Organization: NewsMobile
Applicant: Saurabh Shukla
Assessor: Surekha Deepak
Background
NewsMobile is a mobile media network is a legally registered organization. With a separate face checking team. News Mobile was set upwas set up in 2014, and its fact checking unit in 2017 to check the spread of fake news.
News Mobile has as a dedicated staff and publishes in English as well as in Hindi. They focus on using technology to debunk claims and have collaborated with Fakenet AI and won the IFCN-Facebook Tech Innovation challenge.
The claims that are debunked cover a variety of topics and all sides of the topic are covered.
Assessment Conclusion
They have published more than the required number of fact checks required for compliance. News Mobile publishes fact checks that have an impact, their focus on debunking health misinformation is clear. They also have fact checks related to politics, international stories, sports etc. Most of the fact checks are selected from social media posts.
They have a clear non partisanship policy.
There is no evidence of any political influence on the stories selected or the way in which they are written.
The applicant mentions the sources used in the fact checking process. They mostly use digital tools for debunking claims, however there are instances where they contact the source. There is no evidence that sources that could influence their findings. The fact checks are replicable.
Stories from all sides of the spectrum are covered. There is no evidence of any bias.
The website says it is founded and owned by a team of journalists. However, there is no clarity if this means it is the entire team or some of them.
With the selection of claims, they say claims are selected based on their importance. They have a criteria for selecting a claim to be fact checked, if it is potentially dangerous situation, or create panic, or be misinterpreted and cause damage or create trends on social media, which could be fake or misleading.
The organizational structure is clearly mentioned on the website as are the details of the team working on the fact checking.
They use the same standards across all fact checks they publish.
The corrections policy is clearly listed on the website, with links to the IFCN complaints page
Surekha Deepak assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
Language used 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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
NewsMobile is an independent news organisation founded by a team of award-winning journalists in 2014. Our journalists are objective and we have a policy that ensures that they are not affiliated to any political party or advocacy group. We believe in providing a fair and transparent editorial opinion.
USP of NewsMobile is that our fact checks are crisp and short as they have been designed for a mobile interface.We keep the language simple so they can be easily understood by all readers. We use innovative formats like Insta fact checks so viewers can easily understand them.
We evaluate claims on their reach and importance of the claim and their ability to cause any life threatening or a serious situation. We follow strict guidelines for our Fact Checks which are selected by the editorial team.
NewsMobile is the only Indian company and the only one from Asia, to have recently won a global innovative challenge.
Along with their tech partner FakeNet AI at the University of California, Berkeley, they were declared winners of a global innovation challenge, organised by IFCN and Poynter’s, that focussed on fact-checking.
NewsMobile was one of a handful of global organisations that won the challenge, and the only one from India. The challenge focused on how technology can improve fact-checking, in round 2 of the Fact-Checking Innovation Initiative.
Here are some news links –
Recently, NewsMobile and Logically have announced an exciting partnership, rolling out a range of election and information integrity products across South East Asia - Including India, Singapore and the US. The partnership combines the best of editorial and fact-checking services with the best in anti-misinformation technology to create a range of tools and products - ensuring information integrity, in a time where misinformation has plagued today’s “post-truth” society.
Here is the link -
The Economic Times featured NewsMobile’s efforts at busting fake news centred around COVID-19 vaccines.
Nov 30, 2020
www.newsmobile.in (NewsMobile) is the news and content platform of World Mobile News Network Pvt Ltd, a private limited company registered in India. Our funding was provided by our co-founders who are senior journalists and media academics from their personal savings.
As an unbiased and objective digital news platform, powered by cutting edge technology, our aim is to highlight stories that impact people and present credible and fact-checked stories to our readers.
NewsMobile Funding
In 2019-2020 the organisation that contributed more that 5 percent of our total funding is Facebook Inc.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago)
NewsMobile media network is a legally registered organization with a separate fact checking team. They are a mobile media network.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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?
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
1. In our experience, we have found that fake news spreads more rampantly than correct news, harming people and setting off adverse reactions. As a result of the vast spread of fake news, we started independent fact-checking in January 2017. We realised that fake news was not only confusing but influencing people also. It is then that we took the path of providing verified information to people, especially, when fake news goes viral.
