The Association of Independent Press (API) is a non-governmental organization established to support apolitical mass media. The Association of Independent Press was founded by the representatives of the first local independent newspapers "Accent Provincial" (Glodeni), "Business-Info" / at present “Gazeta de Sud” (Cimișlia), "Cugetul" (Bălți), "Cuvântul" (Rezina), "Est Curier" (Criuleni), "Gazeta de Vest" (Nisporeni), and the press agencies BASA-Press (Chisinau) and DECA-Press (Bălți).

The idea to set API belongs to the American journalist Judi Yablonky, who, during a documentation trip taken to Moldova, suggested to the directors of independent media institutions to unite under a non-governmental organization, with a view to help each other and defend their rights.

The Association of Independent Press was officially registered at the Ministry of Justice on 29 September 1997, being the first association of this kind in the republic.

API is recognised as one of the most important mass-media organisations in R. Moldova which promotes and provides assistance to independent media. API is highly appreciated for its media campaigns in various public interest sectors, advocacy activities for mass-media development, defence of the freedom of expression, access to information, promotion of journalistic self-regulation, etc.

API manages the fact-checking portal, Stopfals.md, through which journalists deny the false and biased information that appeared in the media and social networks. http://api.md/ ; www.stopfals.md. 

Stopfals is a distinct unit of API (Association of Independent Press), a legally registered NGO. This is mentioned in the footer of each page of the stopfals.md portal and presented in detail on the about page.

 API in partnership with Independent Journalism Center (IJC) and Association of Independent Tele-journalists in the Republic of Moldova (ATVJI), since November 2015, is conducting the media campaign against false and biased information - “STOP FALS!”. The goal of the campaign is to diminish the effects and the impact resulting from propagandistic and manipulative information that distorts the reality, being spread out through various communication means by mass-media institutions and other politically-controlled structures, and to build Moldovan citizens' capacities to critically analyze the received information. In the API team 14 people work, of which 4 API employees are also on the Stopfals. MD portal team. The website www.stopfals.MD is an online platform for information on the phenomenon of "fake news", revealing false and biased information, training and assistance on fact-checking and discovering manipulation techniques, with interactive fields and special modules through to which users are encouraged to report forgeries in journalistic materials, published by local or foreign media, answer questions from opinion polls, participate in debates, etc. The main purpose of this site, as well as the API, is to thoroughly verify the false information that is intentionally transmitted on different platforms. For two years, the Stopfals. MD portal has debunked a series of fakes about war from Ukraine. At the same time, in the Republic of Moldova there were two years of misinformation and manipulation  about war pro-Kremlin affiliated sources. In this context, in the last two years, the Republic of Moldova has been the target of pro-Kremlin disinformation, both inside and outside the country, and the journalists from the Stopfals. MD portal has permanently denied such misinformation.

During this difficult period of war in neighboring Ukraine, initiated by the Russian Federation, in the Republic of Moldova, misinformation from pro-Kremlin sources in Moldova, politicians, ex-politicians, sites with the pro-Kremlin editorial policy were activated. These sources spread messages directed against both Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees. 

The about page of the platform gives information about the process of setting it up. Specifically, after the API (Association of Independent Press) implemented a campaign to counteract false information during 2015-2017, the idea was extended to become a full project dedicated to fact checking.

The API has a team of 14 people. Stopfals has five employees and two volunteers, as mentioned on the about page https://stopfals.md/ro/about-us/2
Each stopfals contributors have clear roles that include management, media monitoring, writing and editing factchecks and communication of results.

Beside factchecking through the Stopfals portal, the API organizes events for journalists, provides assistance to independent media outlets and provides media literacy training for various audiences including public institutions.

The goals for the coming year is to keep focusing on the Ukraine war and Kremlin based misinformaton and disinformation, as well as some implications that target Moldova.

The API, through the Stopfals. md portal has focused in the last three months largely on the denial of misinformation and narratives about  the Ukrainian war, and false statements voiced by politicians and former politicians. On average, 10 to 15 denials are published monthly on the portal.

Stopfals is very active - they constantly publish more than one fact check a week.
An estimated average based on the platform gives around 1.75 factchecks per week, for the last 6 months. 

As a sugestion, the applicant may consider avoiding posting multiple factchecks in one day, but rather stagger them to get more attention. For example, in June, while they do have seven factceckes published, they are mostly published in the last week of the month.

