Organization: RMIT FactLab
Applicant: Devi Mallal
Assessor: Raymond Joseph
Background
RMIT FactLab was launched in January 2021, specifically to debunk and research misinformation on social media platforms and online, and to focus on debunking misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic.
By then RMIT (the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) had a well-established, legal relationship with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), known as RMIT ABC Fact Check.
In March 2020, FactLab began publishing CoronaCheck, a weekly newsletter, which fact-checks information about the Corona19 pandemic. Content from the newsletter is published across all of the ABC’s digital platforms and broadcast
RMIT ABC Fact Check and RMIT FactLab share the same director. Some senior researchers work for both entities but in different clearly defined roles. Both entities have separate websites and different legal, financial, and administrative structures.
RMIT FactLab is a standalone research hub situated in the RMIT University and is registered as a research unit under the Department of Media and Communication. It is dedicated to debunking misinformation online and developing critical awareness about its origins and spread. The hub also conducts original research into the digital news ecosystem.
It brings together the best of quality journalism and academic excellence to teach and build awareness around the damaging impact of bad information. RMIT FactLab is also planning to build tools and strategies to combat the viral spread of misinformation on social media platforms.
Assessment Conclusion
A few small tweaks were made to RMIT FactLab after recommendations were made as part of this assessment. The changes were for the purpose of clarity for users of the site.
Beyond these minor changes, I found the site easy to navigate and the language and explanations of protocols and processes in place clear and easy to understand.
What most impressed me is how RMIT FactLab straddles both the practical and academic sides of the battle against disinformation. The practical side manifests itself both in its partnership with the Austrian Broadcast Corporation, via RMIT ABC Fact Check, and in its weekly CoronaCheck newsletter, which is focused on fact-checking Corona-19 misinformation. Besides publication in the newsletter, these fact-checks are also published across the ABC network.
On the academic front, RMIT FactLab is doing important original research into disinformation and the digital news ecosystem. And, on a very practical level, RMIT's Media and Communications faculty offer a course in fact-checking, which is only open to current RMIT students and aims to give a solid foundation in the fundamentals of fact-checking.
In conclusion, have no hesitation in recommending that FMIT FactLab's membership of the IFCN be renewed.Raymond Joseph assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
See background.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
RMIT FactLab is a new stand alone entity from the RMIT ABC Fact Check editorial team. Both entities share the same director and some senior researchers are engaged working on both entities albeit in different clearly defined roles. Both entities have separate websites, different legal, financial and administrative structures. RMIT ABC Fact Check is a legal partnership between the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). FactLab is a research hub at RMIT University and is registered as an independent unit under the department of Media and Communication.
Detailed information about FactLab’s legal status can be found on the ‘about’ page on the FactLab website: https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/media-and-communication/industry/factlab/about-rmit-factlab
RMIT ABC Fact Check’s primary purpose is to fact check politicians and people in the public eye. RMIT FactLab has been established specifically to debunk and research misinformation on social media platforms and online. Since its launch in January 2021, FactLab has published an average of two CoronaCheck debunking newsletters per week plus fact checks. Each newsletter contains an average of three items of debunked misinformation. The newsletter contains debunked misinformation from Australia and overseas. The majority of articles published in the newsletter debunk misinformation about COVID_19. This content is of great relevance to the implementation of public health policy and to the welfare and wellbeing of society. Australia's roll out of the vaccine and its hesitancy rates lag behind the rest of the world. Vaccine resistance poses a threat especially since the Delta variant has taken hold in New South Wales and elsewhere. The CoronaCheck Newsletter has been funded by donations from the Judith Neilson Institute for independent quality journalism, which has no political affiliations, and by the IFCN. RMIT FactLab is located at The Royal Melbourne Institute for Technology (RMIT) in Melbourne Australia -- which also has no political affiliations.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
RMIT (the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) has a well-established. legal relationship with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), known as RMIT ABC Fact Check. See: https://www.abc.net.au/news/factcheck/
RMIT FactLab is a new separate, standalone unit (See: https://bit.ly/39So2Y6). It is situated in the RMIT University ( and is registered as a research unit falling under the Department of Media and Communication. (See: https://bit.ly/3usj4Lg and https://bit.ly/39So2Y6).
