.com/fact-check/jagan-govt-bhavani-island/
https://thelogicalindian.com/fact-check/coronavirus-clapping-vibration-janta-curfew-20283
May 2021 marks 20 months of relentless fact-checking and publishing of facts by NewsMeter. The organization was able to train our staff and freelance writers and empower them with fact-checking capabilities. The year-ahead plan is to amplify health-related fact check stories with thorough scientific reasoning, collaboration with medical experts and have them published in our vernacular version NewsMeter Telugu also . We are training 5 new members in fact checking. Debunking vaccination related claims will be taken up by Newsmeter. We are also planning to start fact checks in Urdu. We will be working incessantly on Covid-19 and other health related claims and Misinformation that are likely to increase in coming days. We are part of Corona virus facts alliance.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago)
The unit has been set up for the purpose of fact checking and is clearly focused on doing so with plans to expand the team and work in other languages.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Newsmeter has been publishing average of more than 2 fact checks per day. We have worked on several claims spreading misinformation on various topics like
religions, politics, COVID-19, Vaccine, regional claims and others. Attached spreadsheet shows the fact checks done by the team relating to various topics in the year 2020.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has been publishing fact checks regularly over the last year, averaging at more than one a week.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Most fact checks examined by the applicant are around issues that could be of public importance.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Promoters and funding sources of NewsMeter
The company is promoted by A Bharani Kumar and others. A Bharani Kumar is a graduate in commerce and his vision of setting up an independent fact checking news site has been realised with News meter. B Malla Reddy an academician and Sandra Suares a women entrepreneur and IT expert P Ram Moorthy are the directors of the company.
Funding
Newsmeter is mostly self-funded through the Investments from promoters. Around 35 per cent of operational costs are borne through the investments from promoters. Both fact check unit and editorial team operates independently.
Newsmeter also receives funding(revenue) through advertisements from Google Adsense, Taboola, Columbia and other advertisers. Audited revenue details 2019-2020. 2020-2021 financials results are yet to be audited. Tentatively in 2020-2021 too revenues are similar to the previous year. Around 65 per cent of operational costs are borne through the advertisement revenue. None of the advertisers has any role in deciding the selection of claims for a fact check or findings to be published or in editorial policy. We are a free and separate fact-checking unit that acts independently.
Newsmeter receives nominal revenue from news aggregator like daily hunt who pick up our stories. We do not provide any content separately to any news aggregators. All the news stories published on the site are picked up by them automatically with RSS feed. News aggregators has no role in deciding the editorial policy or selection of news stories or fact check to be published on Website. Moreover the revenue generated from news aggregators is insignificant amounting to less than 3 per cent of operational costs/budget and they have no influence on either fact checking or editorial.
Newsmeter doesn’t receive any funding from local or foreign state or political sources. (Audited report attached)
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant does not seem to have any commercial, financial or any relationship with politicians or political parties in the country. It says it has not received any funding from any foreign or local political actors. It has attached an audited financial report.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We are not receiving any funding from a local or foreign state or political sources.
https://newsmeter.in/fact-check-methodology/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago)
The applicant says that it does not receive any funding from any local or foreign political sources. It makes a statement to this effect on its website.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Newsmeter follows a non-partisan policy of fact-checking claims from all sides of the political spectrum. To ensure this, our Journalists have built out social media feeds on Twitter and Facebook that track the statements made by politicians from all walks of Life. We have also fact checked some false tweets by Journalists and famous personalities and tried to establish the facts in place.
We generally focus on claims that follow the news cycle, have been shared widely on social media, or have been made by prominent public figures. Once a claim is chosen, we ensure that every article is balanced. We have dedicated editor who scrutinizes each article to prevent fallacies. Whenever possible, we reach out to experts to make sure our research is thorough and fair, and also refer to more than one reliable resource to ensure we had enough proof.
https://newsmeter.in/fact-check/no-lockdown-in-telangana-kcrs-video-dates-back-to-2020-675833
https://newsmeter.in/fact-check-news-about-demise-of-former-president-pranab-mukherjee-is-false/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant uses the same standards of evidence for equivalent claims, and follows the same process for all fact checks.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Information in the form of text, image or video shared on several platforms and is influencing audience in some form is chosen for fact-checking. To find a viral claim, we monitor different social media platforms and verify the authenticity of the viral news.