In the last three months, Stopfals.md has actively debunked disinformation about the war in Ukraine, about the local Governor's elections in Gagauzia and scams on social networks.The organization does not receive funding from local or foreign state or political sources.The organization does not receive funding from local or foreign state or political sources.

All the factchecks published by StopFals that I have assessed are very relevant, especially considering the context of Moldova, as Russia has intensified its disinformation campaigns targeting Russian speaking populations and exploiting polarization. 

Published factchecks deal mostly with the war in Ukraine, local and national elections and social-media scams that can defraud the citizens.

The organization does not receive funding from local or foreign state or political sources. 

The API / Stopfals implement advocacy campaigns to promote good journalism practices and strive to have a normal working relation with various authorities.
They also publish reports on relevant issues, e.g. attacks on journalists and inform foreign embassies of developments in the media landscape.
Most funding comes from competitive grants, that are transparent and fair.
The applicant has no other relations to the state, politicians or political parties and no funding from state authorities.

 No funding from local or foreign state or political sources

Some of the grants are operated by foreign embassies, e.g. the US embassy, but they are transparent and follow standard mechanisms to ensure editorial independence.

The journalists monitor the media but also the social networks for detecting misinformation;

Analyze the subject;

The journalist collects information ethically and legally.

The journalist, in collecting information of public interest, ensures every time that between his rights and the rights of citizens, who are also sources of information, a fair and reasonable balance is established.

The journalist, prior to requesting information from the source, identifies his name and, as the case may be, the media institution he represents, preventing the source that the information provided could be made public.

The journalist must obtain the opinion of all parties relevant to the subject, and in conflict situations present the positions of at least two parties. The journalist must demonstrate the plurality of opinions, even if he does not agree with them.https://stopfals.md/ro/about-us/0

Stopfals checks various types of claims - some on social media, some in online outlets or in TV interviews. All are analyzed using the same framework. 

It may be relevant to mention that the context of Moldova has important particularities - there is a significant Russian speaking population, Russian language media is common, and some politicians have been proven to be pro-Russian. 
As the 2020 Presidential elections and the 2021 Parlamentary elections have been won by pro-EU candidates, there are significant efforts from pro-Russian opposition to spread disinformation targeting the government and the President as well as Western organizations or leaders.

The implication is that, it may be the case that there are more fact check on statements from opposition parties, but that is easy to understand since they produce the most amount of misinformation in the public sphere.

https://stopfals.md/ro/about-us/0

The about page of the platform presents the methodology, including selection of claims through media monitoring, while excluding clickbait and satiric content.

The platform published factchecks verifying claims from social media posts and various media outlets. The verifications usually include checking public documents and requesting further documents when needed. When a specific person or organization are targeted by a claim, they are given the chance to express a position on said claim. 
There are no conflicts of interest, nor any other relationships that might influence the findings.

Published factchecks are neutral and keep to the specific claims being verified. No candidates or parties are endorsed, and the applicant does not promote any political position or ideology.

The journalists from the Stopfals.md portal respect all the norms of the DEONTOLOGICAL CODE OF THE JOURNALIST FROM THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA.

The team's activity is based on equidistance, transparency, integrity. Our editorial policy is also based on international principles of professional ethics in journalism, including the right to truthful information. Known as the most credible fact-checking newsroom in Moldova, the Stopfals.md portal carries out a non-partisan activity.

https://stopfals.md/ro/about-us/1

The about page of the platform mentions their adherence to the Moldovan Journalists' code of ethics, that includes sections on preventing conflicts of interests. It also specifically mentions non-partisanship as a key principle of their activity.

Each factcheck provides links from the text to the sources. This includes links to the claims being verified, as well as to the documents, statements, or other sources that are used to verify the claims. Some of the articles mentioned are archived, and the link is to that version (in case some articles are deleted).

There are no cases that I have been able to find where sources may need their identity protected

Factchecks are written with consideration for the sources used in verifications. Depending on the claims being verified, main sources include official documents or statements published by authorities or organizations on their official communication channels. In some cases, existing laws are used, and relevant persons or organizations are contacted to express their position.

All factchecks that I have verified use multiple sources to verify the claims, including official documents, existing laws, statements published on official communication channels of organizations, and direct contact with various representatives. 

Most of the time, sources are actual documents or statements. When organizations or public persons are targeted in claims, if needed, they are given an opportunity to state a position, which is quoted as such. There are no factchecks that I have seen that only use a statement from the targeted person/organization as a source for verification, all factchecks use multiple sources.

