Organization: Soch Videos
Applicant: Zainab Husain
Assessor: Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir
Background
The applicant, Soch Fact Check, appears to function as a non-partisan organisation, launched in January 2020 and aimed at countering misinformation. It has carried out thirty three fact checks since it's launch and all the fact checks reviewed illustrate an approach centred on high standards of review. Detailed methodology has been provided by Soch Fact Check and sources of all information have been disclosed in its fact checks.
Soch Fact Check has thus far covered the areas of politics, science, and culture in countering the spread of misinformation. One of the significant fact checks it undertook was published on 23 September 2020 (link: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/public-hanging-during-zias-regime-did-not-eliminate-rape/), which was a timely intervention and correction during a period in Pakistan, when the demand for public hangings was being backed by misinformation concerning the statistics on rape during a military dictatorship. Similarly, during the stream of misinformation concerning COVID-19 in Pakistan (in early March 2020), Soch Fact Check countered that misinformation by refuting the popular misconception that COVID-19 could not be transmitted in the summer months approaching (link: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/yes-coronavirus-can-be-transmitted-in-hot-weather/).
These highlight the important role played by Soch Fact Check as a proactive force for countering misinformation in Pakistan and as a force for social good.
Assessment Conclusion
The applicant's assessment was successful. Adequate documentation and links were shared and all thirty three fact checks conducted by them thus far were reviewed. The methodology provided by the applicant is detailed and the fact that no corrections thus far have been requested in all the important areas in which they have countered misinformation seems to be a testament to the organisation's high standards of review and impartiality.
More detailed information could have been provided to further clarify certain areas, however, as the organisation appears to be young still, the lack of details in certain areas could perhaps be attributed to that. Moreover, the lack of detail in certain areas (identified) does not raise issues of compliance.
Soch Fact Check's important role in countering misinformation in areas of public importance and concern, in accordance with impartial standards and methodology, is in compliance with IFCN's principles.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir assesses application as
A short summary in native publishing language
The applicant, Soch Fact Check, appears to be in compliance with IFCN's principles and standards.
Additional explanation from IFCN Staff
Soch fact has requested a waiver on 4.2. The documents pertaining to this section are attached to the email.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Soch Fact Check is a project of Soch (www.sochmedia.org). Soch operates as a non-profit. Soch Fact Check is funded by the Directors of Green & White (Private) Limited, the parent company of Soch. Relevant information regarding the legal status of Green & White (Private) Limited may be found attached.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has provided relevant documentation on the legal status of its parent company, Green & White (Private) Limited. The legal status of Soch is unclear from the documentation as only the incorporation certificate for Green & White (Private) Limited has been provided, without any documentation/evidence of it being Soch’s parent company. However, as per the Terms and Conditions on the website, (available here: https://sochmedia.org/terms-and-condition/), there is an established link between Soch and Green & White (Private) Limited.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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?
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
1) Soch Fact Check’s goal is to promote a culture of factual accuracy and journalistic integrity in a country where the news is not regarded as credible or trustworthy and public officials often make false statements without any accountability. Soch Fact Check was formed in December 2019. We launched our website and Twitter page on 10 January 2020 and published our first five fact checks on the same date. Our parent organization Soch (www.sochmedia.org), was set up in 2017 to make public interest news analysis accessible in English, Urdu and other regional languages. Soch was initially referred to the IFCN by Facebook.
2) Three people work for Soch Fact Check.
Zainab Husain is the Editor. She fact checks claims, edits and copy edits all fact checks and manages the website and social media pages.
Fizza Qureshi and Umer Zaib are fact checkers. Fizza also manages the website and Twitter page.
