Organization: Polígrafo
Applicant: Fernando Esteves
Assessor: Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura
Background
Polígrafo is a Portuguese fact-checking journalistic organization born in November 2018. Based in Lisbon, they are dedicated to checking claims of public interest, with a special focus on politics, economics, environment and health. They also have a partnership with TV channel SIC where they do a weekly fact-checking show. Their main sources of funding are partnerships and advertising. They have already been awarded 11 national journalism awards.
Assessment Conclusion
The assessment concludes that the applicant continues to be a relevant fact-checking operation in Portugal, with the consistent use of IFCN codes and methods, according to the relevant journalistic standards. They demonstrate a responsible journalistic work, employing relevant sources, that are applied using high standards, and in a fair way. Sources are identified and linked to, and the applicant is transparent about their methods, corrections and funding. Previous issues have been solved and they are fully compliant to the IFCN code.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
O Polígrafo é um veículo de checagem de fatos baseado em Lisboa e nascido em 2018. São uma das principais organizações de checagem de fatos de Portugal, tendo crescido bastante desde sua criação, e já tendo recebido 11 prêmios nacionais de jornalismo. São responsáveis e equilibrados, analisando afirmações de todo o espectro político. Também são transparentes quanto ao uso de fontes, ao financiamento e à sua metodologia de modo em geral. São totalmente aderentes ao código da IFCN.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
Here is a link to a formal document that proves Polígrafo (owned by Inevitável e Fundamental) is a legally-registered organization:
https://eportugal.gov.pt/empresas/Services/Online/Pedidos.aspx?service=CCP
Access Code: 3402-8488-5852
Also, in our “Who we are" page we have information about our official registration, with the legal number “515112178". Here is the link:
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/o-nosso-financiamento/artigos/onossofinanciamento
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago)
The applicant is a legally established organization in Portugal. This information can be found on the applicant's About section, as well as on Government services.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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?
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Polígrafo was founded in November 2018. It is the first and only Portuguese newspaper entirely dedicated to fact-checking. At the moment, either full, part time, as external collaborators or as interns, 15 people work for Polígrafo: eleven journalists, a graphic designer, an illustrator, a social media manager and a producer.
Since it was launched, Polígrafo aims to address issues of public interest, with a special focus on politics, economics, environment and health. During the previous year, Polígrafo increased its fact-checking activity within the scope of IBERIEFER, an Iberian hub for studying and fighting disinformation made up of more than 30 universities, technology centers, and fact-checking projects, financed by the European Commission.
Polígrafo also launched a fact-checking project on climate change, supported by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Likewise, it expanded its audiences both on its website and in its social networks.
In addition, Polígrafo played a very relevant role on fact-checking during the Portuguese general elections that took place in the beginning of 2022.
Fort the next year, we aim to:
- Increase our participation in collaborative journalism projects.
- Build, together with a technological partner, an artificial intelligence tool applicable to fact-checking.
- Increase our followers on social media.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Polígrafo is one of the main operations of fact-checking in Portugal. They have been founded in 2018 and have worked exclusively with fact checking since then. They have also established partnerships with relevant players in the disinformation studies field. Finally, they aim to increase their work in 2023, mainly in the areas of technology, collaborative journalism and social media presence.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Chega's parliamentary proposal motivated a direct decrease of 20 cents in the price of fuel?