Both RMIT ABC Fact Check and RMIT Fact share the same director and some senior researchers work for both entities but in different clearly defined roles. Both entities have separate websites and different legal, financial, and administrative structures.
From: https://bit.ly/3usj4Lg
"RMIT FactLab is a research hub dedicated to debunking misinformation online and developing critical awareness about its origins and spread. The hub also conducts original research into the digital news ecosystem.
RMIT FactLab has evolved from RMIT ABC Fact Check, Australia’s premier fact-checking unit. RMIT FactLab is devoted to social media verification, research and education. It brings together the best of quality journalism and academic excellence to teach and build awareness around the damaging impact of bad information. RMIT FactLab will also build tools and strategies to combat the viral spread of misinformation on social media platforms."
In March 2020, FactLab began publishing CoronaCheck, a weekly newsletter, which fact-checks information about the Corona19 pandemic. Content from the newsletter is published across all of the ABC’s digital platforms and broadcast on their news channel.
This information is included on the webpage where FactLab archives its newsletters and other fact-checks it has done. See: https://bit.ly/3F3m9Gx
RMIT FactLab is dedicated to debunking viral misinformation posted on social media. It is also focused on identifying the super spreaders of misinformation and the ecosystems in which they operate. High impact misinformation disrupts evidence-based public policy and debate. In March 2020, the CoronaCheck newsletter was launched specifically targeting misinformation, disinformation and malicious content surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic. Content from the newsletter has been published across all of the ABC’s digital platforms and broadcast on their news channel. RMIT FactLab is engaged in building new audiences for trusted information on social media.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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?
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
1) RMIT FactLab was conceived in 2020 by RMIT ABC Fact Check to focus on debunking misinformation about the COVID_19 pandemic. In the absence of an independent website and in order to keep the content separate from RMIT ABC Fact Check’s political fact checking, it was decided that RMIT FactLab’s debunked articles should be shared via a newsletter. The first edition of CoronaCheck was published on March 2020. It currently has 17,660 subscribers. The RMIT FactLab website was launched in January 2021: https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/media-and-communication/industry/factlab
2) RMIT FactLab employs 7 full-time staff: Director Russell Skelton, Chief fact checker Elizabeth Sexton, Contributing editor Simon Mann, Media and Research Lead Devi Mallal, Senior researcher David Campbell, Chief of staff Sushi Das, Economics and finance editor Josh Gordon, Online Editor Matt Martino, Editor of CoronaCheck newsletter Ellen McCutchan. It will also draw upon researchers and journalists who have completed a semester course in fact checking offered by RMIT Media and Communications faculty.
All FactLab’s staff profiles are available for viewing across the RMIT FactLab web site:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/media-and-communication/industry/factlab
3) RMIT FactLab’s primary objective is debunking misinformation online, however since inception we have broadened its scope to include independent research into misinformation online and training journalists in fact checking and social media verification in the Pacific region, Asia, Australia and within the University.
FactLab provides a platform for interdisciplinary research into misinformation online and the impact of new platforms on the digital news ecosystem. The research cluster comprises members of RMIT FactLab and RMIT’s Centre for Information Discovery and Data Analytics, Dr. Damiano Spina and Dr. Falk Scholer. The cluster’s key research priorities are developing strategies and systems to build awareness, understanding and critical consideration of information in online social media platforms. https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/media-and-communication/industry/factlab/research
FactLab is also dedicated to improving public awareness of the disruptive impact of misinformation in society. It works closely with students from RMIT’s Fact-Checking & Verification course and in partnership with the International Fact Checking Network is providing training to journalists in the Pacific region. It has also built a highly popular online fact check ‘credential’ that delivered basic skills in fact-checking in a 40 min online tutorial. FactLab believes education is one of the most effective ways of debunking misinformation and countering its impact.
4) FactLab’s goal for 2021 is to build an entirely self-sufficient financial model through philanthropy and subscriber donations as well as engaging in fee for service social media verification. Financial independence will allow us to further develop our capacity to debunk misinformation, train journalists and conduct original research.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
RMIT FactLab was launched in January 2021, specifically to debunk and research misinformation on social media platforms and online, and to focus on debunking misinformation about the COVID_19 pandemic.