We have a special section on fact-checking, titled, NM Fact Checker. In this section, we debunk fake news by putting verified facts before the readers. When we come across a claim or it is brought to our notice, through different mediums, we check it for factual accuracy.
In 2018 NewsMobile joined Facebook’s fact check program as a Fact Checker. Since then, our fact checks have led to the reduction of misinformation and fake news on the social media platform.
NewsMobile & Global Fact Checkers - in order to inform our readers about global best practices about fact checking, NewsMobile interviewed some leading global fact checking experts.
Tips from Fact Check Gurus helps us to enhance our own skills, as well as educate our readers about the basics of how to distinguish between verified news and fake news.
Here are some of the links –
In conversation with IFCN Director, Baybars Örsek- https://youtu.be/CZPi-kD-o8A
In conversation with IFCN Associate Director, Cristina Tardaguila- https://fb.watch/24vKcU6cRO/
In conversation with Bill Adair, Professor at Duke Reporter Lab- https://fb.watch/24D1cBWbIN/
In conversation with Glenn Kessler, Senior Journalist- https://fb.watch/24D2c471uq/
In conversation with Peter Cunliffe Jones, Senior Advisor, IFCN and Founder Africa Check- https://fb.watch/24D3m27ffn/
NewsMobile’s efforts to bust fake news during Indian Elections 2019 were also featured in a special BBC world show.
Here is the link –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkBV2KtgDUA&feature=emb_title
NewsMobile fact check was also featured as the 'fact check of the week' by Poynter' in October 2020.
2. We are focussed towards fighting misinformation in India and its surrounding regions. We focus on all areas of fake news. Our team details are clearly mentioned in our About Us section.
About us Link:
http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900852551-15f83337-445e
http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900952014-b94efcf0-508d
3. We are an independent mobile media network and we focus on short stories and videos on issues that impact people. We extensively focussed on COVID related misinformation and were part of IFCN’s global COVID fact checking alliance.
4. NewsMobile's vision is to bring innovation in fact checking and make it simpler for readers. NewsMobile collaborated with a promising student startup Fakenet AI and we won the IFCN-Facebook Tech Innovation challenge. It was a matter of honour that we were the only fact checker from Asia and from India that won this innovation challenge. We are now working to create a deep fake detection tool to solve the problem of deep fakes. This will foster collaboration between fact checkers and will also benefit people. We will also be expanding fact checking across different languages and will also expand to other global regions. In 2020 we have also partnered with Logically another IFCN partner active in the US and UK to share global best practices and improve our fact checking capabilities.
We want to be recognised as a primary source that helps fight fake news. We want to expand our expertise in fighting fake viral news across regional languages and geographies. By leveraging technology, we want to be the first to bust fake news with quick turnaround time, so that viewers can have access to verified news instantly.
In recognition of NewsMobile's innovative approach to fact checking, NewsMobile won the prestigious IFCN Tech Innovative Challenge 2020. The news was extensively covered in media. Here are the links -
IFCN also declared one of our fact checks as the Fact Check of the Week. The link is attached.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFzNZh9JnFC/?igshid=1r3rucn4snegz
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
News Mobile was set up was set up in 2014, and its fact checking unit in 2017. NewsMobile's fact checking unit was set up to check the spread of fake news.
There is no clear answer to this provided in the application. However, the website shows a team of 5 people in the fact checking unit.
News mobile publishes stories on a variety of topics and fact check stories that are published regularly. Their current focus is COVID misinformation and say they are part of IFCN’s global COVID fact checking alliance.
The goal is to use technology to help make fact checking more collaborative and faster. They collaborated with Fakenet AI and won the IFCN-Facebook Tech Innovation challenge. They say they are working towards creating a deep fake detection tool. News Mobile say they are expanding fact checking across different languages and regions across the world.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
NewsMobile is involved with extensive fact checking. We have a dedicated team that focuses on not only ENGLISH but also HINDI language fact checks. Please find attached an excel sheet detailing all the fact checks done by the team over the period September - November 2020, to give you a glimpse of the work we do.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has published more than the required number of fact checks required for compliance.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Please find attached the fact check list for the last three months, September to November 2020.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
News Mobile publishes fact checks that have an impact, their focus on debunking health misinformation is clear. They also have fact checks related to politics, international stories, sports etc. Most of the fact checks are selected from social media posts.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
This is not applicable for NewsMobile. Our promoters have funded the organisation through their own personal financial resources. We do not have any leanings towards any particular political party and have always believed in balancing news and focusing on facts. We have a clear non-partisanship policy.
