WebQoof is The Quint's fact-checking vertical. The Quint is a legally registered organisation, owned by Quint Digital Media Limited (earlier known as Gaurav Mercantiles Limited), a company listed on the BSE Limited. Mr. Raghav Bahl and Ms. Ritu Kapur are the Promoters of Quint Digital Media Limited. Please refer to the corporate website of the Company at www.quintdigitalmedia.com

Details of its legal registration are presented under the header ‘How Are We Funded?’ In the “About Us” here: https://www.thequint.com/about-us

WebQoof is the fact checking of Quint Digital Media, a listed company.

WebQoof is the fact checking of Quint Digital Media, a listed company.

1. WebQoof, The Quint’s fact-checking operation, was started in May 2017, in response to the revelation of disinformation campaign around the 2016 US presidential elections and comparable trends in India, particularly hateful campaigns with communal overtone.

2. There are approx 175 employees at The Quint. 6 of them work with the fact-checking operation full time, while others (for eg. journalists across the country and specialists) act as editorial input support network.

3. The Quint is an award winning digital-only news organisation which specialises in investigative, deep dive reporting and analysis on issues public and national importance. The Quint also provides a platform for citizen journalism under the My Report brand and fact-checking operation under the WebQoof brand.

4. Over the years, WebQoof has built a dedicated audience for itself which not only reads our stories but also send us queries for fact-checking. While we have been working on political fact-checking, health fact-checking, debunking narratives on social media, deep-dives and analytical pieces related to mis/disinformation trends on social media, we intend to work in the field of media literacy in the coming year with a lot more focus on being able to tell people how to fact-check on their own using videos as a medium. 

1. WebQoof, was started in May 2017, to counter the disinformation campaign around the 2016 particularly hateful campaigns with communal overtones.

2. WebQoof has 6 full time staff, and have their team of journalists across the country and specialists act as editorial input support network .

3. The parent organization The Quint publishes investigative reports and analysis on issues public and national importance. The Quint have a citizen journalism section and fact-checking operation - WebQoof.

4. They have been working on political fact-checking, health fact-checking, debunking narratives on social media, deep-dives and analytical pieces related to mis/disinformation trends on social media. They plan to include media literacy teaching people to fact-check on their own using videos as a medium. 

1. WebQoof, was started in May 2017, to counter the disinformation campaign around the 2016 particularly hateful campaigns with communal overtones.

2. WebQoof has 6 full time staff, and have their team of journalists across the country and specialists act as editorial input support network .

3. The parent organization The Quint publishes investigative reports and analysis on issues public and national importance. The Quint have a citizen journalism section and fact-checking operation - WebQoof.

4. They have been working on political fact-checking, health fact-checking, debunking narratives on social media, deep-dives and analytical pieces related to mis/disinformation trends on social media. They plan to include media literacy teaching people to fact-check on their own using videos as a medium. 

The Quint's WebQoof section publishes an average of 15-20 fact-check stories a week, depending on the news flow.

The Quint's WebQoof section has been publishing over 10 fact-checks a week for over 36 months now.

All the fact-check reports and videos can be accessed here: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof

The applicant has published more than the required number of fact checks required for compliance.

The applicant has published more than the required number of fact checks required for compliance.

Fact checks published over the previous three months can be accessed here: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof

The applicant complies with this requirement. The stories they choose to debunk clearly have an impact on society. 

The applicant complies with this requirement. The stories they choose to debunk clearly have an impact on society. 

The Quint has no commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship to the state, politicians or political parties in the country or countries it covers.

There was no funding or support received from foreign as well as local state or political actors over the previous financial year.

There does not seem to be any political influence on the stories selected or the way in which they are written. Stories from all sides of the spectrum are covered. The fact checks do not carry a bias. The parent company is public and listed on the stock exchange. 

There does not seem to be any political influence on the stories selected or the way in which they are written. Stories from all sides of the spectrum are covered. The fact checks do not carry a bias. The parent company is public and listed on the stock exchange. 

WebQoof is The Quint's fact-checking vertical. The Quint is a legally registered organisation, owned by Quint Digital Media Limited, a company listed on the BSE Limited. Mr. Raghav Bahl and Ms. Ritu Kapur are the Promoters of Quint Digital Media Limited. Please refer to the corporate website of the Company at www.quintdigitalmedia.com

Details of its legal registration are presented under the header ‘How Are We Funded?’ In the “About Us” here:

https://www.thequint.com/about-us

WebQoof does not have any financial dependence on the state or political actors. They are fully funded by the parent company which is listed.

WebQoof does not have any financial dependence on the state or political actors. They are fully funded by the parent company which is listed.

1. We follow the highest standards of verification and ensure that we let facts speak for themselves and not draw conclusions in the absence of facts. We also ensure that we are non-partisan while fact-checking. We have fact-checked politicians cutting across party lines irrespective of their ideology.  