In its application, RMIT Factlab states: "In the absence of an independent website and in order to keep the content separate from RMIT ABC Fact Check’s political fact-checking, it was decided that RMIT FactLab’s debunked articles should be shared via a newsletter. The first edition of CoronaCheck was published on March 2020. It currently has 17,660 subscribers. The RMIT FactLab website was launched in January 2021".
2) RMIT FactLab employs 7 full-time staff: director, chief fact-checker, contributing editor, media and research lead, senior researcher, chief of staff, economics and finance editor, online editor, and an editor for the CoronaCheck newsletter. It also says it plans to draw on researchers and journalists who have completed a semester in the fact-checking course offered by RMIT's Media and Communications faculty. Details of the course here: https://bit.ly/3iI9Vtt
3) RMIT FactnLab’s primary objective is debunking misinformation online, according to information supplied for this assessment. But has broadened its scope to include independent research into misinformation online and training journalists in fact-checking and social media verification in the Pacific region, Asia, Australia, and within RMIT University.
FactLab provides a platform for interdisciplinary research into misinformation online and the impact of new platforms on the digital news ecosystem. The research cluster comprises members of RMIT FactLab and RMIT’s Centre for Information Discovery and Data Analytics, Dr. Damiano Spina and Dr. Falk Scholer. The cluster’s key research priorities are developing strategies and systems to build awareness, understanding and critical consideration of information in online social media platforms. See: https://bit.ly/2WtlMn2
FactLab says it is "also dedicated to improving public awareness of the disruptive impact of misinformation in society."
It works closely with students from RMIT’s Fact-Checking & Verification course and, in partnership with the International Fact-Checking Network, is training journalists in the Pacific region.
It has also built a highly popular online fact-check ‘credential’ that delivered basic skills in fact-checking in a 40 min online tutorial. "FactLab believes education is one of the most effective ways of debunking misinformation and countering its impact." See: https://bit.ly/3zXMuBZ
4) 4) FactLab says its goal for 2021 is to build an "entirely self-sufficient financial model through philanthropy and subscriber donations, as well as engaging in "fee for service social media verification."
"Financial independence will allow us to further develop our capacity to debunk misinformation, train journalists and conduct original research."
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
FactLab was launched in January 2021. Since then we have published an average of two issues of the CoronaCheck newsletter per week, each issue contains an average of three pieces of debunked misinformation, examples can be found here:
All articles within the newsletter relate to public interest issues, as defined by the IFCN. RMIT FactLab also publishes political fact checks:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/media-and-communication/industry/factlab/debunking-misinformation
All articles within the newsletter are intended to better inform the public about the policy debates that are shaping Australia.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Since FactLab's launch in 2019, it has published an average of two editions of CoronaCheck a week. It says that each of these contains an average of three fact-checks. An examination of the CornaCheck archives confirms this: See: https://bit.ly/3F3m9Gx
Fact-checks in the newsletter relate to issues of public interest and some political fact-checks.
"All articles within the newsletter are intended to better inform the public about the policy debates that are shaping Australia," FactLab says in its application.
The newsletter's content is also widely shared across all of the Australian Broadcast Corporation's channels.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Required criteria have been met.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
RMIT FactLab is registered as a research unit, funded and administered by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). Although it shares editorial oversight with RMIT ABC Fact Check, the two entities have completely separate financial and administrative structures. RMIT FactLab does not receive any funding from the Australian government nor from any politicians or political parties or special interest groups attempting to achieve specific political outcomes. As a registered charity, RMIT FactLab is eligible to receive donations from philanthropists and via RMIT’s ‘giving page’:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/alumni-and-giving/giving/ways-to-give/factlab
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
RMIT FactLab is registered as a research unit that is funded and administered by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). Although it shares editorial oversight with RMIT ABC Fact Check, the two entities have completely separate financial and administrative structures.
RMIT FactLab does not receive any funding from the Australian government nor from any politicians or political parties or special interest groups attempting to achieve specific political outcomes.
As a registered charity, RMIT FactLab is eligible to receive donations from philanthropists and via RMIT’s ‘giving page’: See here: https://bit.ly/3zUBkOx
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
FactLab does not receive funding from local or foreign state or political sources.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
FactLab does not receive funding from local or foreign state or political sources.