The tweets, statements and posts of politicians and influencers from various walks of life are monitored. Several users message us directly or tag us on tweets with some claims which need verification. We ensure that there is no political bias in selecting the claims to be fact-checked.
We maintain clear standards across our fact checks by selecting trending topics that are aimed at misleading the public in favor of a political party or an individual or those aimed at creating unnecessary panic among all.
NewsMeter keeps an eye on regular editorial news and messages in the mainstream media and also social media platforms. We do not make any judgment of our own, whether they merit coverage based on their perceived importance, degree of controversy or superficiality. We take up a claim for fact-checking without any bias or political affinity. Process is strictly followed for every fact check. We thoroughly examine a claim and try to explain it with layman words so that a reader can understand the fact without much difficulty.
https://newsmeter.in/fact-check-methodology/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant does not focus on one side and has made a statement on its website about how it selects claims to check, based on their importance and reach.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Newsmeter has published a total of 1120 fact checks, 62 fact-checks in 2019, 740 fact-checks in 2020, and 318 fact-checks in 2021
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant clearly enunciates the sources it uses and makes it clear to the reader who these sources are.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is not affiliated with any organization or political party and does not indulge in advocacy.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
As a news outlet, we mandate that our employees do not advocate for individual politicians or candidates. Doing so would violate our journalistic code of ethics and make reporting the news in a non-biased way impossible.
More information on our nonpartisanship and fairness can be found here: https://newsmeter.in/non-partisanship-policy/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant sets out its non-partisanship policy for staff clearly on its website. It has also produced agreements signed by staff when they join to ensure that they remain non-partisan and do not bring in their views into their work.
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
At Newsmeter, we try to find if same claim has been shared across all platforms of social media and understand the virality of the claim. Analysis of the origin and context of the claim are done.
Images are searched using reverse image search through various search engines to backtrack the earliest date they were posted. In case of videos, we use online tools like Invid, to extract the keyframes from the video and then those pictures are used for reverse image search. Any kind of manipulation, such as photoshop, can be found out using this technique. We also use Techniques like features like Geolocation, Maps, Street view etc are used to identify the location of the image or video, if necessary.
Official press releases, posts or tweets of official and verified social media handles are also used to find the facts. Claims from various languages can also be checked by translating the content to any desirable language by using translating tools like Google translate etc. Along with Google, Search engines like Yandex, Baidu are also used to find and analyze the origin of the claims shared.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant identifies and provides links to all sources used in their fact checks. Readers can easily replicate most fact checks.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have been using mostly official, authentic sources as explained in our factcheck methodolgy. We also approach officials to get first hand information about the claim. When that is not possible we rely on authentic news publication to understand whether the claim is True or False.
The credibility of one’s argument depends on the credibility of its sources. Therefore, we are extremely careful about picking up sources that we use in our stories. We strive to provide all the links to debunk the claims made, thus, enabling our readers to verify the information for themselves.
Whenever we find the information insufficient, we refrain from passing on any conclusive judgment and make it clear. We rely on non-partisan and government agencies for expertise, analysis and official reports.
Apart from reputed newspapers and magazines, we often refer to websites of well-known organisations and company publications. For medical information, authentic sources like WHO, CDC, Indian Ministry of Health websites are checked. Local health websites, Local experts are also contacted.
We follow globally acknowledged tools of verification for fact-checking such as Google search, Google Reverse Image Search, Yandex reverse image search, InVid Verification tool, video inspection tools, Translation tools, Google Earth and Google Maps.
Depending on the story, we use multiple tools of fact-checking and explain the process for our readers, so they can replicate the fact-checking and also be aware of such false information in the future. The methodology used to debunk the claim clearly explained in the article for audience to understand.
The focus is on reaching out for the primary source from where the information might have originated. It is important to evaluate if the source is directly related to the story that we are investigating.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant uses the advantage of being part of a media company to call sources directly and get clarity on fact checks. It uses several primary sources, but also depends on secondary sources.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have been using mostly official, authentic sources as explained in our factcheck methodology. We are working on constantly to make published fact check adhering to the code of principals.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
It checks claims with more than one source, usually.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have been using mostly official, authentic sources as explained in our factcheck methodology.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant identifies its sources in its fact checks and readers could reasonably conclude if the interests of the sources could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is a fact-checking unit of a media house. It states on its website that its funding comes from the promoters of the media house and from advertising revenue.