Facebook says: "There are 70,000 more public employees and average pensions in the public and private differ from 1,300 euros to 450 euros"
Accusation on Facebook: "Banco de Fomento awarded contract of 100 thousand euros to Montenegro's firm"
Chimpanzee adenovirus in AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine does not cause monkey pox
Lisbon Metro advised passengers to abstain from sex? No, image was manipulated
Does the deputy to the minister of defense get paid more than other cabinet members with the same duties? Yes, but it is legal
"I am not young enough to know everything." Did Oscar Wilde say this line? No, it was J.M. Barrie
Seen on Twitter: "Diesel van tows a gasoline generator to charge an electric car"
True story. Inventory of state property was ordered by ordinance more than 20 years ago and has never been completed
Fraud Alert: Mobile phone parking payment application improperly "takes money" from user
"Portugal was the country with the largest burned area in all of Europe since 2015," Facebook highlights
No, WHO director was not arrested for crimes against humanity and genocide
Military intervention over the judiciary and legislative powers is foreseen in Brazil's Constitution, it is invoked in social networks
Facebook Says: CFCs are 'harmless' to ozone layer
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/fact-check/diz-se-no-facebook-cfc-sao-inocuos-para-a-camada-do-ozono
Facebook Alert: Record "highest mortality ever" in Portugal
The New York Times" newspaper reported that UNITA's leader "will take power" in Angola "with 51.2% of the vote"? No, it is false
No, droughts and extreme events of the past do not prove the non-existence of climate change
João Ferreira: "The national minimum wage has already lost 50 euros since the beginning of the year"
Ana Catarina Mendes: "Troika" asked for a 195 million euro cut in Education but Nuno Crato cut 600 million euros
"Portugal is the 4th country with the most corrupt government in Europe," highlights on social media
"Worker takes home 1,707 euros" of salary that "costs the company 3,341 euros," criticizes on social networks
Shark swims next to a car on a highway flooded with water in Texas?
Lawyers Order sent "email" to lawyers prohibiting legal assistance to the Government and companies in Russia?
50% increase for retirees not enough for disabled people receiving disability pensions?
Donald Trump is back on Twitter and thanks Elon Musk?
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/fact-check/donald-trump-esta-de-volta-ao-twitter-e-agradece-a-elon-musk
State revenues up 20% but "no money for paper in public services"?
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant meets and surpasses the minimum required amount of fact checks, usually posting multiple checks a day.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
Polígrafo makes a significant effort to address all topics of public interest, like politics, health, economics ou environment. In 2022, Portugal had general elections and, just as in previous elections, our work set the political agenda several times, namely in television debates, where Polígrafo was mentioned by various candidates as a reference to support their arguments.
Our work has a wide reach across the country, since Polígrafo has, since 2019, a partnership with the leading TV channel in Portugal to produce a weekly fact-checking program. At this moment, its average audience is 1.3 million people. Since day one It is one of the most viewed information programs on portuguese TV.
Due to the impact it had on portuguese society, Polígrafo, an independent newspaper that receives no support from the state or any political party, was distinguished with 11 national journalism awards, including "Launch of the Year", "Revelation of the Year" and "Best Website of the year".
Link to our TV Show:
https://sicnoticias.pt/programas/poligrafo
The prizes Polígrafo won :
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant is solely dedicated to fact-check topics of social relevance. They are dedicated mainly to politics, economics and current events, as well as focusing on health during the pandemic.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Polígrafo is an organization that operates exclusively in the private sector. Polígrafo does not make contracts with state-owned companies or with any political party within our country or elsewhere. As part of our job we engage with politicians when asking them to correct data, when we fact-check their statements or when we need clarification on something.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant does not have any ties to state, politicians or political parties. All their partnerships, which are explained in their About section, are with private entities.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
Not applicable.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Not applicable, since the applicant does not present any financial or project relations to state or political actors.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
About António Costa, Prime-Minister (Socialist Party):
In a TV debate, Prime-Minister António Costa stated that "overall household income has risen 25% in the last four years." We have rated his statement as false
In a debate with André Ventura, leader of the radical right-wing party Chega, Prime Minister António Costa stated that Portugal has been growing "above the European Union average". We rated the statement as true
About Rui Rio, opposition leader:
In a televised intervention, the leader of the Portuguese Social Democratic Party (PSD) emphasized that "public spending represents almost 50% of the GDP" and "the tax burden represents 35% or 36% of the GDP". We rated his statement as true
In a TV debate, Rui Rio said: "Today we have emigration that is around 84,000 people a year." We rated his statement as false
About Catarina Martins, leader of Bloco de Esquerda (extreme left):
Catarina Martins stated in a TV debate that "IRC is a tax that few companies pay". We rated the statement as false
Catarina Martins claimed that "Liberal Initiative (right wing) once proposed ending the national minimum wage." We rated the statement as true
About André Ventura, leader of Chega Party (extreme-right):
André Ventura said on TV that "Livre" party presented "less than 10 proposals" in the Portuguese Parliament. We rated the statement as false
André Ventura said in a debate with the Prime Minister that the tax burden in Portugal has reached an all-time high by 2020. We rated the statement as true
About Cotrim Figueiredo, leader of "Iniciativa Liberal":
Cotrim Figueiredo assured that he voted "always against the state of emergency" during the Covid 19 pandemic. We rated the statement as false.
