Organization: Snopes.com
Applicant: Doreen Marchionni
Assessor: Margot Susca
Background
Snopes has been debunking hoaxes for nearly three decades and has been a key player in the fight against online misinformation for members of the general public. Its ratings run from true to false with icons given for Misattributed and Unproven depending on the type of item and its context.
Assessment Conclusion
Please see more detailed points under each of the criteria throughout the assessment.
Margot Susca assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
Snopes has financial transparency, staff bios, and a corrections policy and application of that policy unmatched by many existing signatories. I would say some of the fact checks don't rise quite to the public health impact and political depth and breadth that other sites might--although its volume certainly is heavier than others. As an example, two recent fact checks included "Is Olive Garden Closing All Locations, as Announced in 2023?" and "Did Taylor Swift Say She's 'In Love' With Travis Kelce, as Videos Claim?" but I'd wager both of those were probably the most clicked of the day and have the potential to move markets in different ways. Its site is well organized and easy to navigate.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
https://www.snopes.com/disclosures/
The Snopes.com web site is wholly owned and operated by Snopes Media Group Inc. (SMG), a California-based S Corporation. SMG is owned by Chris Richmond and Drew Schoentrup (each owning 50%). Richmond and Schoentrup own the shares in their personal names. There is no parent company. There are no other shareholders or investors.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
This is clearly labeled on the Snopes site. I mark Criteria 1.1 compliant.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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?
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Snopes.com was started by Southern California resident David Mikkelson in the mid-1990s as an outlet for verifying, discussing and analyzing urban legends. He operated it with his then-wife Barbara Mikkelson. Over time the site evolved to encompass other types of related material (i.e., hoaxes, scams, political rumors and misinformation) on the road to becoming a full-fledged, fact-checking organization.
Snopes currently has about a dozen employees company-wide, whose roles are listed here: https://www.snopes.com/team/
Snopes carries out fact checking, general news reporting, and investigative research — the latter when time permits.
The goals of Snopes over the coming year are to expand the quantity, scope, and reach of its fact-checking efforts by adding new staffers and expanding Snopes content available on various syndication services and on snopes.com.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
These four questions have been answered. I mark Criteria 1.2 compliant.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Multiple fact checks are published daily, as viewable on our “What’s New” page at https://www.snopes.com/latest/
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
Snopes publishes the required amount of fact checks. I mark Criteria 1.3 compliant.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
I reviewed a dozen fact checks published in November, October, and September 2023 to mark this criteria as compliant. They are listed here by date with the headline and link:
Nov. 8: Is Vladimir Putin Dead? https://www.snopes.com/news/2023/11/08/is-vladimir-putin-dead/
Nov. 7: Did Speaker Mike Johnson Say He Did 'Extensive Studies of Homosexual Relationships' in College? https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/johnson-studies-homosexual-relationships/
Nov. 7: Did Nike End $20M Partnership with Colin Kaepernick? https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/kaepernick-nike-partnership-ending/
Oct. 31: Did Biden Once Say He Was Ready To 'Prostitute' Himself To Raise Campaign Funds? https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/biden-prostitute-himself-money-election/
Oct. 27: Video Caption Falsely Claims UCLA Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Chanted, 'We Want Jewish Genocide' https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/ucla-jewish-genocide-video/
Oct. 27: Did a Military Tribunal Convict US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen of Treason? https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/janet-yellen-convicted-treason/
Oct. 17: Does Video Show Biden Arriving in Israel in October 2023? https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/video-biden-arrives-in-israel/
Oct. 16: Did Trump Call US Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene a 'Sasquatch'? https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trump-called-greene-sasquatch/
Oct. 16: Were 50% of People in Palestine Children, as of Mid-2023? https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/50-percent-of-palestinians-children/
Oct. 3: Did Biden Order FBI to Make Unannounced Home Visits to Over 100K Trump Supporters? https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/biden-fbi-home-visits/
Sept. 29: Is It True Vivek Ramaswamy Received Money from George Soros? https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/vivek-ramaswamy-george-soros-money/
Sept. 28: White House Emails Prove Biden 'Hid Deadly COVID Jab Risks from Public'? https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/white-house-emails-hid-myocarditis/
Sept. 27: AOC Became a Multi-Millionaire After Serving Four Years in Congress? https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/aoc-is-multi-millionaire/
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Snopes has no commercial, financial or institutional relationship with any state agency, political party, politicians, or political candidates. (Note, the company is part of an NSF grant to create a rumor-finding tool for fact-checkers to use. The grant is for 2022 and part of 2023, with a total award amount to Snopes of about $166,000.)