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
09-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have updated Ownership and funding details on the about us page. https://newsmeter.in/about-newsmeter/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant makes a statement on ownership, but on the Methodology page. It would help for the statement on ownership to be on the About page of the applicant. Else, it is not easily accessible to a reader. It has also linked an audited financial statement.
cancel 4.2 marked as Request change by Kanchan Kaur.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
11-Jun-2021 (3 years ago)
The applicant makes a statement on ownership, that links to the Methodology page. It has also linked an audited financial statement.
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant’s website has a page that indicates its organizational structure and shows how the organization operates.
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The professional biographies of all important staff members are detailed on the website and easily accessible.
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The website has a contact page where readers can get in touch with the editorial staff.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant publishes on its website the methodology it uses to select claims, research them and publish fact checks.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have been adhering to the methodology on the lines of IFCN principles.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Most claims checked by the applicant are of public importance.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have been adhering to the methodology on the lines of IFCN principles.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In its fact checks, the applicant sets out evidence that both seems to support the claim as well as undermine it.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have been adhering to the methodology on the lines of IFCN principles.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant assesses the fact checks using the same standards of evidence irrespective of who made the claims.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Fact Check Methodology is available on our Newsmeter portal. https://newsmeter.in/fact-check-methodology/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has sought supporting evidence in cases where it was possible, so it does make an effort to contact persons who made the claim.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant encourages users to send in claims to check. All pages of the website have a box that invites claims to check, with a WhatsApp number, an email address and social media ids.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We go to great lengths to present correct, accurate information in a timely manner. We have a clear process for fact checking every article that is selected, written, edited, and if required, corrected after it has been published. We make sure that all our team members adhere to the process. We ensure the factual accuracy, verification and proper attribution of the articles published on our website, of the resources being used as citations, about the quotes attributed to different people.
Despite this meticulousness, errors and mistakes happen. We at Newsmeter, take responsibility to acknowledge and correct the errors as quickly as possible and with high levels of transparency.
If we make an error we will correct it and notify it at the bottom of the article. It will be clearly marked as “Correction” at the bottom of the article. The updates are also done on the page ‘Correction policy’ on the website.
https://newsmeter.in/correction-policy/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant’s correction policy is easily accessible on its website.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Our correction policy is available online on our website. https://newsmeter.in/correction-policy/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The policy clearly sets out how mistakes are handled and in what time frame.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Non-Partisan Policy thoroughly adhered to all the Fact Checks published over the past 2 years. All the claims, no matter to which community or Political party they belong to, were analyzed and concluded in Nonpartial nature.
The conclusions derived were NOT influenced by any kind of social liabilities or communal or political pressure. They were completely unbiased, with the intention to bring out the Facts.
One correction request was done by Himalaya Drug Company, as few errors occurred in the reporting. The errors were immediately corrected as per the request. These corrections were minor changes and did not affect the core of the Fact Check.
https://newsmeter.in/fact-check-is-owner-of-himalaya-global-holdings-funding-islamic-jihad/
We have updated another fact check article - added few links to make it more authentic.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In the couple of instances that the applicant has made a mistake, it has published transparent and open corrections. The reader is clearly informed of the mistake and the subsequent correction.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Yes. We are an existing signatory.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
09-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Yes. We are an existing signatory. For readers to complain about IFCN code violation by Newsmeter, we have added the link on Fact check methodology page, under correction policy section. https://newsmeter.in/fact-check-methodology/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is a signatory of the IFCN and displays the badge on the Home Page. However, it does not inform users that any perceived violations of the IFCN code may be brought to the notice of the IFCN. The badge links to the details of the approval by the IFCN, but not to any place where a reader could complain.
cancel 6.4 marked as Request change by Kanchan Kaur.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
11-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is a signatory of the IFCN and displays the badge on the Home Page. It informs users that any perceived violations of the IFCN code may be brought to the notice of the IFCN.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Newsmeter (Fifth Estate Digital Private Limited)
14-May-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The fact-checking unit and the media company have a common corrections policy.