Organization: The Logical Indian
Applicant: Abhishek Mazumdar
Assessor: Kanchan Kaur
Background
The applicant is part of a legally registered digital media organization. The website is focussed on fact-checking and says it plans to work on media literacy and fact checking. However, their explanation that child-kidnapping rumors through WhatsApp that led to several deaths in the country was one of the reasons for them to set up a fact-checking unit is a bit fallacious because the unit was set up in 2016 and the rumors took hold in the country in 2018. Also, cheaper internet became a reality only in 2017.
The applicant has published fact checks quite regularly, at an average of at least one a week and most of them are in the public interest. The applicant's editorial work seems to be independent of any political influence. It has stated that it does not receive funding from any state or political sources.
The applicant has explained its connection with a political party and has averred that it has now stepped back from that connection and that it shows no support for any party, politician or political candidate and does not advocate for any policy issues.
The applicant uses the same standards of judgement for equivalent claims, and does not concentrate its fact checking on any one side. It clearly explains the methodology it uses to check claims, considering the reach and importance of the claims. It has provided links to the sources it quotes, where it can do so, including other fact checkers it has referenced.
The applicant has publicly explained its non-partisanship policy and has said that employees’ policies include a clause on non-partisanship.
The applicant identifies the source of all evidence and provides links; readers can replicate the fact checks. It mainly uses primary sources where it can and checks claims against more than one source of evidence.
The applicant has explained that its funding comes from its parent organization.
The organisational structure is laid out on its website and biographies of the two people who have been listed as part of the fact-check team have been put out. The website encourages readers to get in touch with the team through a Contact Us page. Further, at the end of each Fact-check, the website provides an email address and a WhatsApp number.
The website explains the methodology used to select, research and publish fact checks. It selects claims mainly in the public interest and provides evidence on both sides of the claim. It uses the same standards to evaluate evidence for similar claims. It invites readers to send in claims to fact checks.
The correction policy is laid out on its website clearly and sets out what corrections are made and how, in detail. In the one mistake it says it has made, the applicant has clearly explained what the mistake was and how it was corrected. The parent company of the applicant has a clear and open corrections policy and it seems to adhere to it.
Assessment Conclusion
The application may be accepted.
Kanchan Kaur assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
The main publishing language of the applicant 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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The Logical Indian Fact Check is a part of The Logical Indian, a digital media organisation. The Logical Indian is part of Creatiwox Internet LLP with its registered office in Bangalore, India. Started in 2013, the company is founded by Abhishek Mazumdar (Co-Founder) and Anurag Mazumdar (Co-Founder).
The company is currently bootstrapped and generate revenue through online ads and sponsored articles. We promote limited and only socially relevant ads, and all such content is tagged as ‘Sponsored’ to clearly distinguish it from a regular article on the website.
The Logical Indian Fact-Check Team is independent of other editorial operations of the company and engages in fact checking the stories and busting misinformation in the mainstream and social media. This team reports directly to Abhishek Mazumdar, Chief Executive Officer of the company.
The link with documents of verifying that the The Fact Check team is a distinct team and the organisation it is part of a legal entity can be found here:
Letter- Fact Check-... (409 KB)
Certificate_of_Incor... (520 KB)
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is legally registered and a part of a digital media organisation called The Logical Indian.
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?
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago)
1. The Logical Indian Fact Check division was set up in February 1, 2016. As internet became cheaper in India, there was a sudden rise in the no. of misinformation and disinformation being circulated on social networking sites and communication platforms like WhatsApp. The fake news were not just being peddled by netizens on social media but mainstream media had also become a major source of many fake news. Seeing the need, The Logical Indian started its fact-checking division, with an intention to fact-check the claims made by politicians or public figures, news reported by mainstream media and health related fake news. The other reason that pushed us to take this initiative was the fake WhatsApp forwards especially related to child kidnapping rumours were taking lives.
2. Currently, The Fact Check Team has two full-time employees and an intern. One person is the editor and other one is writer, who fact-checks information. The editor also does the work of going through requests on WhatsApp from the readers who want to get certain information verified and assign it to the writer. Intern writes article on the platform. The editor also does regular videos busting fake information for consumption of millennials.