The API statute includes API goals and tasks, details the organizational structure and attributes of API management, explains how to accumulate financial means and to manage API heritage, etc.

The API statute has been amended several times, the last changes being made at the General Assembly on May 19, 2017. http://api.md/page/en-statutul-api-14

At the beginning of this summer, API organizes the General Assembly of API where the report

on activities is approved, but also the financial one for the previous year. As the report for 2021

is still in process and is not yet approved to be published on the site, on the Stopfals.md portal

we have created a section entitled: ”Projects”, where are published the information about the

projects implemented by Stopfals.md, the financier and the amounts of grants.

StopFals is a distinct unit of the API, a legally registered NGO in Moldova. The API statute is provided, and the StopFals platform mentions it is administered by the API on each page (in the footer) and on the about page.
The yearly reports of the API have been published and detail main funding sources, with 
The StopFals portal also has a "Projects" section mentioning main funding sources that have been specifically obtained for the unit.

Donors and project amounts are indicated in the API's annual activity reports.

Here you will find detailed information regarding the funding for API: http://api.md/page/ro-rapoarte-anuale-21 and STOPFALS Link: https://stopfals.md/ro/about-us/0

https://www.api.md/ro/2022/

StopFals is a unit of the API. On the stopfals platform, each page has the logo of the API, and the about page mentions that StopFals is implemented by the API.

API team counts 14 employees, including eight women and six men. Throughout the year, voluntaries who are usually students from Journalism Faculties are working at API. http://api.md/page/en-contacte-32

The StopFals platform is a unit of the API, a legally registered NGO. The about page of the StopFals portal presents the structure of the unit, starting with the executive director and mentioning members of the editorial team, including the chief editor. 

Stopfals.md is part of API who also has editorial control through the 4 members that also work for Stopfals.md. It is mentioned on Stopfals: https://stopfals.md/ro/about-us/2 

The about page of the StopFals portal presents a short bio of all individuals working for the platform, giving information into their past experience and contributions.                                                                                                           

The Independent Press Association (API) encourages readers to report each case of false and distorted information, the activity carried out by some media institutions and national and international social networks. In that way, the public try to fight the fake media together!

https://stopfals.md/ro/opinion/signal . Also, the Stopfals. MD portal has the Semnale.stopfals.md: https://semnale.stopfals.md/, a section where readers can notify us about a fake from the media or social networks. At the same time, our readers can contact us on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StopFals.md/, but also at the email address stopfals@stopfals.md.

The homepage of the StopFals platform displays a large banner asking visitors to submit claims for verification if they want. The platform also provides links to their social media pages, an email address and a phone number.

https://stopfals.md/ro/campania/gandeste-critic

The about page on the StopFals platform (https://stopfals.md/ro/about-us/1) presents the verification methodology. This includes selecting the claims, the steps taken for verification, and the types of verdicts that can result - minor issue (eg. out of context), medium issue (mixes true and false statements), serious issue (completely made-up statements). The page also lists some of the tools used to verify information, including images and videos.

Moldova has seen an increased pressure in the last years from pro-Russian media and politicians, who spread a significant amount of disinformation.

Thus many fact-checks deal with egregious claims that try to paint politicians and state organizations  (e.g. the National Post) as being corrupt or evil. Many fact-checks also deal with the war in Ukraine, since there has also been a significant number of claims that parrot Kremlin talking points in regard to the war, as well as claims suggesting Moldova will get involved (for example by attacking Transnistria). 
More recently, claims connected to the conflict in the Middle East have started appearing.
I consider all these topics of great importance.

Factchecks are written using high journalistic standards, with all evidence clearly provided. Links to the original claims are given, as are official documents or statements. 
In some cases, claims are presented with supporting evidence as well - for example, a claim that orange juice or Coca-Cola would yield positive results in antigenic COVID tests is shown to be supported by evidence, though it is then clarified why (the acidity) and that such tests are specific and need to be used correctly.

StopFals monitors media in Moldova and accepts submissions from page visitors. Verified claims come from different sources - politicians, journalists, business owners and are all treated according to the published methodology.

StopFals factchecks are written based on written or recorded claims that can be verified (are factual), making the possibility of misrepresentation very limited. For the factchecked that I have assesed, I found there was no need for further clarifications from the person making the claim.