Non-Partisanship Policy:
Our non partisanship policy is clearly stated and actioned upon in our About Us section. The triage process that NewsMobile follows and several team members looking at a story ensures no personal biases come in.
Each fact check is looked at critically, without personal biases, factually and with a lens to ensure only verified news goes out.
We believe in a balanced approach. Our policy is mentioned below in our About Us section.
http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900762789-3bbb4d6b-26cd
Our balanced approach has also been recognised by Poynter. NewsMobile fact check was featured as the 'fact check of the week' by Poynter' in October 2020.
NewsMobile-IFCN-feat... (132 KB)
NewsMobile-IFCN-feat... (125 KB)
NewsMobile-IFCN-feat... (104 KB)
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
There does not seem to be any political influence on the stories selected or the way in which they are written. Stories from all sides of the spectrum are covered. They get some funds from Facebook, they say its over 5 % but does not mention how much.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Not Applicable for NewsMobile.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In 2019-2020 the organisation that contributed more that 5 percent of their total funding is Facebook Inc. While there is no explanation on the site that shows there is no influence on the reports they publish. This is specially relevant because of the political controversy Facebook India has been involved in. However, the website states that they are independent and not influenced by anybody.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Newsmobile believes in a non-partisanship policy. The editorial team, while deciding, ensures that there is no tilt and a balanced approach is taken. Over time, our fact checks are testimony of a varied coverage - covering various sections, issues and segments that prevail in the society. Our policy and methodology is mentioned below -
http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900762789-3bbb4d6b-26cd
http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900664529-e31bffe2-d815
Some examples are mentioned in the excel sheet.
NewsMobile Code of Conduct
Our journalists are objective while reporting and we have the policy to ensure that our team is not affiliated to any political party or an advocacy group and is fair and transparent in their editorial opinion. Find attached our code of conduct specimen copy of the letter all team members have to sign.
http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900762789-3bbb4d6b-26cd
Apart from this, some of our fact checks have also been recognised for the methodology adopted as also the non partisan outlook while fact checking them.
In recognition of NewsMobile's innovative approach to fact checking, NewsMobile won the prestigious IFCN Tech Innovative Challenge 2020. The news was extensively covered in media. Here are the links -
IFCN also declared one of our fact checks as the Fact Check of the Week. The link is attached.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFzNZh9JnFC/?igshid=1r3rucn4snegz
NewsMobile fact check was also featured as the 'fact check of the week' by Poynter' in October 2020.
FACEBOOK-JOURNALISM-... (41 KB)
NewsMobile-IFCN-feat... (132 KB)
NewsMobile-IFCN-feat... (125 KB)
NewsMobile-IFCN-feat... (104 KB)
description
NON-PARTISAN-FCs.xls... (14 KB)
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The fact checks cover a variety of subjects.The process they follow is explained. Many fact checks link to media reports as part of the proof. However, claims are checked using similar standards.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
NewsMobile has always believed in fair, objective and balanced journalism. There is a clear written down methodology that is adopted by each member of the fact checking team - mentioned in the About Us section, under Fact Check Methodology. This is devoid of any personal biases creeping in. Each fact check goes through a three tier system of editing, inspection and monitoring before getting published. The fact checking editorial team takes the call to decide when doing fact checks.
Methodology Link: http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900664529-e31bffe2-d815
Editorial Team: http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900852551-15f83337-445e
In recognition of NewsMobile's innovative approach to fact checking, NewsMobile won the prestigious IFCN Tech Innovative Challenge 2020. The news was extensively covered in media. Here are the links -
IFCN also declared one of our fact checks as the Fact Check of the Week. The link is attached.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFzNZh9JnFC/?igshid=1r3rucn4snegz
NewsMobile fact check was also featured as the 'fact check of the week' by Poynter' in October 2020.
