Organization: Soft Media Hub LLP
Applicant: Nagesh Narayana
Assessor: Kanchan Kaur
Background
The applicant is a legally registered organization and relevant details are available easily on its website. The website has been set up exclusively for fact-checking. Just as it mentioned last year, the applicant states that it hopes to expand into other Indian languages. It also plans to set up a section for climate change fact checking. The applicant publishes fact checks regularly—it has published more than once a week in the past year.
Most fact checks published by the applicant are in the public interest and are independent. The applicant states that it is self-funded and receives no money from the state or from politicians.
The applicant uses the same standards to judge equivalent claims, irrespective of who made the claim and judges the importance of the claim before it sets out to check it. It explains how it selects claims to check on its website. All relevant sources are clearly mentioned in its fact-checks. The applicant is not associated with any political party and usually refrains from making any comments on public policy. It also makes a non-partisanship statement on its website and clearly explains how it expects staff to follow the principle.
The applicant identifies or links sources of all significant evidence used so that the user can replicate the fact check. It mainly uses primary sources but accesses secondary sources, too; it uses more than one source to check key aspects of claims.
It is an independent organization, funded by its directors. Its ownership status is mentioned on its website as is its organizational structure, clearly enunciating how editorial control is exercised. Biographies of significant members of the team are detailed on its website, with contact information so that readers can easily communicate with them.
The applicant has explained how it selects, works on and publishes fact checks. The importance and reach of the claims are considered while relevant evidence is set out. It has used the same standards for evidence on equivalent claims. It also actively encourages users to send in claims to check.
The website’s correction policy, easily accessible, explains what it covers and how major mistakes are handled. Corrections are made transparently—the user can see both the original version and the corrected version.
An existing signatory of the IFCN Code of Principles, the applicant enables users to file a complaint if they feel that the applicant is violating the IFCN code.
Assessment Conclusion
The application may be accepted.
Kanchan Kaur assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
The main 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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Digiteye India (https://digiteye.in) is an independent digital journalism initiative that was formally launched in November 2018, as a part of Softmedia Hub LLP, a limited liability partnership company, set up in October 2014 after registering it with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
Please visit the page link below where we have set out information about our organization's legal status, complying with the criteria:
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is a legally registered organization and relevant details are available easily 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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago)
1. When and why was your fact-checking operation started?
-- Digiteye India Initiative was formally launched in November 2018 to do fact checking socially and politically relevant news and social media messages.
2. How many people work or volunteer in the organization and what are their roles?
-- Currently, we have a team of five persons volunteering 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 the finished 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 replies with the link once fact checks are 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 more than two years ago, we have been overwhelmed with many daily requests for fact checks amid Covid-19 pandemic. We wish to expand our coverage of climate change fact checks next year.
-- Besides fact-checking in English, we wish to expand our coverage in regional languages of Kannada and Telugu.
-- Since visual format is WhatsApp-friendly where most of these false claims go viral, we wish to make efforts to make videos of fact checks and upload them on Youtube and share them via WhatsApp to our contacts/subscribers.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The Digiteye team, within the SoftMedia Hub organization has been set up exclusively for fact-checking. It hopes to expand into other Indian languages, as well as set up a section for climate change fact checking. It is clearly focused on fact checking.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have published 116 fact checks in the last one year related to political, social, business and health, especially, misinformation about the Covid-19 pandemic. Here's the link to our home page where the fact checks can be accessed:
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant publishes fact checks regularly. It has published more than once a week in the past year.
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.