Also, the Stopfals.md portal has the Semnale.stopfals.md section where readers can notify us about a fake from the media or social networks. At the same time, our readers can contact us on their Facebook page, but also at the email address stopfals@stopfals.md. Readers can also send us false ones via Facebook personal page.Here you can find the details needed.

https://stopfals.md/ro/about-us/1. A pre-documentation is made, then the journalists tell the citators that the information is documented or not.

The homepage of the StopFals platform displays a large banner asking visitors to submit claims for verification if they want. The banner leads to a dedicated page where the process is presented and the user is informed their suggestion might not be validated.

The fact-checker has the duty to correct discovered factual errors as soon as possible, publishing easily identifiable corrections. Online media, in case of correction of errors, must specify that the journalistic product has been modified and/or completed, indicating the date of modification/completion. If it discovers that it has published false or manipulative information, the media institution promptly announces this fact and removes the respective information with a strong apology to the public and, as the case may be, to the person or persons directly concerned. The Stopfals.md portal cares about its integrity and reputation. We only publish verified information. In exceptional cases, when an unintentional error creeps in, we correct it and notify the public about the error. The information is corrected both on the site and in social networks.

https://stopfals.md/ro/about-us/1 

On the about page (https://stopfals.md/ro/about-us/23), the platform presents the corrections and complaints policies. The page presents the ways in which suggestions for corrections can be sent, that editors will verify as soon as possible and then presents how corrections will be implemented.

The about us page (https://stopfals.md/ro/about-us/23) provides details regarding the corrections and complaints policy.

The page states that suggestion for corrections can be sent by email or to the Facebook page of the platform. The corrections policy mentions that orthographic errors will be corrected in the text directly, while factual errors will be presented in a correction note added to the initial fact check.

The page also mentions that all visitors can submit a complaint either to IFCN or to the Press Council of Moldova (links are provided).

The Stopfals.md portal did not have any complaints from its readers from other people regarding the quality of the materials published by the Stopfals.md portal.

I have found only one corrected article, from March 2022. The applicant stated they had not received complaints or suggestions for corrections in the last year. 

The Stopfals.md portal announced to the readers that the platform has the status of a signatory of the IFCN Code of Principles. In case the journalists will violate the deontological norms, the readers can notify IFCN with a complaint against Stopfals.md.

https://stopfals.md/ro/article/portalul-stopfals-md-a-semnat-codul-de-principii-al-celei-mai-mari-retele-de-verificare-a-faptelor-din-lume-international-fact-checking-network-ifcn-180425

The Stopfals.md portal has the section: Error correction policy, where readers are informed

about the steps that are followed by the editorial team in case they make mistakes.

The journalists from the Stopfals.md portal have signed and respect all the norms of the

JOURNALIST CODE OF ETHICS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA.

The Stopfals.md portal is accountable to the public. All complaints and observations made in

accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Journalist of the Republic of Moldova and the Code of

Principles of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) are taken into account, a

document that contains a number of commitments that promote excellence in fact-finding. The

Stopfals.md portal has undertaken to comply with these commitments when applying to become

a member of this international fact-checking network.

The editorial team of the Stopfals.md portal offers all interested parties the opportunity to report

an error or inaccuracy in the material published on the platform.

Notifications can be sent to the email address stopfals@stopfals.md , on the Facebook network,

or on other social networks.

The editorial team examines the complaint/referral in a timely manner and informs the parties of

its decision. In case of inaccuracy or error, corrections will be made immediately in all possible

formats.

Grammatical or mechanical errors (spelling), which essentially do not affect the reader's

perception of the content of the text, will be corrected directly in the text.

In case of a major error, the editors will apologize and make the correction by returning with an

update. See an example of an error here.

At the same time, if the journalists from Stopfals.md violate the deontological norms, the readers

can notify IFCN with a complaint against Stopfals.md. The Press Council of the Republic of

Moldova may also be notified.

NOTE: This announcement is also published for Russian-speaking readers.

6.5

http://www.api.md/page/en-affiliation-and-partnerships-16

The StopFals platform published an article that informed the readers of being a signatory of the IFCN Code. The article mentions that this means the team has acknowledged they need to conduct their activity based on the principles in the code, and that any complaints can be addresses directly to the IFCN (link provided).

The same information is also available on the about page of the platform.

www.api.md 

The StopFals platform is not a unit of a media company, but a unit of an NGO that aims to represent journalists in Moldova and act with them to self-regulate.