NewsMobile-IFCN-feat... (132 KB)
NewsMobile-IFCN-feat... (125 KB)
NewsMobile-IFCN-feat... (104 KB)
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
They clearly explain how claims are selected. Stories to debunk are selected based in the impact. They have the following considerations in the section of stories. If it is potentially dangerous situation (likelihood of a communal riot or harm a community), or create panic, or be misinterpreted and cause damage or create trends on social media, which could be fake or misleading.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
There have been no instances of any conflict of interest.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant mentions the sources used in the fact checking process.They mostly use digital tools, there are instances where they contact the source. There is no evidence that sources that could influence their findings.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The organisation is not affiliated with nor declares or shows support for any party, any politician, political candidate, nor does it advocate for or against any policy positions on any issues.
Link: http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900762789-3bbb4d6b-26cd
We also have clear and crisp complaints policy.
Link: http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606901045872-c2c9cfe9-eaeb
Here are some examples of the fact checks we have done in this regard.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
There is no evidence of the organisation’s affiliation to any political party.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
NewsMobile has a clearly stated non partisan policy listed on the website. As well as a code of conduct for its employees.
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Find attached the excel sheet with all the fact checks from September - November 2020, as a sample size.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant provides links to the relevant sources.
They primarily use digital sources in some cases they also use primary sources in the process of fact checking. They also use media reports,these reports are hyperlinked.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
NewsMobile believes in reaching out to the primary sources of evidence as much as possible. Our team does extensive research to reach primary sources and get their statements regarding any viral news that they are investigating. Please find attached some examples in the excel sheet.
Noteworthy is NewsMobile's extensive fake news busting during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We have dedicated one entire section on our website for CORONAVIRUS FACT CHECKS.
Apart from this, we also do Insta Fact Checks and Fact Checks in Hindi language as well. Find attached some examples
Attached excel sheets contain some examples for this section.
Two more examples of extensive fact checks are as follows -
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
They provide links to the relevant sources. They have contacted primary sources and linked other sources.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
All our fact checks are verified through multiple sources to ensure that the viral fake news is checked in a full proof manner.
We even have an editorial board that passes each fact check.
http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900852551-15f83337-445e
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant’s fact checks are compliant with this requirement. They have verified using multiple sources.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
All our fact checks are verified through multiple sources to ensure that the viral fake news is checked in a full proof manner.
We even have an editorial board that passes each fact check.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The sources are clearly identified so the reader can conclude if there is any influence of a source on the story.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
NewsMobile is an independent news organisation founded by a team of award-winning journalists in 2014. Our journalists are objective and we have a policy that ensures that they are not affiliated to any political party or advocacy group. We believe in providing a fair and transparent editorial opinion.
About us Link: http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900852551-15f83337-445e
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
They have stated that Facebook has contributed to over 5% of its revenue in the previous financial year.
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
www.newsmobile.in (NewsMobile) is the news and content platform of World Mobile News Network Pvt Ltd, a private limited company registered in India. Our funding was provided by our co-founders who are senior journalists and media academics from their personal savings.
http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900107566-a9f20090-47ec
As an unbiased and objective digital news platform, powered by cutting edge technology, our aim is to highlight stories that impact people and present credible and fact-checked stories to our readers.
NewsMobile
27-Jan-2021 (3 years ago)
Our Founding team was led by award winning journalist Saurabh Shukla and Dr SC Shukla academic and founder Principal of Delhi College of Arts and Commerce. Dr Shukla received National press award.
NewsMobile newsroom is run by a team of award winning journalists who maintain independence, objectivity and transparency.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
They are compliant with this requirement. The website says it is founded and owned by a team of journalists. However, there is no clarity if this means it is the entire team or some of them.
cancel 4.2 marked as Request change by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The About Us section on our website mentions all the details about the founder, organisational structure, the editorial leadership team and the fact check team. The names of the team members including the senior editors are very clearly mentioned in the About Us section, as per links below.
http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900852551-15f83337-445e
http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900952014-b94efcf0-508d
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The oraganisational structure is clearly mentioned on the website.
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The editorial team names and their email ids are clearly mentioned in our About Us section.
The links are as under -
Leadership Team - http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900852551-15f83337-445e
Fact Check Team - http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900952014-b94efcf0-508d
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The biographies of the fact checking team is available on the website.
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
NewsMobile's team page (under About Us) has email addresses of the editorial board and team members mentioned clearly.