3. Apart from fact-checking information, The Logical Indian Fact Check team does media literacy program in schools and colleges across India for free. Understanding the need of making people aware of the ways they can verify information, the workshops are being done. Media literacy program goes a long way in fight against fake news.
4. a) To do fact-checks in regional language (Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu).
b) To have a dedicated team to reply to messages we get on different platforms where our presence is. Currently, we majorly use messages we get on our WhatsApp fact-check no. as a source to find fake news that are being circulated and do fact-check on them.
c) Strengthening the media literacy program and to have these workshops in rural hinterland of India.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago)
The applicant website is focussed on fact-checking. However, in their explanation, they mention that child-kidnapping rumors through WhatsApp that led to several deaths in the country was one of the reasons for them to set up a fact-checking unit. This is a bit fallacious because the unit was set up in 2016 and the rumors took hold in the country in 2018. Also, cheaper internet became a reality only in 2017.
The applicant has indicated its plans for the future, focussing on media literacy and 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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The Logical Indian Fact Check team focusses on fact-checking claims that matters. We do fact-checks on claims we believe that if spread, can disturb communal harmony, instigate riots, harm reputation of an individual or an organisation, if followed can harm health of people or influence thoughts of people. Above all, we believe that no citizens should put their vote based on fake information they have consumed, so we fact-check claims made by political leaders, parties, governments or policy makers.
We are attaching the spreadsheet of the lead topic that we covered in each fact-check we published over the three months prior to the date of 14th May, 2020. Except a few, all the news we fact-checked are for the common good and safety of the public.
The articles published over the last three months can also be accessed on this link - https://thelogicalindian.com/fact-check
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has published fact checks quite regularly, at an average of at least one a week.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Most fact checks published by the applicant are in the public interest and do relate to issues that could have an impact on the general public and society.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago)
The Logical Indian has a strict policy against taking political funds and political ad-campaigns. The Logical Indian and its fact-check division doesn't have any commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship with the state, politicians or political parties in the country. The Logical Indian is bootstrapped and hasn't taken any funding explain funding or support received from foreign as well as local state or political actors over the previous financial year.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant's editorial work seems to be independent of any political influence.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago)
We don't take funding from local or foreign state of political sources
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has stated that it does not receive funding from any 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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
We prioritize fact-checks on claims we believe that if spread may disrupt societal peace, instigate chaos, damage a person or organization 's credibility if pursued may damage people's health or influence people's thoughts.
3. https://thelogicalindian.com/fact-check/statue-of-unity-taj-mahal/
4. https://thelogicalindian.com/fact-check/bengali-second-language-london/
6. https://thelogicalindian.com/fact-check/pm-modi-independence-day-speech/
7. https://thelogicalindian.com/fact-check/aap-bjp-jdu-ajay-alok-delhi-election-rape-accused-19761
9. https://thelogicalindian.com/fact-check/cathdral-salamanca-spain-panchvarnswami-tamil-nadu/
10. https://thelogicalindian.com/fact-check/pakistan-flag-viral/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant uses the same standards of judgement for equivalent claims, irrespective of who made the claim. It does not concentrate its fact checking on any one side.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The Fact Check team at The Logical Indian is always on the lookout for any news/social media posts where false information has been shared as a fact, or correct information is being shared as incorrect. A few examples of posts we take up are:
1) We verify claims made by politicians/people in important governmental positions in India
2) Information being shared against or in favour of political parties/leaders which appear untrue.
3) Posts by Facebook pages/twitter handles spreading hate using fake information Messages from our readers, who mail/text us anything which looks suspicious.
4) Scams/Rumours which can cause fear or panic amongst people.
5) Misinformation on health or even related to business/economy.
