Organization: Polígrafo
Applicant: Fernando Esteves
Assessor: Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura
Background
Polígrafo is a fact-checking journalistic organization, born in November 2018. Based in Lisbon, they operate with a team of nine people total, 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 advertising and partnerships.
Assessment Conclusion
The assessment concludes that the applicant is a relevant fact-checking operation in its country, with the consistent use of IFCN codes and methods, according to the relevant journalistic standards. It carries its operation of fact checking against claims of social relevance, using primary sources, and disclosing the methods and conclusion to the audience. Any previously non-compliant aspects were corrected to meet IFCN criteria.
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. De acordo com a avaliação da IFCN, ele é uma operação relevante de fact-checking, com uso consistente dos códigos e métodos do instituto, aplicando padrões jornalísticos altos. Sua escolha de quais acontecimentos e falas checar privilegia aqueles de impacto social, com transparência em métodos e conclusões para a audiência.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years 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: 7034-1205-1459
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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago)
The applicant is a legally registered organization, and their information is easily findable.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Polígrafo was founded in November 2018. It is the first and only Portuguese newspaper entirely dedicated to fact-checking. At the moment, nine people work in the structure of Polígrafo: four journalists, a social media manager, two business managers and a producer. Polígrafo also works with a network of freelance journalists, trying to attract the best professionals in specific areas such as health, economics, environment or education.
Since it was launched, Polígrafo aims to address issues of public interest, with a special focus on politics, economics, environment and health. Polígrafo also considers that it has a social function to fulfill. As part of the "Polígrafo Educação" program, Polígrafo’s journalists did, during 2019, several free workshops/conferences in schools and universities across the country. We have the ambition to expand Polígrafo Educação in 2020 and invest in innovation, namely in the field of artificial intelligence applied to fact-checking.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has given the necessary information regarding the trajectory, activities, team and future goals of the project.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Is vitamin D effective in preventing Covid 19?
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/fact-check/a-vitamina-d-e-eficaz-na-prevencao-e-combate-a-covid-19
Coronavirus: Can social isolation cause mental damage?
Coronavirus: Does a study indicate that you should keep a distance of 10 meters in a jogging race?
Can dogs and cats contract Covid-19 and transmit the disease to humans?
Did Covid-19, MERS and H1N1 epidemics coincide with the installation of 5G, 4G and 3G networks respectively?
Drinking water or hot teas "kills the coronavirus" which "is weak and cannot resist heat"?
Current WHO Director-General appointed Robert Mugabe in 2017 as "ambassador of goodwill"?
Is the price of gas cylinders in Portugal almost double compared to Spain?
Young Portuguese man leads research team responsible for creating the vaccine against Covid-19?
Local authorities bought and offered thermographic cameras worth almost 4 thousand euros that cannot be used to measure people's temperature?
Were trees on the main avenue of Vila Real all felled because of a statue?
Id.gov.pt application replaces the presentation of the driving license in physical format?
Is a manipulated video of Paulo Gonçalves' fatal accident at the Dakar circulating on the Internet?
About 2.4 million Portuguese people are at risk of poverty?
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/fact-check/cerca-de-24-milhoes-de-portugueses-vivem-em-risco-de-pobreza
Banco de Portugal warns: There is a risk of card cloning at service stations. Truth?
Does drinking a glass of wine have the same effect as taking an hour of exercise?
Did the tax authorities release taxpayer data to 23 private companies?
Are Lidl supermarkets offering 500 euro cards for purchases through an online questionnaire?
Will commemorating the April 25th session in the Assembly of the Republic cost 2 million euros?
Was Cavaco Silva a PIDE informant who "had his own cousin arrested"?
Government bought ventilators from China for 20 thousand euros each but in Portugal they only cost 3,500 euros?
Viral photograph of André Ventura watching porn in Parliament is it real?
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/fact-check/ventura
Luxury in Parliament: Was this photo taken in the restaurant of Portuguese Parliament?
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/fact-check/esta-foto-e-do-restaurante-da-assembleia-da-republica
Does BE have conflicting opinions about Metro in Parliament and the CML?
Health Secretary of State proposes "tea and cookies" to prevent attacks on doctors?
António Costa promised that all Portuguese would have a family doctor but did he didn't comply?
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has extensive and consistent coverage in terms of fact-checking in the last three months, in excess of the amount requested.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Polígrafo makes a significant effort to address all topics of public interest, like politics, health, economics ou environment. During 2019, in which two national elections were held in Portugal, Polígrafo played a very important role fighting disinformation, checking hundreds of sentences made by the main portuguese polititians.
Its work has a wide reach across the country, since Polígrafo has a partnership with the leading TV channel in Portugal to produce a weekly fact-checking program (during national elections it was a daily show). At this moment, its average audience is 1.5 million people. Nowadays it the most viewed information program on portuguese television.
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 9 national journalism awards during its first year of life, 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/2020-04-27-O-41.-episodio-do-Poligrafo-SIC
The prizes Polígrafo won during 2019:
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The fact-checks of the applicant surround topics of public interest, such as health, public spending, rumors from the internet etc. All the topics covered had social impact.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years 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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has an Editorial Statute, where they state independence from public powers. In their coverage, there isn't any sign of government influence. The financial structure and funding of the company is explained in their About page.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years 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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The financial structure and funding of the company is explained in their About page. They don't seem to receive funding from political sources.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
About the prime-minister:
During the electoral campaign, António Costa, portuguese prime-minister, was accused of being on vacation when a huge fire occurred in 2017. The accusation was false:
António Costa pointed out that "Portugal has the second most attractive tax regime" in the EU "for investment". Polígrafo rated the sentence as "false":
About the government:
Minister of Environment was accused of having lied about the loss of European funds after the suspension of the Lisbon Metro circular line. We confirmed that he was lying.
