Organization: Soft Media Hub LLP
Applicant: Nagesh Narayana
Assessor: Kanchan Kaur
Background
The applicant, an initiative of a legally registered company is planning to expand its fact checking operations in two regional languages in the coming year--fulfilling a long-pending need in the country.
The applicant publishes fact checks regularly, and most fact checks generated by it focus on claims related to issues in the public interest. The applicant has explained that it has no relationship whatsoever to any politicians or political parties, or the state. It does not advocate for or against any policy positions and uses the same processes and standards of evidence for equivalent claims. It identifies all sources, providing links where sources are available online, thereby helping readers replicate fact checks, if they wish to do so.
It also explains its policy on non-partisanship for staff in detail, with a copy of the agreement that staff have to sign. The website has a page which lists biographies of the people who work in the organisation, as well as an organizational structure.
The applicant has explained its methodology in detail on its website, in a page easily accessible to readers. It selects claims to check mainly in the public interest--based on the reach and importance of the claims. It puts out relevant evidence that appears to both support the claim and to undermine it and uses similar standards to assess the evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claims.
It also encourages readers to send claims to fact check and to communicate with it through various means—a Submit Claim form and a WhatsApp number on each page and a Reply Form at the end of each story. It's Contact Us and About Us pages also encourage readers to get in touch.
The applicant's correction policy is easily accessible on its website and clearly explains how mistakes are corrected.
The applicant is an existing signatory and has clearly informed users on its website that they can complain to the IFCN if they believe the IFCN code is being violated. This statement also provides a link to the complaints page on the IFCN website.
Assessment Conclusion
The application is compliant on all criteria and may be accepted.
Kanchan Kaur assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
The applicant's publishing language is English.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago)
Digiteye India is an independent and full-fledged fact-checking initiative of Softmediahub LLP, a limited liability partnership company, incorporated in October 2014 as a news media consultancy. Digiteye India Initiative was formally launched in November 2018. See the link below:
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is an initiative of a legally registered company. Details of this information are easily accessible on its website.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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?
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
1. When and why was your fact-checking operation started?
-- Digiteye India Initiative was formally launched in November 2018.
2. How many people work or volunteer in the organization and what are their roles?
-- Currently, we have a team of six persons volunteering for the project and their roles are mentioned on our website under 'Our Team' Page.
3. What different activities does your organization carry out?
-- We, at Digiteye India, monitor Social Media platforms, especially Twitter and WhatsApp besides different websites, choose which claims merit fact-check, investigate them by consulting different sources as per our methodology and publish articles. We are also in contact with fact-checkers from other countries (members of the IFCN) to exchange knowledge. We broadcast our fact checked stories on WhatsApp to more than 100 contacts regularly and instantly answer their queries and send them links to our fact-checked stories, if done already. We keep them engaged by sending them individual reply with the link on fact checks done at their request.
4. What are the goals of your fact-checking operation over the coming year?
-- Ever since we have made our WhatsApp account as per IFCN guidelines three months ago, we have been overwhelmed with many daily requests for fact checks amid Covid-19 pandemic. Besides fact-checking in English, we wish to expand our coverage in regional languages of Kannada and Telugu. As visual format is WhatsApp-friendly where most of these false claims go viral, we have made efforts to upload our videos on Youtube and share them via WhatsApp to our contacts/subscribers.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has clearly set out the background and the motivation of the organisation. It seems to be focused on fact-checking. It is also planning to expand its operations in two regional languages in the coming year--fulfilling a long-pending need in the country.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
We have published 36 fact checks on different claims ranging from general, political, business to health, especially when Covid-19 pandemic gripped the entire world in the last three months. Here’s the list with the latest stories on top.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the past six months. Since India has more than five verified signatories, the applicant ought to have a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track. This, the applicant does have, on an average.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Most of the fact checks made by the applicant focus on claims related to issues in the public interest in general.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
We have no commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship to the state, politicians or political parties in the country or outside. We have not received any funding for this project from any source so far. It’s entirely self-funded and run in the form of voluntary contribution of articles by our team of like-minded former journalists drawn from the mainstream and digital media. Our financial statement has been shared.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has explained that it has no relationship to any politicians or political parties, or the state for that matter. The financial statement it has shared shows a loss. This probably supports the claim that the organisation is self funded and run through volunteers.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago)
Not Applicable
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
This is not applicable as the organisation has said that it does not receive funding from local or foreign state or political sources.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
We maintain coherent standards across fact checks by basing our topic selection on whatever items are trending with inherent aim to mislead the public against or in favour of a particular political party or religious entity, or any other qualifier. We do not make any judgment of our own, whether they merit coverage based on their perceived importance, degree of controversy or superficiality.