Leadership Team - http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900852551-15f83337-445e
Fact Check Team - http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900952014-b94efcf0-508d
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Contact details are clearly provided on the website.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The following links explain our methodology, why fact checking is important and the various shows and training programs we have conducted in the past.
Fact Check - http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900107825-c4d5e45f-78d2
Methodology - http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900664529-e31bffe2-d815
How can readers fact check - http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606904663682-6d0fecb4-ffd5
FC Shows - http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900496136-1730a287-8623
Training - http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900344059-3a92f0c4-6302
NewsMobile Special Shows on Fact Checking
In order to popularize Fact Checks amongst people, NewsMobile started a special show titled, ‘Fake News Buster’, to talk about the top fact checks of the week.
We also run a series titled ‘The Fact Checkers’, where senior members of the team conduct interviews with leading Fact Checkers and Fact Check Pioneers from across the globe.
We also run a series titled, ‘The Weekly Fact Check Wrap’, in which we analyse the top five fact checks of the week.
NewsMobile Special Shows on Fact Checking
NM fact checked- http://newsmobile.in/articles/category/nm-fact-checker/
Fake news buster - https://fb.watch/26_umkO_C6/
Watch the Episodes - https://fb.watch/26_BzJ-Ykb/
ICMR - http://newsmobile.in/articles/2020/09/09/fact-check-has-icmr-issued-these-covid-19-
guidelines-dont-believe-this-fake-forward/
NewsMobile & Global Fact Checkers
In its mission to fight fake news, NewsMobile started a series to interview the best in the field from across the world. Tips from Fact Check gurus helps us to enhance our own skills, as well as educate our readers about the basics of how to distinguish between verified news and fake news.
Here are some of the links –
In conversation with IFCN Director, Baybars Örsek- https://youtu.be/CZPi-kD-o8A
In conversation with IFCN Associate Director, Cristina Tardaguila- https://fb.watch/24vKcU6cRO/
In conversation with Bill Adair, Professor at Duke Reporter Lab- https://fb.watch/24D1cBWbIN/
In conversation with Glenn Kessler, Senior Journalist- https://fb.watch/24D2c471uq/
In conversation with Peter Cunliffe Jones, Senior Advisor, IFCN and Founder Africa Check- https://fb.watch/24D3m27ffn/
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The methodology the applicant uses is clearly explained on the website.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The fact checks published are in accordance to the methodology that is mentioned on NewsMobile's website.
http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900664529-e31bffe2-d815
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
They say claims are selected based on their importance. They have a criteria for selecting a claim to be fact checked, if it is potentially dangerous situation, or create panic, or be misinterpreted and cause damage or create trends on social media, which could be fake or misleading.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Please find attached an excel sheet with fact checks from September to November 2020.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Yes the applicant explains the claims and the sources for the claim. The fact checks provide explanations for the evidence they use to counter the claim.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In 2020 NewsMobile methodology also won acclaim from IFCN as our fact check was declared the 'Fact Check of the Week'.
NewsMobile-IFCN-feat... (132 KB)
NewsMobile-IFCN-feat... (125 KB)
NewsMobile-IFCN-feat... (104 KB)
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
They have a process where claims are fact checked and all evidence is considered and is of the same standard.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
NewsMobile believes in a strict non-partisanship policy. Please find attached an excel sheet with fact checks.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Since many of the stories are online claims the focus is on debunking it
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have provided several options to our readers to reach us with news that they want us to verify or fact check.
1) Readers can e-mail their queries at editor@newsmobile.in with the title Fact Check and our Fact Checking team will check the story and publish the truth.
2) Fact Checking Hotline: We have a Fact Check Alert number for Whats app +91 11 7127 9799. Readers are invited to forward a new story or a message on social media that they would like to get fact-checked.
3) NewsMobile is active on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Links are as under -
https://instagram.com/newsmobileindia?igshid=1a0sff9n5fqt4
https://twitter.com/newsmobileindia?s=11
https://www.facebook.com/NewsMobile/
Our dedicated WhatsApp helpline number is available on the following link https://www.newsmobile.in/get-in-touch/ and is mentioned in our fact checks and stories also. Readers can also contact us on our email ids ( mentioned on website), or write to us on our social medium platforms - Instagram, Twitter, Facebook.
We also encourage our readers to fact check themselves.