To ensure that we verify the most viral claims, we depend on our WhatsApp fact-check no., we check for the no. of requests we have got on a particular information that is being sent to us and also we google/Facebook search/Twitter search the text with which the posts are being shared to check the virality of the content.
https://thelogicalindian.com/about-fact-checking/#tlifactcheckmethodology
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant clearly explains on its website the methodology it uses to check claims. It states that it considers reach and importance of the claims they 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
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has provided links to the sources its quotes, where it can do so.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The Logical Indian's origin is related to Aam Aadmi Party and India Against Corruption (IAC) movement. In 2011, the country was going through a churning when there was a lot of anger against the alleged corruptions going on in the country. IAC movement brought the youth of the country out on the streets and for many it was a moment of realisation that we as citizens have hope of better governance and accountability, and the movement inspired the Founders of The Logical Indian. The Founders of The Logical Indian don't have any affiliation with AAP or any other political party. The movement led to the origin of AAP and we at the starting day of the platform (early 2014) supported the ideas proposed by them as they were relatable to the Youth. As we grew as the news platform, we have been nonpartisan and unbiased in coverage of any of the political parties.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has explained its connection with a political party and has averred that it has now stepped back from that connection and that it shows no support for any party, politician or political candidate and does not advocate for any policy issues.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Non-Partisanship Policy - https://thelogicalindian.com/about-fact-checking/#tlifactchecknonpartisan
As a digital media platform, The Logical Indian strives to achieve the highest standard of journalism. In pursuance of the same standard, The Logical Indian has clear policy to not take donation, investment or grants from a political party or any individual leader representing a political party. The Logical Indian including its fact-checking team has a stringent policy for its employees to not be part of any political party, think tanks associated with political parties, advocacy groups or NGOs which are affiliated with political parties. Employees aren’t allowed to support even independent political candidates which might put question marks on the credibility of the individual or the organisation. Employees are expected to not be partisan while expressing their political views in public and that is reflected through our social media policy which is applicable to not just the editorial team but everyone part of the company. Disciplinary actions are taken in case of violation depending on the impact of the act.
A clause from our Social Media Policy, the scope of which applies to all the employees of Creatiwox Interent LLP. Here's the clause -
"Creatiwox staffers must be aware that the opinions they express may damage Creatiwox’s reputation as an unbiased source of news. Creatiwox staffers must refrain from declaring their views on contentious public issues in any public forum and must not take part in organized action in support of causes or movements. Staffers must not include political affiliations in their profiles and should not make any postings that express political views expressing consistent inclination towards a political party, ideology, leader or a member. All political views must be neutral or solution-oriented "
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has publicly explained its non-partisanship policy on its website and says that the social media policy for its employees includes a clause on non-partisanship.
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
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant identifies the source of all evidence it provides in the fact check and provides links. Readers can replicate the fact checks.
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
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant uses mainly primary sources where it can, as well as secondary sources in some places.
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
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant checks claims against more than one 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
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant clearly links to the relevant sources it uses, thereby indicating to the reader the interests of the sources.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago)
The Logical Indian Fact Check is unity of The Logical Indian, a digital media platform. The proof of same being attached here
Letter- Fact Check-... (409 KB)
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is a unit of a digital media platform, and has provided a letter to indicate that. .
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago)
The Logical Indian is part of Creatiwox Internet LLP with its registered office in Bangalore, India. Started in 2013, the company is founded by Abhishek Mazumdar (Co-Founder) and Anurag Mazumdar (Co-Founder).
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has stated that its funding comes from its parent company--Creativewox Internet LLP, which in turn has an advertising revenue model.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
For a news organization, The Logical Indian believes it is important to have clearly defined roles and a formal structure of your fact-check team. The Logical Indian aims to ensure straightforward and best practices in fact-checking.
The structure of the fact-check team can be accessed at this link- https://thelogicalindian.com/about-fact-checking/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The website has set out the organisational structure on its website.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago)
The biographies of those who are part of The Logical Indian fact-check team: https://thelogicalindian.com/about-fact-checking/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The biographies of the two people who have been listed as part of the fact-check team have been put out.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago)
At the end of each article, we encourage our readers to send us information that they want to be verified. The text reads, "If you have any news that you believe needs to be fact-checked, please email us at factcheck@thelogicalindian.com or WhatsApp at 6364000343." Also, if readers miss that, we also have a poster at the end of each fact-check article asking users for the same.
The Logical Indian
04-Feb-2021 (3 years ago)
At the end of each article, we encourage our readers to send us information that they want to be verified. The text reads, "If you have any news that you believe needs to be fact-checked, please email us at factcheck@thelogicalindian.com or WhatsApp at 6364000343." Also, if readers miss that, we also have a poster at the end of each fact-check article asking users for the same.