Cong MP Makes False Claims About Shah Sitting on Tagore’s Chair: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof/cong-false-claims-about-amit-shah-jp-nadda-in-parliament-rabindranath-tagore

Assam CM’s Remark on ‘Family Planning’ for Muslims Lacks Context: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof/himanta-biswa-sarma-muslim-women-family-planning-lacks-context

2. Congress Punjab Poll Campaign Uses Photos of BJP Govt's 'Pink Bus' Scheme: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof/congress-accounts-share-assam-govt-campaign-as-own-fact-check

Sambit Patra Shares Pics of Dilapidated School From BJP's Tenure to Criticise SP: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof/bjp-sambit-patra-schools-uttar-pradesh-factcheck

3. NASA Says 14-Year-Old Girl's Selection Was Based on 'False Information': https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof/the-truth-behind-14-year-old-aurangabad-girls-selection-to-nasa

4. Fact-Check: Did Taliban Execute a Man By Hanging Him From a Helicopter?: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof/afghanistan-crisis-taliban-hanging-man-from-helicopter-fact-check

5. Times Now Airs Clip From Wales As 'Pakistani Jets Over Panjshir': https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof/times-now-airs-video-from-wales-and-pakistani-jet-over-panjshir-fact-check

6. Unrelated Clip of Pro-Khalistan Bike Rally Falsely Linked to PM’s Punjab Visit: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof/pro-khalistan-rally-during-pm-punjab-visit-fact-check

7. There Is No ‘Singapore Variant’, Kejriwal’s Claim Is Misleading: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof/arvind-kejriwal-singapore-variant-fact-check

8. BJP Leader, News Channels Share Video From Pakistan With a False Communal Spin: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof/video-from-pakistan-attempted-abduction-shared-false-communal-claim

9. No, Video Doesn't Show People Raising Slogans Against PM Modi in Varanasi: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof/pm-modi-varanasi-anti-slogans-video-fact-check

10. No, That's Not the Satellite Footage of the IAF Helicopter Crash: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof/graphical-representation-of-ias-chopper-crash-shared-as-satellite-footage-fact-check

The fact checks cover a variety of subjects.The process they follow is clearly explained; they try to use primary sources for verification, they also use digital digital verification tools. They use the reporters from the parent publication when needed for verification. All claims are checked using similar standards. 

The fact checks cover a variety of subjects.The process they follow is clearly explained; they try to use primary sources for verification, they also use digital digital verification tools. They use the reporters from the parent publication when needed for verification. All claims are checked using similar standards. 

We have a strict policy of non-partisanship. While selecting a story for fact-checking:

1. We assess the impact that fake post can have - is it likely to instigate violence? Can it harm anyone? What will be the implications if it goes viral?

2. We assess the kind of damage it can do. In certain cases, posts can incite violence or can make an already sensitive situation worse, we prioritise based on the repercussions it can have.

3. We check the vitality. in some cases, the most innocuous posts which are viral can mislead/misinform people.

4. Misinformation is parallel to the news cycle, we also focus on breaking news events and news cycle to ensure that we fact-check and debunk narratives and falsehoods around that.

You can find all the additional details here: https://www.thequint.com/about-us/webqoof

The methodology followed for the selection of claims is clearly explained. The claims are selected on a few factors such as the impact that fake post can have, the kind of damage it can do. They prioritise based on the repercussions it can have and focus on breaking news events and news cycle to ensure they fact-check and debunk narratives and falsehoods around that.

The methodology followed for the selection of claims is clearly explained. The claims are selected on a few factors such as the impact that fake post can have, the kind of damage it can do. They prioritise based on the repercussions it can have and focus on breaking news events and news cycle to ensure they fact-check and debunk narratives and falsehoods around that.

All the fact-check reports and videos can be accessed here: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof

The applicant mentions the sources and method used in the fact checking process clearly. They use digital tools, in addition they make use of their network of journalists to speak to sources. There is no evidence that sources that could influence their findings.

The applicant mentions the sources and method used in the fact checking process clearly. They use digital tools, in addition they make use of their network of journalists to speak to sources. There is no evidence that sources that could influence their findings.

All the fact-check reports and videos can be accessed here: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof

There is no evidence of the organisation’s affiliation to any political party. 

There is no evidence of the organisation’s affiliation to any political party. 

As a part of the company policy, employees are made to sign an undertaking which clearly states that the employees are not directly or indirectly involved with any political party, candidate.

Team members must not be involved directly or indirectly in any kind of political activity like advocating or campaigning for any political party or candidate, public expressions of their personal political preference (like sticking banners in their houses, displaying political stickers or slogans on their vehicles etc).

Team members are prohibited from contesting or accepting any appointment or association of whatsoever nature with any public office.

More details of the work, methodology and the team involved can be accessed here: https://www.thequint.com/about-us/webqoof

The applicant states its non partisan policy clearly. Employees are expected to avoid public expression or demonstration of their political views. Employees a sign an undertaking which clearly states that the employees are not directly or indirectly involved with any political party or candidate.

The applicant states its non partisan policy clearly. Employees are expected to avoid public expression or demonstration of their political views. Employees a sign an undertaking which clearly states that the employees are not directly or indirectly involved with any political party or candidate.

Sources are essential when it comes to fact-checking and linking our readers back to the sources from where we extract information is our responsibility.