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
N.A.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Snopes' newsroom of nine people covers a wide swath of topics from around the world, from the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars to Big Tech and U.S. domestic troubles. We maintain an unapologetic emphasis on verifiable, primary evidence/data to support our assertions. The selected news stories demonstrate adherence to our own high standards of impartiality and accuracy with highly contested claims — both current and historical — whether the subject is the reporting of other journalists or individuals/organizations targeted for online contempt/ridicule, or, conversely, praise.
To that end, we attempt to use non-partisan information and data sources (i.e., peer-reviewed journals, government agency statistics, etc.) as much as possible, and to alert readers that information and data from sources such as political advocacy organizations and partisan think tanks should be regarded with skepticism.
Any published sources (both paper and digital) that we quote, link to, use as background information for, or otherwise reference in our fact checks are listed in the Sources section at the foot of each fact check article. (This section is now an expandable link: readers can click on the word “Sources” to expand or collapse the source listings.)
In cases where we have contacted individuals or organizations by e-mail or telephone for comment, that information is noted within the text of articles and is not usually listed separately in the Sources section.
Media embedded within the body of our articles for illustrative or informational purposes, such as YouTube videos and social media posts, are also not separately listed in the Sources section.
https://www.snopes.com/news/2023/10/12/40-israeli-babies-beheaded-by-hamas/
https://www.snopes.com/news/2023/09/14/musk-internet-access-crimea-ukraine/
https://www.snopes.com/news/2023/04/19/400-million-embezzled/
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/canadian-parliament-ovation-nazi/
https://www.snopes.com/news/2023/09/13/margaret-sanger-exterminate-negro-population
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/state-senators-burning-books-missouri/
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/elon-musk-mother-black-domestic-worker/
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/pope-benedict-xvi-hitler-youth/
https://www.snopes.com/news/2023/10/17/michelle-obama-is-trans/
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/greene-hitler-christianity-quote/
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
Based on the fact checks submitted by Snopes and my own review, I believe there are fact checks of both major political parties that demonstrate nonpartisanship. As such, I mark Criteria 2.1 compliant.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
I believe this is clearly articulated on the Snopes site under "Topic Selection." Snopes explains: "We don’t choose or exclude items for coverage based on whether they deal with Republican/Democratic, conservative/liberal, or religious/secular issues. We're open to tips on any given subject, no matter their perceived importance, controversiality, obviousness, or superficiality (or lack thereof)."
As such, I mark Criteria 2.2 compliant.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
I reviewed the post Did Biden Once Say He Was Ready To 'Prostitute' Himself To Raise Campaign Funds?, which provided context on the statement. I mark Criteria 2.3 compliant.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
Also within the Democratic party, a website that "regularly publishes...outlantish claims" wrote that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had been convicted of treason. The post was meant to be satire. I mark this criteria compliant.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
https://www.snopes.com/disclosures/
https://www.snopes.com/transparency/
https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp
Some key points to know about our operations:
We are almost entirely funded through programmatic digital advertising sales, paid memberships and direct contributions.
Advertisers and vendors have no contact with the site’s editorial staff and do not in any way influence the content we publish.
We do not accept political advertising, nor do we accept any other form of funding from political parties, political campaigns, or political advocacy groups.
We accept contributions directly from our readers and from non-partisan organizations to further our mission.
The source of any single contribution we receive exceeding $10,000 or comprising more than 5% of our total annual revenue will be disclosed to the public.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
Under "Disclosures" on its website, Snopes explains its organization and explains it does not accept political advertising or funding from political parties or campaigns. Under "Our Team" a note reads: "Members of our editorial staff are precluded from donating to, or participating in, political campaigns, political party activities, or political advocacy organizations."