Readers can also submit their claim for verification at 'Contact Us' page of our website. The 'Contact Us' option is available if one clicks at the vertical ellipsis at the top right corner of the website. 'Contact Us' option is also available in the footer of the website. Contact us option will be visible for readers on all the pages of the website. The link of contact us page is https://thelogicalindian.com/contact-us-3/
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Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The website does not have a Contact Us page or link. However, at the end of each Fact-check, it does provide an email address and a WhatsApp number to get in touch. For that, a reader would have to get into a fact-check story. It might help for them to have a separate Contact Us page with some details.
cancel 4.5 marked as Request change by Kanchan Kaur.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
04-Feb-2021 (3 years ago)
The website encourages readers to get in touch with its editorial team through a Contact Us page and at the end of each Fact-check, provides an email address and a WhatsApp number to get in touch.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
On about us section of The Logical Indian Fact Check, the methodology of selection, research, writing and publishing of our fact checks is available: https://thelogicalindian.com/about-fact-checking/#tlifactcheckmethodology
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The website provides a link that explains the methodology used to select, research and publish fact checks. The methodology is quite clearly explained.
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
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant selects claims mainly in the public interest, taking into account 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
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
In its fact checks, the applicant provides evidence that supports the claim, as well as that appears 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
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant uses the same standards to evaluate evidence for similar claims, irrespective 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
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Where possible, the applicant contacts the person who made the claim and continues with its fact checks whether or not it has received a response.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago)
We verify any kind of information which are important for public. At the end of each article, we encourage our readers to send us information that they want to be verified. The text reads, "If you have any news that you believe needs to be fact-checked, please email us at factcheck@thelogicalindian.com or WhatsApp at 6364000343."
Also, if readers miss that, we also have a poster at the end of each fact-check article asking users for the same.
The Logical Indian
04-Feb-2021 (3 years ago)
We verify any kind of information which are important for public. At the end of each article, we encourage our readers to send us information that they want to be verified. The text reads, "If you have any news that you believe needs to be fact-checked, please email us at factcheck@thelogicalindian.com or WhatsApp at 6364000343."
Also, if readers miss that, we also have a poster at the end of each fact-check article asking users for the same.
In the methodology section of our website, we have explained what kind of claims readers can expect to be fact-checked. The link is here: https://thelogicalindian.com/about-fact-checking/#tlifactcheckmethodology
Additionally, in the 'Contact Us' page where readers can submit any information they want to be verified, we have explained what kind of claims The Logical Indian verifies. https://thelogicalindian.com/contact-us-3/
Screenshot_126.png (65 KB)
The Logical Indian
04-Feb-2021 (3 years ago)
We verify any kind of information which are important for public. At the end of each article, we encourage our readers to send us information that they want to be verified. The text reads, "If you have any news that you believe needs to be fact-checked, please email us at factcheck@thelogicalindian.com or WhatsApp at 6364000343."
Also, if readers miss that, we also have a poster at the end of each fact-check article asking users for the same.
In the methodology section of our website, we have explained what kind of claims readers can expect to be fact-checked. The link is here: https://thelogicalindian.com/about-fact-checking/#tlifactcheckmethodology
Additionally, in the 'Contact Us' page where readers can submit any information they want to be verified, we have explained what kind of claims The Logical Indian verifies. https://thelogicalindian.com/contact-us-3/
Screenshot_126.png (65 KB)
Screenshot_126.png (65 KB)
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
At the end of each fact check, the applicant invites readers to send in claims to fact checks. It would help for the website to have a clear Contact Us page which the reader could directly access without going into a fact-check. Also, the invitation to send claims does not explain what readers can expect to be fact-checked and what is not.
cancel 5.6 marked as Request change by Kanchan Kaur.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
04-Feb-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
At the end of each fact check, the applicant invites readers to send in claims to fact check. It also has a Contact Us page which the reader could directly access without going into a fact-check.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago)
The Logical Indian as an organisation has always been upfront in owning its mistakes and apart from corrections, in the case of major blunder we have issued public apology to our readers. The same value is carried by The Logical Indian Fact Check team. For any factual error in our fact-check article, as it comes to our notice, we do a revised article with new conclusion and explaining the correction at the top of the article and distribute it on all the social media platforms where our presence i.