Soch’s Advisory Board currently consists of two co-founders of our sister company Soch, Sofyan Sultan and Arafat Mazhar. The Advisory Board is not involved in the daily operations of Soch Fact Check. However, they are consulted for management and hiring decisions, as well as for technical and creative support.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Sufficient information has been provided in response to when and why the applicant began its fact-checking operation. Similarly, sufficient details have been provided with respect to the number and roles of employees. More information can be requested on the different activities carried out by the applicant, as well as the goals in the upcoming year.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
A majority of our fact checks are focused on claims related to ‘public interest’ issues. Since we launched on 10 January 2020, to the date of the submission of this application, we have published 33 fact checks, out of which 17 are focused on misinformation and disinformation about the Covid-19 pandemic. Please find the relevant spreadsheet attached.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Documentation has been attached reflecting that the applicant has conducted thirty-three fact checks since 12.02.2020 till 30.04.2020 in the areas of politics, public health, the COVID-19 pandemic, culture and science. Hyperlinks to the relevant information have been provided in the document attached by the applicant.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The fact checks published by the applicant (period reviewed: June-September 2020) are very detailed and even provide evidence from newspaper archives where historic facts are concerned. The fact checks undertaken are on issues of public importance.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Soch Fact Check does not have any commercial, financial or institutional relationship with the Pakistani state or any politicians or political parties in the country, or in any other country. We have not received any funding or support from foreign, or local state or political actors.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Adequate explanation has been provided by the applicant establishing that it does not receive any funding from any State or political parties/politically-affiliated individuals.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Soch Fact Check does not receive funding from any local or foreign state or political sources.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has clarified that it does not receive funding from any local or foreign state or any political sources.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Links to 10 Fact Checks
http://www.sochfactcheck.com/arman-loni-was-a-natural-born-pakistani-citizen-not-an-afghan-refugee/
https://www.sochfactcheck.com/garlic-water-has-its-benefits-curing-coronavirus-is-not-one-of-them
https://www.sochfactcheck.com/you-could-be-spreading-coronavirus-without-realising-you-have-it/
https://www.sochfactcheck.com/7-doctored-aurat-march-posters/
https://www.sochfactcheck.com/warm-water-salt-and-vinegar-wont-keep-you-safe-from-coronavirus/
(i) How we use the same high standards of evidence for equivalent claims by maintaining best practices and adhering to the following format:
1) Picture of Claim or Relevant to Claim along with Visual Indication of Verdict. If there is enough evidence to conclusively say the claim is false, a false stamp will be prominent in the image thumbnail and the image in the article.
2) Headline including claim being fact checked and verdict of true or false
3) Primary and Secondary Fact Checkers. Articles are fact checked twice, by a primary and secondary fact checker, in order to maintain coherent standards across all Soch Fact Checks.
4) Short summary of the claim that is being fact checked
5) Short summary of findings of research and corroboration.
6) Body and Explanation
-What is the source of the claim being discussed? (News sites, social media, notable personality.)
-What primary sources and secondary sources have we used? (Links are provided.)
-How did we reach a conclusion? (An explanation of the fact checking process for that particular claim and how we researched and confirmed/denied the particular claim.)
-Conclusion including an attempt to identify the party responsible for the misinformation.
7) End-Summary
A restatement of short summary of discovered facts and verdict.
(ii) How we follow the same essential process for every fact check and (iii) let the evidence dictate our conclusions:
-We check reliable local and global news websites and gather all information regarding the claim that is available online.
-We will contact the person or organization who made the claim or to whom the claim has been attributed. We provide details of all our primary sources and links to secondary sources such as the World Health Organisation.
-If claims are made regarding government actions, we will contact politicians, government institutions, and other relevant officials.
-If a claim involves a regional language besides Urdu or English, we will contact translators.
-If we are unable to verify the information we need through online research and phone calls, we will go to the field and investigate further.
-If the claim is in the form of a dubious image or a video, or a if a suspect claim is made regarding the source of an image of video, we will attempt to ascertain the origin of the image or video by taking a close look at details such as billboards in the background to verify if the image/video was actually taken in the place that the claim states.