See "Financial Structure" on this page: https://bit.ly/39So2Y6
"Funding for RMIT FactLab is provided by RMIT University, philanthropic donations and independent research grants. The CoronaCheck newsletter is funded with donations from the International Fact-Checking Network and the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas. FactLab does not accept donations from political parties or self-interested lobby groups."
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
RMIT FactLab shares the same Director and editorial team as RMIT ABC Fact Check and therefore adheres to the exact same strict editorial codes for balance, fairness and independence as set for the RMIT ABC Fact Check. RMIT FactLab methodology and editorial policy can be found here:
Links to the last six months worth of CoronaCheck newsletter can be found here:
Examples of the last ten issues of the CoronaCheck newsletter are accessible here:
30/07/2021
https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=88247005ecfbacf91efa65685&id=d173513418
23/07/2021
https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=88247005ecfbacf91efa65685&id=3235bdc90e
16/07/2021
https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=88247005ecfbacf91efa65685&id=f44e308441
09/07/2021
https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=88247005ecfbacf91efa65685&id=afbe9501b3
02/07/2021
https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=88247005ecfbacf91efa65685&id=f4b7f4796b
25/06/2021
https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=88247005ecfbacf91efa65685&id=9ac2f2355f
18/06/2021
https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=88247005ecfbacf91efa65685&id=5c0ce5579e
11/06/2021
https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=88247005ecfbacf91efa65685&id=06d43aece5
04/06/2021
https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=88247005ecfbacf91efa65685&id=093ff391d1
28/05/2021
https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=88247005ecfbacf91efa65685&id=eb985645fa
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
RMIT FactLab shares the same Director and editorial team as RMIT ABC Fact Check and adheres to the same editorial codes for balance, fairness and independence as RMIT ABC Fact Check.
See: "Our Independence" - https://bit.ly/39So2Y6
"RMIT FactLab has strict safeguards in place to ensure our neutrality. They are based on the editorial and complaints policies of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation under which RMIT ABC Fact Check operates. These include conflict of interest safeguards, feedback processes, and oversight by an independent board.
2) "Our team monitors social media platforms for misinformation and disinformation. We also take suggestions from the public. Once a claim has been identified, a researcher is assigned, experts consulted and available data identified. Each fact check is reviewed by our chief fact-checker before it is published. The chief fact-checker scrutinizes all sources to make sure the draft is consistent with the data and the verdict is justified. Once the director signs off on the finished draft, it's ready to be released to the world." See "Methodology: https://bit.ly/39So2Y6
3) Links provided, as well as others checked by this assessor, confirm that criteria have been met.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The RMIT FactLab team monitors digital media (especially social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tim Tok etc.), legacy media and official records such as parliament house hansard records for claims. Claims are selected on the basis of whether or not they are a) checkable and b) in the public interest and are widely shared. We are mindful not to amplify extreme claims that have no significant audience. The focus is on misinformation, disinformation and malicious claims rather than statements made on the public record by influential groups and figures. We leave that to RMIT ABC Fact Check. The tools we use include crowd tangle, reverse image searches and we target outright fraudulent misrepresentation such as mocked up documents and unsubstantiated conspiracy claims, not only Covid related. Details about FactLab’s methodology can be found easily on our web site in the ‘About’ section:
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
RMIT FactLab casts a wide net to find a variety of claims and statements to fact-check. It monitors a variety of social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, as well as legacy media and official records, like the Hansard record of parliamentary proceedings.
Claims are selected on the basis of whether or not they are a) checkable and b) in the public interest and are widely shared, with care taken not to amplify extreme claims that have no significant audience.
The focus is on misinformation, disinformation and malicious claims, "rather than statements made on the public record by influential groups and figures", which are left to RMIT ABC Fact Check to check.
FactLab says it targets "outright fraudulent misrepresentation such as mocked up documents and unsubstantiated conspiracy claims", and not only those that are Covid related.
"RMIT FactLab does not seek to influence voters or push for a particular outcome or be a dispenser of "truth". We do not speculate on the motives of those who may get it wrong, and we are not about "gotcha" moments." And,
See: https://bit.ly/39So2Y6 Also see "Methodology on the same page.