Cotrim Figueiredo accused the socialist government of breaking successive tax records. We rated the statement as true.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has produced 10 links containing fact-checks about the recent electoral period in Portugal. These links cover different actors on the political spectrum, and demonstrate balance when choosing claims to check, as well as when investigating the claims. The applicant is responsible and fair.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has a section on their website where they explain how they choose which claims to check (this is based on a convergence between what was said by a given political actor and the public interest involved in what they have said). That section also provides more detail on their method. Overall, the applicant is balanced and does not concentrate their fact checking in any one side, covering the political spectrum in Portugal.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant uses sources in a responsible way, naming them and making clear any relevant interests that may influence the result of a check. However, this is not a common situation, since the sources used are responsible and transparent.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
After a thorough review of random fact checks, it was identified that the applicant is balanced and fair in how they select and investigate claims. They do not demonstrate support to any political entity, party or policy, rather monitoring the political ecosystem in Portugal.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
Polígrafo is completely independent of all political parties. In our Editorial Statute (4) we claim that none of Polígrafo's journalists is a member of a political party. Here is the link:
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/institucional/artigos/estatuto-editorial
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has an editorial statute where they clearly state that their journalists are not supporters of any political party.
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant consistently identifies all the sources uses in a given check. These are usually public data, reports and documents, but sometimes experts in the field. Whenever possible, they link to the original sources.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The sources employed by the applicant are consistently first hand sources, that is, the ones that are the original source of the information. Only when checking claims about foreign countries they, at times, use as sources other news outlets.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant checks all key elements of a claim against the relevant sources, in a way that the reader can build a broader understanding of the issue being investigated.
One such example can be found in the following link: https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/fact-check/portugal-tem-10-mil-pessoas-a-viver-na-rua-e-mais-de-quatro-milhoes-em-situacao-de-pobreza
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The sources used by the applicant are clearly identified and characterized, and their interests are highlighted. Readers can determine if the source undermines the result of a check, although this is not common, since the sources used are responsible.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
30-Jun-2021 (1 year ago)
Polígrafo is an independent organization dedicated only to fact-checking. Our principles are expressed here:
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/institucional/artigos/estatuto-editorial
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has a page on their About section detailing each source of funding, as well as how the company is registered. Besides that, the applicant has produced evidence of their status as independent organization.
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has a page in their About section where they detail each source of funding and how the organization is registered.
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has a page, called Who we are, available from their main menu, where readers can see a list of of the staff members as well as their roles. The public can easily check by whom editorial control is exercised.
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
There are two ways to access the journalist's biography.
1: Click on its name on the technical sheet
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/institucional/artigos/ficha-tecnica
2: Click on the signatures of the fact-checks
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The aforementioned page of Who we are displays, for each staff member, a link to their page with a bio, recounting their main experiences and expertises, as well as all the articles they have authored.
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
Polígrafo promotes an enormous interaction with its readers. On the website there is a page specifically created to encourage the reader to communicate with Polígrafo's journalist or to ask for the realization of fact-checks. This appeal is also made on the homepage. Readers can request fact-checks by telephone, email, WhatsApp or Telegram. They can also request fact-checks trough our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin.
We also have a weekly newsletter (called "Pinóquio") through which readers are invited to make suggestions about topics to verify.