-We will also use tools such as Way Back Machine to access digital archives and Reverse Google Image Search to locate the source of an image and check if it has been doctored or altered. If we have used one of these tools in a fact check, we will mention it in our article so users can also fact check the claim themselves.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The fact checks carried out by the applicant are impartial and independent, as evidenced in the detailed mechanism for review shared, along with the ten links provided by the applicant. It appears that the fact-checking undertaken by the applicant is subject to high standards and applied without any discrimination.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
As mentioned in the link below, we focus on false claims that have the potential to go viral. We monitor Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp and traditional media platforms to find claims to fact check. We encourage readers to send claims for verification by emailing us at content@sochfactcheck.com or through the ‘submit’ page. We also encourage readers to submit complaints and feedback about our fact checks.
We specifically keep an eye out for:
-Pakistan specific content in local languages.
-Dubious claims that have the potential to go viral across platforms.
-Claims regarding vulnerable minority groups that have the potential to incite violence against those groups.
-Claims regarding individuals that may put their lives in danger.
-Claims that cast doubt on matters of scientific or historical consensus.
-Statements, speeches, and social media posts made by politicians and government officials that have the potential to impact public opinion.
-Trending hashtags on Twitter that might have been launched specifically to spread misinformation.
-Pictures and videos being circulated through WhatsApp.
-Content submitted by users via Twitter or our website.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has, in detail, explained its methodology on its website (www.sochfactcheck.com/methodology/) and provided detailed information on the fact-checking process. Sources of information are adequately disclosed and no partiality has been observed in its fact-checking processes or results.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Since the applicant’s launch on 10 January 2020, it has undertaken thirty three fact-checks. A review of all 33 fact-checks confirms that there is no conflict of interest and that a high level of standards of review are applied.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Since the applicant’s launch on 10 January 2020, it has undertaken thirty three fact-checks. A review of all 33 fact-checks confirms that there is no conflict of interest and that a high level of standards of review are applied.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Link: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/about-us/
Soch Fact Check is a non-partisan organization. We go to great lengths to objectively fact check claims made by all political parties regardless of ideology. Furthermore, each fact check is reviewed by at least 2 members of the Soch Fact Check team. This is to eliminate any possibility of personal biases and ensure that every fact is supported by hard, empirical evidence.
In addition, every member of Soch Fact Check Team has signed a legally binding undertaking (affidavit) affirming that they will not donate to or participate in political campaigns or any other political party activities. Please find a copy of our affidavit attached.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is not affiliated with nor declares/shows any support for any party, politician/political candidate. There is no conflict of interest. Further, the applicant maintains a non-partisan policy, as evidenced on its website. Moreover, every member of the applicant’s team has signed an affidavit (attached) ensuring they will not affiliate with or donate to any political party.
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
On the basis of review of a sufficiently large (taking into account the applicant only launched in 2020) and randomized sample of fact-checks, the applicant’s fact-checks meet the criteria provided.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
On the basis of review of a sufficiently large (taking into account the applicant only launched in 2020) and randomized sample of fact-checks, the applicant’s fact-checks meet the criteria provided.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
On the basis of review of a sufficiently large (taking into account the applicant only launched in 2020) and randomized sample of fact-checks, the applicant’s fact-checks meet the criteria provided.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
On the basis of review of a sufficiently large (taking into account the applicant only launched in 2020) and randomized sample of fact-checks, the applicant’s fact-checks meet the criteria provided.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Soch Fact Check is a distinct fact-checking project of Soch (www.sochmedia.org). Soch is a not for profit media platform that produces content in English, Urdu, and other South Asian regional languages. Soch is a venture of Green & White (Private) Limited, a private limited company registered and operating under the laws of Pakistan. The relevant registration and audit documents for Green & White (Private) Limited have been attached to our response to Criteria 1.1.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
While it is clearly stated that Soch Fact Check is a distinct fact-checking project of Soch, which is a not for profit media platform, some documentation illustrating the linkages between Green & White (Private) Limited and these two distinct bodies can help clarify the status further.