Video explainer: https://bit.ly/3usj4Lg
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Required criteria have been met.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Required criteria have been met.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
As a condition of employment with RMIT FactLab, staff cannot be members of a political party, any public advocacy group or lobby group and are required to declare any past affiliations before being engaged. If they are later found to be in violation of this criteria, employment is automatically terminated. In seven years as the director of RMIT ABC Fact Check and more recently one year as director of RMIT FactLab,I have not had a single incidence of any staff member breaching or being found to be in breach of this code. Both Fact Check and FactLab are proud of the fact that determinations are agenda-free. A statement publicly confirming this has been posted to the ‘about’ section of our website:
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
"As a condition of employment with RMIT FactLab, staff cannot be members of a political party, any public advocacy group, or lobby group and are required to declare any past affiliations before being engaged. If they are later found to be in violation of this criteria, employment is automatically terminated." e agenda-free. A statement publicly confirming this has been posted to the ‘about’ section of our website.
To date, there has not been an instance of this strict code being breached
Also, from "About":
"RMIT FactLab has strict safeguards in place to ensure our neutrality. They are based on the editorial and complaints policies of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation under which RMIT ABC Fact Check operates. These include conflict of interest safeguards, feedback processes, and oversight by an independent board."
See: see "Our Independence: https://bit.ly/39So2Y6
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Criteria have been met.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Criteria have been met.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Criteria have been met.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Criteria have been met.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
RMIT FactLab is an independent, not for profit organisation financed and administered by RMIT University and funded by RMIT, approved donations from individuals and independent organisations such as JNI and the IFCN. The sources of our funding are declared on the website, but the breakdown of the funding is confidential. FactLab has received $100,000 in funding from JNI for the CoronaCheck newsletter which is acknowledged on the newsletter.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
See "Financial Structure" https://bit.ly/39So2Y6
"Funding for RMIT FactLab is provided by RMIT University, philanthropic donations and independent research grants. The CoronaCheck newsletter is funded with donations from the International Fact-Checking Network and the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas (JNI) - https://bit.ly/3uxtRUA - and Idea. FactLab does not accept donations from political parties or self-interested lobby groups."
See also donations page: https://bit.ly/3zUBkOx
In its application, FactLab says that the breakdown of its funding is confidential, although it discloses a grant of $100,000 from JNI for its CoronaCheck newsletter. This funding is acknowledged in the newsletter.
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
RMIT FactLab shares a director and editorial team with RMIT ABCFact Check, an IFCN accredited fact-checking organisation. Although the two entities share a newsroom, director and some personnel they have separate administrative and financial administrations. RMIT ABC Fact Check is a collaboration between RMIT University and the Australian Broadcasting Commission. RMIT FactLab is an independent non-for-profit research unit, financed exclusively by RMIT University. The RMIT FactLab website sits within the broader banner of RMIT University https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/media-and-communication/industry/factlab
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
RMIT ABC Fact Check is a collaboration between RMIT University and the Australian Broadcasting Commission. RMIT FactLab shares a director and editorial team with RMIT ABCFact Check, an IFCN accredited fact-checking organisation.
Although the two entities share a newsroom, director and some personnel they have separate administrative and financial administrations.
RMIT FactLab is an independent not-for-profit research unit, financed exclusively by RMIT University. The RMIT FactLab website sits within the broader banner of RMIT University. See: https://bit.ly/3usj4Lg
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
As factLab shares it’s director and editorial standards with RMIT ABC Fact Check, it has adopted ABC editorial policies and processes to maintain consistency. ABC editorial policy and complaints processes are the most thorough and independent in Australia and far more rigorous than its commercials rivals.
This video on our website explains our processes and line of responsibility:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/media-and-communication/industry/factlab
It can also be viewed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfYqSKxFcI0
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
FactLab shares its director and editorial standards with RMIT ABC Fact Check and has adopted ABC editorial policies and processes to maintain consistency. "ABC editorial policy and complaints processes are the most thorough and independent in Australia and far more rigorous than its commercials rivals."
See: "Methodology", which also sets out, in brief, the editorial chain of command
"Once a claim has been identified, a researcher is assigned, experts consulted and available data identified. Each fact-check is reviewed by our chief fact-checker before it is published. The chief fact-checker scrutinises all sources to make sure the draft is consistent with the data and the verdict is justified. Once the director signs off on the finished draft, it's ready to be released to the world."