Digiteye India keeps an eye on regular editorial news and messages in the mainstream media and social media platforms. Whenever there is a claim made by the claimant, we take it up for fact-checking without any bias or political affinity. The process is strictly followed for every fact check and all the claims, whether outrageous or subtle, are taken up for scrutiny. We strive to examine, explain and place all the facts and counter-facts before the reader, so he can see the truth and replicate the same himself with the given evidence.
Here's a list of 10 fact checks published by us in the last three months:
1) We show that there are contradicting opinions of experts about this
Is it true that 5G weakens our immunity and expose us to Cornavirus? Fact Check
https://digiteye.in/is-it-true-that-5g-weakens-our-immunity-and-expose-us-to-cornavirus-fact-check/
2) We show that we take the same standards for fact checking regardless of the political view
Is BJP MP Manoj Tiwari bursting firecrackers in Delhi when capital is choking?
3) In the same vein, when it was found that incorrect information was given by another Delhi BJP MP Vijay Goel, we have covered it promptly without any prejudice.
BJP MP Vijay Goel uses wrong image on Art 370
https://digiteye.in/bjp-mp-vijay-goel-uses-wrong-image-on-art-370/
4) If something turns out true we publish the article as per our rating and give it a rating of True.
Did these migratory birds Bayan and Onon reach India travelling 5,000 miles? Fact Check
5) We show that pictures and videos can be used out of context to create disinformation
Policemen too join anti-CAA protests? Fact Check
https://digiteye.in/policemen-too-join-anti-caa-protests-fact-check/
6) We react to rumors that can spread hate or prejudice
Is Yogendra Yadav’s original name Salim? Fact check
https://digiteye.in/is-yogendra-yadavs-original-name-salim-fact-check/
7) We take the same standards for quotes of politicians, regardless of which party they belong to.
Hyderabad MP Owaisi claims India Gate has Muslim martyrs’ names during freedom struggle; Fact check
8) We take the same standards for fact checks on religious gurus, regardless of which faith they preach
Sadhguru dancing when Coronavirus is around? Fact Check
https://digiteye.in/sadhguru-dancing-when-coronavirus-is-around-fact-check/
9) We show that we have many different topics covered under our fact-checks with in-depth research and evidence.
Split Moon image goes viral on WhatsApp; Fact Check
https://digiteye.in/split-moon-image-goes-viral-on-whatsapp-fact-check/
10) We always name personalities, include videos and screenshots, when they seek to create fear among people with false claims. A tik tok video of a Telugu TV personality spreading rumours has been debunked immediately and it was picked up by other fact checkers too.
What’s the 3rd red tick doing on WhatsApp? Fact Check of a tik tok Telugu video
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant uses the same standards of evidence for equivalent claims and follows largely the same process for every fact check. This is evident not only in the ten fact checks listed by it here, but also on a random assessment of the checks it has carried out in the last year or so.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has a detailed explanation of its methodology--how it selects claims to check, how it ensures that all sides of the matter are checked, by sticking to journalistic norms and what criteria are taken into account while selecting claims to check.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has described the sources it uses quite clearly. It would be evident to any reader if the interests of the sources could influence the accuracy of the information provided.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is not affiliated with nor shows any support for any political party or candidate. It does not advocate for or against any policy positions.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Soft Media Hub LLP
08-Jul-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
https://digiteye.in/code-of-principles/
The copy of NPA has been uploaded on the website and made accessible from the above page in Para 4.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant explains its policy on non-partisanship for staff in detail. It also states that the staff is required to sign a non-partisanship agreement. It would help to see a copy of the agreement.
cancel 2.5 marked as Request change by Kanchan Kaur.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
11-Jul-2020 (4 years ago)
The applicant explains its policy on non-partisanship for staff in detail. It has also uploaded a copy of a non-partisanship agreement that the staff is required to sign.
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant identifies all sources, especially of significant evidence, providing links where sources are available online. This helps readers replicate the fact checks, if they wish to do so.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant uses both primary and secondary sources. The latter, usually when the former are not easily accessible.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant checks most elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant clearly identifies the sources when it provides evidence. A reader would be able to easily understand the interests of the sources and to conclude whether or not those interests could come in the way of accuracy of the evidence provided.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Digiteye India is an independent and full-fledged fact-checking section/unit of Softmediahub LLP, a limited liability partnership company, incorporated in October 2014 as a news media consultancy. Digiteye India Initiative was launched in November 2018. We have shared our FY statement for the preceding financial year.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is a fact-checking unit of a media organisation. The financial statement it has provided shows that it has not received any funding of any sort.
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Digiteye India is an independent and full-fledged fact-checking initiative of Softmediahub LLP, a limited liability partnership company, incorporated in October 2014 as a news media consultancy. Digiteye India Initiative was formally launched in November 2018. It is mentioned on 'Our Company' page on the website. Please see the link below:
https://digiteye.in/our-company/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant, which is a fact-checking unit of a parent organisation has made a statement on its website about its ownership.