Portuguese Minister of Culture was accused of having thrown "the flag of Portugal to the ground" during an official ceremony. We rated it as false:
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/fact-check/a-ministra-da-cultura-atirou-a-bandeira-de-portugal-para-o-chao
About left wing parties:
Bloco de Esquerda was accused of having conflicting opinions about Metro in Parliament and the Lisbon City Council. We rated ir as true:
Catarina Martins, Bloco de Esquerda's leader, was accused of having promicuous relations with an enterprise which "in the last few months" obtained 50 thousand euros in direct adjustments from the state. We rated ir as false:
Communist party stated that portuguese women's salaries on average are 14.5% lower than men's. We rated it as true:
Communist party of was accused of illegally firing an employee. We rated it as true:
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/fact-check/3041
About right wing parties:
Rui Rio, the opposition leader, says tax burden in Portugal is at the highest level ever. Polígrafo rated it as true:
During electoral campaign, Rui Rio accused the prime minister of copying his proposals. We rated it as false:
About President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa:
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was accused of nominating António Costa as Prime Minister when all the votes weren´t yet counted. We rated it as true:
A fake page of portuguese public TV station (RTP) suggested that Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was part of a fraudulent scheme to sell bitcoins. Polígrafo denounced it:
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/politica/artigos/kjbkjbk
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The fact-checks made by the applicant seem to be balanced and fair. The select links show a wide range of checks, always with high standards for evidence. The methods employed are consistent.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Here is a link to our method:
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/institucional/artigos/o-nosso-metodo
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant provides a clear explanation on how fact-checks are chosen and carried. The method is transparent.
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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant demonstrates a solid process of fact check, without signs of commercial relationship that could harm is independence. The applicant is also clear on how the interests of the actors checked may appear in the story.
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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
According to the fact checks sent and seen in the webpage, the applicant is not affiliated or shows any support for political actors. It doesn't show support for any specific policy.
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
12-May-2020 (4 years 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
Polígrafo
12-May-2020 (4 years 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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant provided an Editorial Statute where they explain their policy of political indepence of staff. The link appearing on the website before was incorrect, but has now been corrected.
cancel 2.5 marked as Request change by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
19-May-2020 (4 years ago)
The applicant provided an Editorial Statute where they explain their policy of political indepence of staff. The link appearing on the website before was incorrect, but has now been corrected.
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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is transparent on the sources used, usually providing links to the original sources. It also provides links for the use of tools such as Tineye.
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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
In a random sample of checks, of varied topics, the applicant has consistently made use of primary sources, often contacting the main actors involved. The method of analyzing each source is well described.
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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant consistently employs more than one source in their fact checks.
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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The interest of sources tend to be disclosed, where applicable. Sources are well identified, and usually compared with others, so as to give depth to the checks.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years 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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is an independent organization, and has produced evidence regarding that, especially in the section Our funding.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has produced detailed evidence on how the company is funded.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has provided a link where the editorial team and structure is well detailed. Contact information is also available.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years 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 (https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/autor/filipa-traqueia)
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Links for professional biographies of each member is available on the Team page, meeting IFCN criteria. Not all professionals have their biography there, but all that play a part in the editorial output do.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years 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.
https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/institucional/artigos/peca-nos-um-fact-check
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Links for the team's email adresses are available on the Team page. Besides, there is a page where readers contributions are encouraged. Finally, there is a call on the homepage for contact via WhatsApp and 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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The fact-checking method employed, compliant with IFCN criteria, is clearly published in a specific webpage.
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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
In the beginning of each check, the applicant usually describes the claim and the context around it, emphasizing its importance. The checks involve topics of relevant social impact, with reach.
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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The fact checks made by the applicant are thorough, and demonstrate enough evidence to basis their decision on the label. They also pay attention to details pointing in the opposite direction in the evidence, as can be seen especially in the checks marked as "True, but..."
The following fact check brings an example of the use of relevant evidence for and against a given claim: https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/fact-check/estado-de-emergencia-governo-decretou-reducao-do-numero-de-passageiros-em-cada-viatura
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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant makes balanced and fair checks, regarding the given evidence. The same entitity may have true and false statements covered accordingly, also. Equivalent claims are checked accordingly.
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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant contacts the original posters of the claim when necessary, although most of the times this is not applicable, since several checks are around internet rumours without a clear author.
One example follows: https://poligrafo.sapo.pt/fact-check/arvores-da-principal-avenida-de-vila-real-foram-todas-abatidas-por-causa-de-uma-estatua
However, the claims are still checked against thorough evidence.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years 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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant provides an easy way for the audience to send requests for checks. There is a disclaimer stating that all checks will be regarding public interest issues, and that, in missing this aspect, requests will not be met. Also, the contact information of the team is well displayed.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years 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
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant makes clear how corrections are carried, and provides clear means of contacts.
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.
Polígrafo
12-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The policy is clear on how errors and corrections are handled. However, it could still be clearer in the aspect of what it does or does not cover, as requested it the code.
cancel 6.2 marked as Request change by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
19-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Applicant edits accepted.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Here are two examples of corrections we made during the last year:
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Both corrections provided by the applicant were explained clearly for the public on how were conducted, and what was corrected.
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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has provided a page where the IFCN Code is explicitly mentioned, as well as a link for the 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
28-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Polígrafo is an autonomous media company.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
05-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is an autonomous organization, with its corporate structure being well explained in their About section.