Also, see this video explainer of the above: Video: https://bit.ly/3usj4Lg
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
A link to FactLab’s Staff biographies can be found here:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/media-and-communication/industry/factlab
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
RMIT FactLab and RMIT ABC Fact Check share some team members, with clear roles and areas of responsibility.
See RMIT FactLab team here: https://bit.ly/3usj4Lg
See RMIT ABC Fact Check team here: https://bit.ly/39So2Y6
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
Users of the FactLab website can communicate with the editorial team via email, a link entitled ‘contact’ is clearly displayed on the main navigation bar of the FactLab website:
Which opens the contact page:
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
There is a "Contact" link on the navigation bar of the FactLab website, which leads to this page: https://bit.ly/3A309rz
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
Our Methodology is clearly explained on our website:
A video explaining our methodology is available on the FactLab website:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/media-and-communication/industry/factlab
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
See "Our Methodology" on this page: https://bit.ly/39So2Y6
And a video explainer can be found on this page: https://bit.ly/3usj4Lg
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Criteria have been met.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Criteria have been met.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Criteria have been met.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Criteria have been met.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
People can contact RMIT FactLab via a link on the navigation bar of the RMIT FactLab website:
Alternatively, people can also email us directly at Factlab@rmit.edu.au
Detailed information about what can be checked and what cannot can be found on our about page:
RMIT FactLab
03-Nov-2021 (2 years ago)
People can contact RMIT FactLab via a link on the navigation bar of the RMIT FactLab website:
Alternatively, people can also email us directly at Factlab@rmit.edu.au
Detailed information about what can be checked and what cannot can be found on our about page:
The following information has been added to the about page:
What we can and cannot fact-check
Statements can be both accurate and inaccurate, depending on when they were said.
For us to fact-check a claim or statement, it must be:
• made in public and which can be attributed to a specific person (e.g., a politician or campaigner) or organisation" like a report)
• an assertion or allegation that can be validated or refuted (to a degree)
• based on past or present actions (i.e., not speculative about the future)
• a statement of fact. We cannot fact-check an opinion
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Users can contact RMIT FactLab via the "Contact" tab on the home page: https://bit.ly/3A309rz
They can also mail FactLab on Factlab@rmit.edu.au
What can and cannot be fact-checked is not clearly enough stated. I suggest that a variation of the following, from FullFactNI, where it is relevant to RMIT FactLab's work, be added to the "About" page under the heading:
What we can and cannot fact-check
Statements can be both accurate and inaccurate, depending on when they were said.
For us to fact-check a claim or statement, it must be:
• made in public and which can be attributed to a specific person (e.g. a politician or campaigner) or organisation" like a report)
• an assertion or allegation that can be validated or refuted (to a degree)
• based on past or present actions (i.e. not speculative about the future)
• a statement of fact. We cannot fact-check an opinion
I would recommend that this also be included on the "Contact" page so that people are aware of any limitations before they submit something for fact-checking
cancel 5.6 marked as Request change by Raymond Joseph.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
04-Nov-2021 (2 years ago)
Users can contact RMIT FactLab via the "Contact" tab on the navigation bar of the RMIT FactLab website page: https://bit.ly/3A309rz
They can also mail FactLab on Factlab@rmit.edu.au
See "What we can and cannot fact-check" https://bit.ly/39So2Y6
This info is repeated on the contact page for users to refer to before they submit a claim for fact-checking https://bit.ly/3A309rz
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
This is included in the RMIT FactLab ‘About’: https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/media-and-communication/industry/factlab/about-rmit-factlab
Our aim is to be 100 percent accurate. But if a mistake is made, the item in question will be corrected.
RMIT FactLab
03-Nov-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
This is included in the RMIT FactLab ‘About’: https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/media-and-communication/industry/factlab/about-rmit-factlab
Our aim is to be 100 percent accurate. But if a mistake is made, the item in question will be corrected.
The following information has been added to the about page:
Corrections
RMIT FactLab is committed to the same editorial standards as RMIT ABC Fact Check, including accuracy, impartiality, and independence.