Soft Media Hub LLP
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago)
Here's a list of fact checks published over the previous three months from July to September 2021 (Starting from latest):
1. Sri Lankan singer Yohani de Silva appointed cultural ambassador by Indian High Commission? Fact Check September 30, 2021
2. False video claims farmers’ leader Tikait threatened media as the next target; Fact Check September 29, 2021
3. Is MHA official warning against buying Chinese crackers for Diwali? Old message re-surfaces; Fact Check September 28, 2021
4. NYT front page with Modi in headline as “Last, best Hope of Earth” is going viral; Fact Check September 27, 2021
5. Taliban chief secretary praising RSS, BJP in a viral video? No, it’s of Pakistan’s Islamic scholar [FACT CHECK] September 18, 2021
6. Assam Congress leader Amjat Ali arrested for smuggling arms in Apple Box? Fact Check September 12, 2021
7. Video of a Pakistani man defending power theft passed off as Indian Muslim; Fact Check September 5, 2021
8. Janmashtami celebrated in Kashmir in 2021, first time after 32 years: Fact Check August 31, 2021
9. Old video of Pakistan Talibani threatening India, Modi reappears as recent one; Fact Check August 30, 2021
10. Free Baleno car offer in a contest by Maruti Suzuki on 40th anniversary making rounds: Fact Check August 30, 2021
11. Clear image showing falling Afghan man from US military aircraft being shared: Fact Check August 29, 2021
12. Old Syrian video passed off as Taliban executing women this time; Fact Check August 19, 2021
13. Video claims fleeing terrorist on bike chased and arrested in Srinagar; Fact Check August 16, 2021
14. Banner text claims ‘Thank you Modi ji, for Mirabai Chanu’s medal win’; Fact Check August 15, 2021
15. Viral video of 6-yr-old performing 53 somersaults is not by Jaspreet as claimed; Fact Check August 8, 2021
16. Old Uttarakhand image of 2016 being shared as that of Kishtwar cloudburst now; Fact Check July 29, 2021
17. Old video of Mangolia surfaces as that of Opening Ceremony of Tokyo Olympics: Fact Check old video July 27, 2021
18. India winning gold at Budapest goes viral as winning gold at Tokyo Olympics; Fact Check July 26, 2021
19. Old image of flooded Patna garment shop resurfaces as that of Mumbai Raymond showroom; Fact Check July 23, 2021
20. Wrong quote attributed to Ratan Tata again; Fact Check July 22, 2021
21. Image shared claiming massive crowds at Owaisi’s election rally in UP; Fact Check July 19, 2021
22. Has Modi Government filed FIR against Sonu Sood? Fact Check July 6, 2021
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Most of the fact checks published by the applicant are in the public interest.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago)
We have no commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship with 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 for the preceding year has been duly shared.
SMH-IT2021.png (128 KB)
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago)
The applicant’s output is independent of the state, political parties or politicians.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago)
Not Applicable
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago)
The applicant states that it is self-funded and receives no money from the state or from politicians.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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 one year:
1. We show that old pictures or images can be used out of context to create disinformation.
Image of Priyanka Gandhi’s Durga Temple visit from 2009 resurfaces ahead of Bihar elections [October 26, 2020] This fact check shows periodic use of old images to damage the reputation of rival political leaders ahead of elections. Using the fact checking process as per our methodology, we have concluded that it was a false context.
2. We show that we have many different topics covered under our fact-checks with evidence.
No, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana scheme doesn’t offer Rs 30,000 monthly pension? Fact Check [November 28, 2020] This fact check shows how wrong claims of government benefits mislead gullible public and an effort has been made to make it simple, explain the difference and establish with evidence that it was a wrong claim.
3. We show that we take the same standards for fact checking regardless of the political view
Do the ration cards in Andhra Pradesh carry the picture of Jesus Christ on them? Fact Check [December 15, 2020] The fact check nullifies the claim aimed at communal divide on a government scheme and our fact checking not only proved it false but also dwelled on similar misdeeds by an opposition political party member with dubious intention.
4. Without bias or prejudice, we carry out fact checks to prove popular and viral claims as untrue.
Fact Check: No, tricolour was not removed from Red Fort, nor Khalistani flag hoisted on Republic Day [January 27, 2021] The fact check proves how emotions are played up using wrong images, wrong claims on a Republic Day and the fact checking process brings out the truth step by step with evidence.
5. With no prejudice, we provide correct information to dispel wrong claims.
FACT Check: Old image used to claim RSS volunteers in rescue operations at Chamoli in Uttarakhand after glacier bust [February 12, 2021] Wrong claims every time a natural disaster takes place in India have been debunked in this fact check using all the evidence, including past and present images. The fact checking process not only concludes so but also helps the reader do the fact check and conclude that it was wrong.