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/institucional/artigos/peca-nos-um-fact-check
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant provides different means for the audience to contact the organization. The Who we are page displays a link for the general email contact of the newsroom, as well as email addresses for all the journalists. Their three social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) each have ways for people to contact the team. Finally, a banner in their homepage invites readers to send requests to be checked via Instagram or Telegram.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has a page, called Our method, where they describe the general methodology they apply for choosing claims to check, how they check them, how badges are applied, and their general principles of work.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
After a thorough review of random fact checks, the assessor identified that the applicant checks claims based on social importance and reach. Claims selected have been said by relevant figures in the national context, about socially relevant topics, or come from rumours being spread on social media, when those have reach and are related to a socially relevant topic.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant consistently analyses a check with evidence to both support and undermine the check, when that is warranted by the facts. One such example can be found in the following link: https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/fact-check/comerciantes-sao-obrigados-a-aceitar-pagamentos-em-dinheiro-vivo. As a matter of fact, the fact checks with the result "True, but" are good examples where the applicant demonstrates a complex view of the claim.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Although exactly similar claims are not easy to find, the applicant does present a responsible and balanced journalism, using the same high standards of evidence when checking different sides of the political spectrum.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has the habit of contact the person who has made a claim, usually in the cases where said person is a political actor, in order to clarify a public statement. One such example can be found in the following link: https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/fact-check/antonio-costa-a-visao-entre-2000-e-2015-crescemos-a-uma-media-de-02-e-nos-ultimos-sete-anos-a-cerca-de-2. However, in the cases where a claim comes from an online rumour, the author is not contacted.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
Polígrafo has a page specifically dedicated to encouraging readers to request fact-checks by our team. We call it "ask us for a fact-check" and it can be found through this link:
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/institucional/artigos/peca-nos-um-fact-check
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant provides four ways for readers to send claims to be checked: via general contact email, available on their About section; via their journalists' individual email addresses, available on their Team page; or via Telegram or WhatsApp, whose contact is available on their homepage.
Besides that, the applicant has a page in their About section called "Ask us a fact check", where they explain clearly what kinds of subjects can be fact checked and what merits a fact check.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
Our corrections policy is here. We encourage readers to to submit correction requests and provide a direct link to the IFNC website, where a complaints form is provided to those who believe that Polígrafo violated the organization's code of principles.
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/institucional/artigos/o-nosso-metodo
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has a corrections policy in their methods page, which is easily findable through their homepage.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The corrections policy in place sets out clear definitions of what is covered, and describes how errors are handled, that is, that the error shall be corrected in a visible way, proportionally to the error being corrected. It also describes how readers may get in contact with the organization to send demands for corrections.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
Concerning our corrections policy, our rules remain the same as in previous years. Whenever Polígrafo errors - despite our meticulous methodology, we do not intend to be infallible - it will correct the error in a very visible way, committing itself to republishing the content already corrected in the shortest possible time and with equal emphasis on what was given to the original text - which means, for example, that if the article in question was a headline on the Homepage, the correction will also be placed in a headline, with the indication that it is an update of a text that contained an error.
In the correction, it must be very clearly identified which content was found to be incorrect, as well as the time at which it was corrected. If, following the correction, a change in the evaluation is justified, it will be made.
All correction requests are analyzed, regardless of whether a small or a big error is involved. Polígrafo is available to readers without any reservation, either to rectify information or to enrich existing content.
Contacts can be made through the various platforms where the project is present (website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) or directly, via an email addressed to the general address (contactos@poligrafo.pt), to the authors of the fact-check or its director, Fernando Esteves, whose contacts are also available.
Here are two examples of corrections we did during the last year:
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
The applicant has produced two links from the past year where the corrections have been made to articles. Both of them have been treated the same way: titles have had "Correction" added to them, and a foot note describes what was the error, how the correction has changed the article, and when it has happenned. The application is consistent to their corrections policy.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
In their Methods page, the applicant displays the IFCN badge, as well as below each check. On the same page, right after listing the 5 principles of the IFCN code, the applicant presents a link to the IFCN complaints page.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Polígrafo
14-Nov-2022 (1 year ago)
Not applicable
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
22-Dec-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago
Not applicable, the applicant is an independent organization.