How can our readers fact check:
NewsMobile has always striven to simplify the fact checking process, in order to involve our viewers and readers as well.
Here are some steps –
Check the video/picture carefully, they might give some clues like billboards, number plates, shop names etc. Also, in the case of videos, listen to the audio carefully; they might also give some hint.
Run a keyword search on Google; see if there are some credible sources to support the claim.
In the case of pictures, try doing a Reverse Image Search.
In the case of important government-related notices & guidelines, look for the primary source. Always try to find the primary source.
Apart from this, we interviewed Cristina Tardáguila, IFCN Associate Director, to advice the public on how to fact check.
Here is the link – https://fb.watch/24vKcU6cRO/
Links -
http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606904663682-6d0fecb4-ffd5
http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900107825-c4d5e45f-78d2
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The website gives details for readers to send in claims to check. They have an email, a whatsapp number as well as social media handles for this.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
NewsMobile has a detailed Corrections Policy, which is explicitly mentioned under our Fact Check Methodology.
The link is - http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900664529-e31bffe2-d815
Apart from this, we have a dedicated Corrections Team that analyses any corrections that come up.
FC Team - http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900952014-b94efcf0-508d
Corrections Policy:
Facts and truth are at the centre of NewsMobile’s editorial policy. Our team of journalists have broken stories on corruption at high places, questioned those in power and are fearless, unbiased and objective. We have an impeccable record as a credible media outlet. However, as a responsible media outfit, we are open to corrections. We invite readers to write to us at editor@newsmobile.in with a date and link to the story. We will fact-check the claim and correct it, in case any discrepancy is found.
We also have a detailed Complaints Policy as under, mentioned explicitly in our About Us section.
Complaints Policy: http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606901045872-c2c9cfe9-eaeb
NewsMobile believes in fair and honest fact checking. If you are not satisfied with our fact checks you can report it to our Editor in Chief at Saurabh@newsmobile.in. Or our Executive Editor, Fact Checks at kshipra@newsmobile.in .
In case your complaint is not resolved you can also report to IFCN.
Here is the link-
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The corrections policy is clearly listed on the website.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The corrections policy is mentioned in About Us - Methodology
Methodology - http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900664529-e31bffe2-d815
Editorial Team - http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900852551-15f83337-445e
Fact Check Team - http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900952014-b94efcf0-508d
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The policy states their correction policy and process.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
As mentioned above, NewsMobile has a detailed Corrections Policy, which is explicitly mentioned under our Fact Check Methodology.
http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606900664529-e31bffe2-d815Correction Policy:
Facts and truth are at the centre of NewsMobile’s editorial policy. Our team of journalists have broken stories on corruption at high places, questioned those in power and are fearless, unbiased and objective. We have an impeccable record as a credible media outlet. However, as a responsible media outfit, we are open to corrections. We invite readers to write to us at editor@newsmobile.in with a date and link to the story. We will fact-check the claim and correct it, in case any discrepancy is found.
Example One: The first example is mentioned below -
Example Two: We also respond swiftly when a reader appeals to us to correct our Fact Check. Please see the attachment.
NewsMobile believes in going the last mile to check facts with on-ground verification as well.
-CORRECTIONS 2.png (291 KB)
CORRECTIONS-1.png (447 KB)
CORRECTIONS-3.png (338 KB)
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is compliant and has provided an examples of the corrections in accordance to the stated policy.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Complaints Policy: http://newsmobile.in/about-us/#1606901045872-c2c9cfe9-eaeb
NewsMobile believes in fair and honest fact checking. If you are not satisfied with our fact checks you can report it to our Editor in Chief at Saurabh@newsmobile.in. Or our Executive Editor, Fact Checks at Kshipra@Newsmobile.in .
In case your complaint is not resolved you can also report to IFCN.
Here is the link-
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is compliant with this requirement. They have a link leading to the IFCN complaints page.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
NewsMobile
01-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
NewsMobile is an independent media company and Fact Checking is pivotal to our media company. Here is the link to our transparent Corrections Policy. We even have a Corrections Editor working independent of our news room so readers can approach her if they feel that their correction has not been done.
Here is the link to the policy which is applicable for our organisation as a whole: http://newsmobile.in/correction-policy/
Surekha Deepak Assessor
24-Dec-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The parent company also has a clearly stated corrections policy.