There are multiple avenues where our readers can reach out to point out any correction in our contents. The one avenue which our readers often use is "suggest a correction" tab that is available at the end of each fact-check article. The screenshot of the same option is attached here.
The other way is they can email directly to us at factcheck@thelogicalindian.com.
The Logical Indian correction policy can be assessed on our about us section: https://thelogicalindian.com/about-fact-checking/
Screenshot 2020-05-2... (147 KB)
The Logical Indian
03-Jul-2020 (4 years ago)
The Logical Indian as an organisation has always been upfront in owning its mistakes and apart from corrections, in the case of major blunders, we have issued public apology to our readers. The same value is carried by The Logical Indian Fact Check team. For any factual error in our fact-check article, as it comes to our notice, we do a revised article with a new conclusion and explain the correction at the top of the article and distribute it on all the social media platforms where our presence is.
There are multiple avenues where our readers can reach out to point out any correction in our contents. The one avenue which our readers often use is "suggest a correction" tab that is available at the end of each fact-check article. The screenshot of the same option is attached here. The other way is they can email directly to us at factcheck@thelogicalindian.com.
The overall correction policy with details of different kind of errors and the ways we addressed them is summed up here:
The Logical Indian fact-check team takes all effort to ensure that any of the information that goes live is verified. We endeavour to be promptly responsive in correcting errors in material published on our platform. When we run a correction, clarification on our social media handles or share an editor’s note, our goal is to tell readers, as clearly and quickly as possible, what was wrong and what is correct. Anyone should be able to understand how and why a mistake has been corrected.
Updating a Report
We make it a practice to put notes on stories if a story has been updated. It is important for us to use a correction or clarification to inform readers whenever we correct a significant mistake or edit a story to include comments, updates from a stakeholder.
Corrections
If we are substantively correcting an article, photo caption, headline, graphic, video or other material, we promptly publish a correction explaining the need for the said change. For any factual error in our fact-check article, as it comes to our notice, we do a revised article with a new conclusion and explain the correction at the top of the article and distribute it on all the social media platforms where our presence is.
Clarification
When our journalism is factually correct but the language we used to explain those facts is not as clear or detailed as it should be, the language is rewritten and a clarification added to the story. A clarification is also used to note if we initially failed to seek a comment or response that has since been added to the story.
Other Corrections Policies
When we publish erroneous information on social networks, we correct it on that platform. We retract the incorrect information if we cannot alter it.
If one believes a story we have published is inaccurate, please suggest corrections via ‘Suggest A Correction’ section that appears at the end of every web-story that is published. We also request our community members to send the correction at factcheck@thelogicalindian.com.
The Logical Indian correction policy can be assessed on our about us section: https://thelogicalindian.com/about-fact-checking/#tlifactcheckcorrectionpolicy
Screenshot 2020-05-2... (147 KB)
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The link to the Correction Policy is clearly indicated in the website. The policy is explained quite clearly.
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
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The correction policy as laid out by the applicant sets out what corrections are made and how, in detail.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago)
Since the inception of The Logical Indian fact-check team, there has been only one instance when there was an error in our fact-check article and we apologised for the error and put the correct information with the apology.
https://thelogicalindian.com/fact-check/smriti-irani-trolled-80-crore-families-21164
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
In the one mistake it says it has made, the applicant has clearly explained what the mistake was and how it was corrected.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago)
We are not an existing signatory.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
This criteria does not apply as the applicant is not an existing signatory.
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.
The Logical Indian
27-May-2020 (4 years ago)
The link of the parent media company's correction policy: https://thelogicalindian.com/policy/corrections
Since its existence, The Logical Indian has always believed in giving accurate information to our readers. In case of factual errors/major blunders, we have issued public apology with corrections. We have done articles too on our mistakes to ensure that users of the original see the correction and the corrected version.
Here are a few links of the corrections made in case of error:
https://www.facebook.com/logical.indian/photos/a.430765593719832/2394875523975486/
https://thelogicalindian.com/news/liquor-bottles-up/
https://www.facebook.com/logical.indian/photos/a.430765593719832/1767853003344411/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
26-Sep-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The parent company of the applicant has a clear and open corrections policy and it seems to adhere to it.