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Soch Fact Check is a distinct fact-checking project of Soch (www.sochmedia.org). Soch is a not for profit media platform that produces content in English, Urdu, and other South Asian regional languages. Soch is a venture of Green & White (Private) Limited, a private limited company registered and operating under the laws of Pakistan. The relevant registration and audit documents for Green & White (Private) Limited have been attached to our response to Criteria 1.1.
In addition, the following link can be found in the footer of the Soch Fact Check website: https://www.sochvideos.com/privacypolicy .
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
There isn’t adequate information provided with respect to the sources of funding.
cancel 4.2 marked as Request change by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Appropriate link has been provided by the applicant: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/about-us/
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Appropriate link has been provided by the applicant, with relevant information given therein: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/about-us/.
While more information could be provided on the organizational structure and exact division of responsibilities, the lack of detail in this regard does not render the applicant non-compliant.
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
We encourage users to communicate with us via the submit tab or by emailing us at content@sochfactcheck.com.
We also communicate with our readers through our Twitter page @sochfactcheck.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Appropriate link has been provided by the applicant: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/submit/ (through this link, users can communicate via the website); alternatively, users can email the applicant at content@sochfactcheck.com or communicate through the applicant’s Twitter page (@sochfactcheck).
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Detailed description of methodology for fact-checking is provided and clearly reflects a high standard of review: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/methodology/
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Having reviewed all 33 fact checks available, and a specific review of a sample of randomised fact checks, it is clear that the applicant identifies claims on the basis of their detailed methodology provided here: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/methodology/
The process of fact checking appears to be transparent, fair and impartial. In fact, the same standards of assessment provided in the methodology are consistently utilised for each fact check, regardless of where the claim was published.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Having reviewed all 33 fact checks available, and a specific review of a sample of randomised fact checks, it is clear that the applicant identifies claims on the basis of their detailed methodology provided here: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/methodology/
The process of fact checking appears to be transparent, fair and impartial. In fact, the same standards of assessment provided in the methodology are consistently utilised for each fact check, regardless of where the claim was published.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Having reviewed all 33 fact checks available, and a specific review of a sample of randomised fact checks, it is clear that the applicant identifies claims on the basis of their detailed methodology provided here: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/methodology/
The process of fact checking appears to be transparent, fair and impartial. In fact, the same standards of assessment provided in the methodology are consistently utilised for each fact check, regardless of where the claim was published.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Having reviewed all 33 fact checks available, and a specific review of a sample of randomised fact checks, it is clear that the applicant identifies claims on the basis of their detailed methodology provided here: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/methodology/
The process of fact checking appears to be transparent, fair and impartial. In fact, the same standards of assessment provided in the methodology are consistently utilised for each fact check, regardless of where the claim was published.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
We encourage users to send us claims to fact check through the submit tab on our page or by emailing us at content@sochfactcheck.com. Users also submit claims to our Twitter page.
Link to submit tab: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/submit/
Link to Twitter page: https://twitter.com/SochFactCheck
The methodology tab on our website details the nature of the claims we will fact check.
Link to methodology tab: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/methodology/
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has shared several channels through which users can submit claims for fact-checking including: i) via email (content@sochfactcheck.com); ii) through Twitter (@sochfactcheck); iii) through the applicant’s website (https://www.sochfactcheck.com/submit/). Detailed methodology for choosing claims to fact-check has been provided by the applicant: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/methodology/.
A corrections policy is also provided for at the bottom of the same page.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
A corrections policy has been provided for: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/methodology/
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
More detail can be provided on the corrections policy but the information provided thus far is sufficient for the purposes of compliance.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
No correction requests have been made so far.
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Clearly, a high standard of fact-checking is upheld as no correction requests have been made thus far.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is not an existing signatory, therefore, this section is not applicable to it.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir.
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.
Soch Videos
06-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir Assessor
25-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant’s fact-checking methodology is detailed here: https://www.sochfactcheck.com/methodology/ and its privacy policy is given here: https://www.sochvideos.com/privacypolicy