We aim to be 100 percent accurate in our verdicts based on the information available at the time a claim was made. If a mistake is made, the item in question will be corrected quickly and transparently and, if necessary, the verdict revised.
We aim to provide these corrections and clarifications on the public record — i.e., on the program webpage or the online news story
If you believe we have made an error, please report it here: (link to “Contact” page)
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Create a clearly marked “Corrections” heading on the About page"
RMIT FactLab is committed to the same editorial standards as RMIT ABC Fact Check, including accuracy, impartiality, and independence.
“We aim to be 100 percent accurate in our verdicts based on the information available at the time a claim was made. If a mistake is made, the item in question will be corrected quickly and transparently and, if necessary, the verdict revised.
We aim to provide these corrections and clarifications on the public record — i.e., on the program webpage or the online news story
If you believe we have made an error please report it here: (Provide a link to the “Contact” page, where there is already “I found an error in one of your fact-checks” in the “My inquiry is about” drop-down menu."
cancel 6.1 marked as Request change by Raymond Joseph.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
04-Nov-2021 (2 years ago)
See “Corrections” on the About page" https://bit.ly/39So2Y6
"RMIT FactLab is committed to the same editorial standards as RMIT ABC Fact Check, including accuracy, impartiality, and independence.
“We aim to be 100 percent accurate in our verdicts based on the information available at the time a claim was made. If a mistake is made, the item in question will be corrected quickly and transparently and, if necessary, the verdict revised.
We aim to provide these corrections and clarifications on the public record — i.e., on the program webpage or the online news story
If you believe we have made an error please report it here: Link leads to “Contact” page (https://bit.ly/3A309rz), where there is “I found an error in one of your fact-checks” in the “My inquiry is about” drop-down menu."
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
See Recommendation for 6.1
cancel 6.2 marked as Request change by Raymond Joseph.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
04-Nov-2021 (2 years ago)
See Recommendation for 6.1
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
FactLab has not yet handled a complaint but It should be noted that in seven years of operating ABC Fact Check and RMIT ABC Fact Check we have not had a single complaint upheld or a verdict changed as a result of a complaint.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In its application, FactLab says: "FactLab has not yet handled a complaint but It should be noted that in seven years of operating ABC Fact Check and RMIT ABC Fact Check we have not had a single complaint upheld or a verdict changed as a result of a complaint."
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
FactLab is not currently a signatory, however our website has been built to accommodate the necessary links. On the ‘About’ page, where it states that “RMIT FactLab is applying for IFCN accreditation”, once accreditation is finalised, that text will be updated to read “RMIT FactLab is a signatory (hyperlink provided on page) to the International Fact-Checking Network's code of principles (hyperlink provided on page). The IFCN has an independent complaints process (hyperlink provided on page) for readers who believe a fact-checking organisation has violated the code.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
FactLab is not currently a signatory. However, it says its website has been built to accommodate the necessary links.
On the ‘About’ page, it states that “RMIT FactLab is applying for IFCN accreditation”. FactLab says that once its accreditation application is finalised, this text will be updated to read “RMIT FactLab is a signatory (hyperlink provided on page) to the International Fact-Checking Network's code of principles (hyperlink provided on page). The IFCN has an independent complaints process (hyperlink provided on page) for readers who believe FactLab has violated the code.
See "Complaints Process" on this page: https://bit.ly/39So2Y6
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.
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.
RMIT FactLab
17-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
RMIT FactLab adheres to the same editorial principles and guidelines as RMIT ABC Fact Check. It is committed to the same editorial standards as Fact Check, including accuracy, impartiality and independence. That means if mistakes are made, we will correct them quickly and transparently. We aim to provide these corrections and clarifications on the public record — ie, on the program webpage or the online news story. Where there is no enduring record, or where the correction or clarification is considered significant, an entry will be made on this page.
Raymond Joseph Assessor
01-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
RMIT FactLab adheres to the same editorial principles and guidelines as RMIT ABC Fact Check. Link to https://ab.co/39XpDvV
"It is committed to the same editorial standards as Fact Check, including accuracy, impartiality, and independence. That means if mistakes are made, we will correct them quickly and transparently. We aim to provide these corrections and clarifications on the public record — ie, on the program webpage or the online news story. Where there is no enduring record, or where the correction or clarification is considered significant, an entry will be made on this page.