As such, I mark Criteria 2.5 compliant.
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
To assess and judge Criteria 3.1 compliant, I reviewed sourcing for "Did Speaker Mike Johnson Say He Did 'Extensive Studies of Homosexual Relationships' in College?" written by Alex Kasprak. The "inaccurate" item relied on the following source: an editorial in the Shreveport Times from 2004 compared to the false meme.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
To assess Criteria 3.2 I reviewed the fact check headlined "Did Nike End $20M Partnership with Colin Kaepernick?" written by Jack Izzo. It relied on the following sources to label that item satire: The post's own website, which labeled the item satire. Nike also released a new collaboration with another designer just a week before the satirical post.
As such, this criteria is compliant.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
For Criteria 3.3, I reviewed "Video Caption Falsely Claims UCLA Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Chanted, 'We Want Jewish Genocide'" written by Jordan Liles. Liles wrote that the crowd was chanting: "Israel, Israel, you can't hide. We charge you with genocide." Liles relied on these sources: UCLA newspaper editor and news editor who were at the demonstration and heard the chant. Snopes used other database searches including Getty.
As such, I mark this criteria compliant.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
For Criteria 3.4 I mark it compliant based on the sourcing used for the fact check of "Were 50% of People in Palestine Children, as of Mid-2023?" written by Aleksandra Wrona. Wrona used the following sources to confirm that it is "mostly true" to say that 50% of the people in Palestine were children in mid-2023: Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics report. In addition, Wrona used data from Save the children in 2021. Both Save the Children and the World Health Organization issued statements in October 2023 about the high number of children in the region.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Independent.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
Snopes is an independent organization.
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Snopes.com is an independent organization operated by Snopes Media Group, whose business structure, legal form, and funding is described at https://www.snopes.com/disclosures/
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
Snopes lists its cash flow by calendar year. I have attached a screen shot to show an example.
As such, I mark Criteria 4.2 compliant.
Screen Shot 2023-11-... (40 KB)
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
The "Our Team" page is attached and shows the roles and names of key individuals. Under methodology, Snopes states, "Depending upon the nature and complexity of the topic, other members of the editorial staff may contribute additional research (or their own personal expertise) and editing. The final product will pass through the hands of at least one editor. Any piece that is not deemed up to our standards by one or more editors is subject to further revision and review before being released for publication."
I mark Criteria 4.3 compliant.
Screen Shot 2023-11-... (81 KB)
Screen Shot 2023-11-... (221 KB)
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Same link as above— https://www.snopes.com/team/
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
Contact to email and social is available by clicking on the name and bio information is available. See prior item for biographical information attached as examples.
I mark Criteria 4.4 compliant.
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
In addition to contact information for individual staff, Snopes has a "Contact Us" link on the main ribbon on its home page. When you click on "Contact Snopes" you get a message explaining there is a high volume of information sent in, but people still can submit a form. I've attached the blank form.
I mark Criteria 4.5 compliant.
Screen Shot 2023-11-... (55 KB)
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
This is a statement of its methodolgy listed under "Transparency" on the Snopes site, and why I have listed is as compliant for Criteria 5.1.
Methodology
Since the material we tackle can range from everything to analyzing whether an image has been digitally manipulated to explicating the text of a Congressional bill, we can’t describe any single method that applies to all of our fact-checking.
In general, each entry is assigned to one of the members of our editorial staff who undertakes the preliminary research and writes the first draft of the fact-check.
Our research begins with (whenever possible) attempting to contact the source of the claim for elaboration and supporting information. We also attempt to contact individuals and organizations who would be knowledgeable about, or have relevant expertise in, the subject at hand, as well as searching out printed information (news articles, scientific and medical journal articles, books, interview transcripts, statistical sources) with bearing on the topic.