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Soft Media Hub LLP
08-Jul-2020 (4 years ago)
We have updated our pages pertaining to About Us and Our Team as advised to state clearly how and by whom editorial control is exercised.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The link provided by the applicant leads to a page which lists biographies of the people who work in the organisation, but does not provide any organisational structure that might explain how and by whom editorial control is exercised.
cancel 4.3 marked as Request change by Kanchan Kaur.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
11-Jul-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant's website has a page that lists biographies of the people who work in the organisation. It also briefly explains its organisational structure and how and by whom editorial control is exercised.
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has listed out the professional biographies of the team that works on the website.
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
We have a ‘SUBMIT CLAIM FOR FACT CHECK’ button prominently displayed on top of every page on the website. It gives instant links to send claims for fact check and makes it user-friendly. We have a dedicated WhatsApp account for fact checkers where we are active engaging with our contacts instantly. All these modes of communication have been clearly spelt out on our 'Contact Us' page as well as 'About Us' pages. In addition, every story carries a Reply Form at the bottom making it easier for the user/reader to contact us.
Please see these links:
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant encourages users to communicated through various means. It has a Submit Claim form in each page. It also displays a WhatsApp number on each page for readers to communicate with the applicant. It's Contact Us and About Us pages also encourage readers to get in touch. A Reply Form at the end of each story makes it quite easy for the reader to respond.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has explained its methodology in detail on its website, in a page easily accessible to readers. It explains how it selects, researches, writes and publishes fact checks.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant selects claims to check mainly in the public interest--based on the reach and importance of the claims.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant, in its fact checks, puts out relevant evidence that appears to both support the claim and to undermine it.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant uses similar standards to assess the evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claims.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has mainly checked claims that were viral on the internet and social media, where it is not always possible to trace and contact the person who made the claim.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
https://digiteye.in/methodology/
We encourage readers to ‘SUBMIT CLAIM FOR FACT CHECK’ through the button prominently displayed on top of every page on the website. We carry out regular contact via our dedicated WhatsApp account provided for fact checkers where we are actively engaging with our users/contacts instantly. All these modes of communication have been clearly spelt out on our 'Contact Us' page as well as 'About Us' pages.
On our methodology page, we have stated the main criteria for fact-checking a story in our methodology as its potential damage and reach, if left unchecked. However, we refrain from trivial entertainment or satire-based stories for fact-checking as stated in this page. Currently, we have stated on this page that we can fact check claims in English, Hindi, Telugu and Kannada.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant encourages readers through several modes to send claims to fact-check--a reply form, a WhatsApp number, a Submit Claim form and so on. Its Methodology, spelt out in the website makes it clear what readers can expect to be fact checked and what they can't.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
https://digiteye.in/corrections/
Please refer to our Corrections page at the above link. We have a clear policy to carry out corrections whenever we are found wrong. We are open to scrutiny and stand corrected and publish it openly on any story. We inform our readers immediately about the correction on our social media platforms. We are always open to any feedback and criticism and do not hesitate to correct our stories. We have provided the link for users to send complaints, if any, to us in this page. In addition we have provided a Reply Form on every page that carries the story.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant's correction policy is easily accessible on its website. It clearly explains how mistakes are corrected.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant adheres to its correction policy where it clearly states what it does or does not cover and how major mistakes are handled.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
We have not received any complaint to correct any of our stories published in the last one year.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has stated that it has not received any complaints or requests to make corrections in the past year. However, on its website, it has listed out corrections it carried out previously.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
We have displayed a button below 'Submit Claim' box stating that we are a signatory of IFCN Code of Principles and if the users believe that we are violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN at the link given to the complaints page on the IFCN site. This appears on all pages and on every story page published. In addition, we have stated it in our About us page.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is an existing signatory and has clearly informed users on its website that they can complain to the IFCN if they believe the IFCN code is being violated. This statement also provides a link to the complaints page on the IFCN website.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
12-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Not Applicable
Soft Media Hub LLP
08-Jul-2020 (4 years ago)
Digiteye India is an independent and full-fledged fact-checking initiative of Softmediahub LLP, a limited liability partnership company, incorporated in October 2014 as a news media consultancy. Digiteye India Initiative was launched in November 2018. We have stated our honest and open corrections policy in our Code of Principles page and in our Corrections Policy page as part of our top navigation menu and the links are provided here:
https://digiteye.in/code-of-principles/
https://digiteye.in/corrections/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
16-Jun-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is a fact-checking unit of a media company, but it has said that this criteria is not applicable. It might be a good idea for it to provide an explanation of what the parent media company does and why this criteria is not applicable to it.
cancel 6.5 marked as Request change by Kanchan Kaur.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
11-Jul-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is a fact-checking unit of a media company. However, the parent company is a consultancy. Therefore this criteria might not be applicable to it.