6. We show that old videos can be used out of context to create fear among people, especially when the Covid pandemic was at its peak
False claim of patients being killed in Karnataka to make beds vacant goes viral; Fact Check [May 18, 2021] Following the methodology, this fact check proves that the visuals are wrongly used and out of context to spread fear among the people about Covid hospitalisation when the pandemic was at its peak in India. We fact checked and proved it wrong with full evidence and clarification from different sources.
7. We show that there are contradictory opinions and arrive at the correct conclusion:
Vaccinated people die in 2 years? False viral message sets social media on storm; Fact Check [May 26, 2021] Using all the evidence and WHO sources we prove the claim as false and it evoked controversy in media but finally we are proved correct as health ministry too validated it as a wrong claim.
8. Without bias, we react to rumors that can spread prejudice.
Old Syrian video passed off as Taliban executing women this time; Fact Check [Aug 19, 2021] Using the established methodology and tools of fact checking process, the video has been traced to an old one to prove that it was reused with a twist to mislead people when the Afghan crisis was at its peak.
9. We strive to prove widely-shared claims with free gifts and benefits as not trustworthy and alert our readers.
Free Baleno car offer in a contest by Maruti Suzuki on 40th anniversary making rounds: Fact Check [August 30, 2021] The fact check is one among many such claims being shared on WhatsApp and every time a big brand or company celebrates its anniversary, it is claimed and widely shared. We proved it wrong step-by-step and making it clear for our readers not to fall for such gift-related claims.
10. We take the same standards for political claims, regardless of which party they belong to.
NYT front page with Modi in headline as “Last, best Hope of Earth” is going viral; Fact Check [September 27, 2021] The claim is repetition of several such in India citing foreign media as proud achievement. With our experience in debunking such claims and images in the past, we followed simple fact checking tools to prove it wrong.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant uses the same standards to judge equivalent claims, irrespective of who made the claim.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant judges the importance of the claim before it sets out to check it. It does not confine itself to one side of the issue, and explains how it selects claims to check on its website.
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
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant mentions all relevant sources in its fact-checks thereby letting the user decide if there was any way they could influence the fact check.
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
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is not associated with any political party and usually refrains from making any comments on public policy.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant makes a non-partisanship statement on its website and clearly explains how it expects staff to follow the principle. It has also put out a copy of a non-partisanship agreement that staff is expected to sign on joining.
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
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant identifies the source of all significant evidence used, providing links in a manner that the user can replicate the fact check.
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
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant uses primary sources mainly, getting in touch with people they need to. It also uses secondary sources as and when needed.
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
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant uses more than one source to check key aspects of claims.
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
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant identifies the sources clearly enough for the reader to ascertain if the source could influence the fact check in any way.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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:
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant states that it is an independent organization, funded by its directors, and makes a statement to that effect on its website.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is not a unit of a media house or other parent organization. Its ownership status is mentioned on its website.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant explains its organizational structure on its website, making it clear how editorial control is exercised, and by whom.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Significant members of the team are mentioned on its website, with their professional biographies detailed.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
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 the 'Home' page.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Readers can easily communicate with the editorial team—email addresses and social media handles are mentioned.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has made a detailed statement on its website on 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
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Most claims are checked on the importance and reach 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
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
In its fact checks the applicant sets out relevant evidence, to both back the claim as well as counter 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
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant uses the same standards for evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.
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
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant tries to contact those who made the claim for supporting evidence.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
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.
https://digiteye.in/contact-us/
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.
https://digiteye.in/methodology/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant encourages users to send in claims to check at various points on its website, as well as through its social media and messaging handles.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant’s correction policy is easily accessible on its website.
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
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The policy explains what it covers and how major mistakes are handled, in what time frame.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have not received any complaint to correct any of our stories published in the last one year in legible format.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant makes corrections transparently—the user can see both the original version and the corrected version. It says it has not received any requests for corrections in the last year.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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 the same in our About Us page.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is an existing signatory of the IFCN Code of Principles. It provides a link on its website to enable users to file a complaint if they feel that the applicant is violating the IFCN code.
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
15-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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. Launched in November 2018, Digiteye India fact checking initiative is an exclusive unit of Softmedia Hub LLP.
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 pages menu provided at the bottom of the page with links duly provided:
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
31-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is a fact-checking organization by itself.