Depending upon the nature and complexity of the topic, other members of the editorial staff may contribute additional research (or their own personal expertise) and editing. The final product will pass through the hands of at least one editor. Any piece that is not deemed up to our standards by one or more editors is subject to further revision and review before being released for publication.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
To assess Criteria 5.2 I reviewed "Did Biden Order FBI to Make Unannounced Home Visits to Over 100K Trump Supporters?" This claim is judged "Unfounded." Fact checker Jordan Liles explained: "A rating of "True" or "False" cannot be applied in a case where there's not a shred of documentation or other proof. We created a fact-check rating named "Unfounded" for claims just like this one. Such claims typically originate as hearsay, speculation or groundless rumor."
Liles went further to explain the methodology included contacting White House, FBI and U.S. Justice Department. An FBI spokesperson responded explaining: "The FBI investigates those who commit acts of violence or threaten violence, and we do not take action based on political belief or any First Amendment protected activity."
As such, I mark this item compliant.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
For Criteria 5.3 I reviewed "Is It True Vivek Ramaswamy Received Money from George Soros?" written by Nur Ibrahim. This claim is false.
Ramaswamy did not receive money from Soros, but he did receive a scholarship for law school from the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans. Ibrahim pointed to a news interview where the Republican presidential hopeful was asked about the scholarship. In the methodology, Ibrahim explained Paul Soros had given money to Joe Biden, according to Open Secrets, which tracks money in politics.
I mark this item as compliant.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
I reviewed "Did Trump Call US Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene a 'Sasquatch'?" to assess Criteria 5.4 and rate it compliant. Jordan Liles rated this item that appeared on X as "Fake." Liles explained the original poster describes their X account as posting parody. Furthermore, the post used a background from the BBC, which Liles found the original footage from, and it made no mention of either Trump or MTG.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
To judge Criteria 5.5 compliant, I reviewed the methodology for the fact check headlined "Does Video Show Biden Arriving in Israel in October 2023?" written by Aleksandra Wrona. The rating was that the video was "Miscaptioned."
Wrona used reverse image searches from two seperate verification sites to show the clip had been online for more than a year before. Additionally, Wrona found a Reuters YouTube channel of the exact scene shared from a Biden visit in July 2022. Wrona shared the description, and then shared a news site explanation of his video.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
I believe Snopes is clear about what can be fact checked and what readers may expect to be contacted about. As such, I mark Criteria 5.6 compliant.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
The corrections policy is clear and any reasonable person could find it. I mark Criteria 6.1 compliant.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
This is the policy:
Corrections Policy
Our policy is to promptly correct errors of fact and to clarify any potentially confusing or ambiguous statements in our articles. Readers can submit potential corrections through the Contact form; those submissions will be routed to an editor for evaluation and action.
Whenever we change the rating of a fact check (for any reason), correct or modify a substantive supporting fact (even if it does not affect the item’s overall rating), or add substantial new information to an existing article, those changes are noted and explained in an Update box at the foot of the article.
Corrections of typographical errors, misspellings, or other minor revisions not deemed substantive by our editors are not noted.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
In 2023, NewsGuard, which assesses news sites for credibility, transparency and integrity, awarded Snopes a perfect score of 100/100 points, one of only a handful of such news sites out of 9,000-plus rated. We believe that rating came not because we are perfect but because we are transparent when we err, and quick to correct the record. The wide range of stories below represents requests from readers or story sources either for corrections or for updated information or clarifications, and exemplify that transparency.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/putin-ban-5g/
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/bruce-willis-return-of-bruno-album/
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/titanic-submersible-elon-musks-satellites/
https://www.snopes.com/news/2023/10/12/40-israeli-babies-beheaded-by-hamas/
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/is-tiktok-banned-in-china/
https://www.snopes.com/news/2023/05/17/half-americans-make-less-35000/
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/israel-free-therapy-betterhelp-war/
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
I confirm that these stories were updated and/or corrected and/or amended according to Snopes' corrections policy. As such, I mark Criteria 6.3 compliant.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
Margot Susca Assessor
11-Nov-2023 (10 months ago) Updated: 10 months ago
I confirm that Snopes' relationship as an existing signatory is featured prominently. I have included a screen shot of how it displays this online.
As such, I mark Criteria 6.4 compliant.
Screen Shot 2023-11-... (78 KB)
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Margot Susca.
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.
Snopes.com
15-Oct-2023 (11 months ago) Updated: 11 months ago
N.A.