We cite sources and link it to the original document within our report. At times, when there is fear that a particular page/tweet will be taken down, we archive those and use the archived source for the benefit of our viewers or take screenshots of the page/tweet. In most instances, we get in touch with stake holders or authorities to get verification for stories and those are also well documented within our internal network to use it as a proof, if need arises.

More details of the work, methodology and the team involved can be accessed here: https://www.thequint.com/about-us/webqoof

Additionally, we'd like to mention that in its early days, WebQoof was republishing stories, under a mutual agreement, from other fact-checking websites. So reader might find stories from other organisations on our website prior to 2017-2018.

All the fact check reports and videos can be accessed here: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof

The applicant identifies the sources and evidence in the claims debunked. Sources are linked and referenced. The fact checks are replicable.  

The applicant identifies the sources and evidence in the claims debunked. Sources are linked and referenced. The fact checks are replicable.  

All the fact check reports and videos can be accessed here: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof

The fact checked stories use primary sources where possible where they use their network of reporters, they make an effort to contact the sources and experts connected. This is in addition to the digital verification tools they use. Relevant sources are hyperlinked. 

The fact checked stories use primary sources where possible where they use their network of reporters, they make an effort to contact the sources and experts connected. This is in addition to the digital verification tools they use. Relevant sources are hyperlinked. 

All the fact check reports and videos can be accessed here: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof

The applicant’s fact checks are compliant with this requirement they use multiple sources for the fact checks they publish. 

The applicant’s fact checks are compliant with this requirement they use multiple sources for the fact checks they publish. 

All the fact check reports and videos can be accessed here: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof

The sources are clearly identified so the reader can conclude if there is any influence of a source on the story.

The sources are clearly identified so the reader can conclude if there is any influence of a source on the story.

WebQoof, is the fact-checking arm of an award winning news organisation – The Quint – which specialises in investigative, deep dive reporting and analysis on issues of public and national importance.

You can find more details about our organisational structure here: https://www.thequint.com/about-us

WebQoof is the fact checking unit of the parent company, Quint. They have a dedicated team that works on fact checking. The details are available on the website. 

WebQoof is the fact checking unit of the parent company, Quint. They have a dedicated team that works on fact checking. The details are available on the website. 

The Quint is owned by Quint Digital Media Limited, a company listed on the BSE Limited. Mr Raghav Bahl and Ms Ritu Kapur are the Promoters of Quint Digital Media Limited (formerly known as Gaurav Mercantiles Limited). Please refer to the corporate website of the company at www.quintdigitalmedia.com

You can find more details about our organisational structure and funding here: https://www.thequint.com/about-us

The applicant is compliant with this requirement. The website clearly shows the ownership.

The applicant is compliant with this requirement. The website clearly shows the ownership.

You can find the organisational structure of The Quint here: https://www.thequint.com/about-us/webqoof

The oraganisational structure is clearly mentioned on the website.

The oraganisational structure is clearly mentioned on the website.

You can find the professional biographies of the editorial team here: https://www.thequint.com/about-us/webqoof

Brief biographies ofthe fact checking team are available on the website. 

Brief biographies ofthe fact checking team are available on the website. 

You can see the details here: https://www.thequint.com/contact-us

We also share our contact points (email and WhatsApp tip-line) on social media frequently. We also attach a message at the end of every story asking people to send us their queries, if any. 

Contact details are clearly provided on the website.

Contact details are clearly provided on the website.

The process of fact-checking ranges from ground reporting, reading government and publicly available data, calling various stakeholders, and authorities to verify facts. We also rely on online tools like InVid, Twitter Advance Search, Google Advance Search, Google Maps etc while analysing various parts of a message for a detailed response.

We have sent our reporters on the ground many times to verify news stories and thus preventing misinformation from spreading. One of the recent examples would be from the farmers' protest when are reporters on the ground helped us verify information and at the same time helped in minimising the spread of misinformation. However, even for this story, we relied on our reporters, other reporters present in the area, experts and visual evidence. This was done to give a clear and 100% factual information.

Link: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof/khalistan-flag-hoisted-stop-red-fort-farmers-protest-fact-check#read-more

Our methodology can be found here: https://www.thequint.com/about-us/webqoof

The methodology is clearly explained on the website. 

The methodology is clearly explained on the website. 

All the fact check reports and videos can be accessed here: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof

The claims are selected without any bias, based on requests from their audiences.Claims are selected based on impact. Fake post that can cause damage are prioritised. They also focus on breaking news events and news cycle to ensure that fact-checks debunk narratives and falsehoods around that.

The claims are selected without any bias, based on requests from their audiences.Claims are selected based on impact. Fake post that can cause damage are prioritised. They also focus on breaking news events and news cycle to ensure that fact-checks debunk narratives and falsehoods around that.

All the fact check reports and videos can be accessed here: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof

The applicant explains the claims and the sources for the claim. The fact checks provide explanations for the evidence­ they use to counter the claim.

The applicant explains the claims and the sources for the claim. The fact checks provide explanations for the evidence­ they use to counter the claim.

All the fact check reports and videos can be accessed here: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof

They have a process where claims are fact checked and all evidence is considered and are of the same standard.  

They have a process where claims are fact checked and all evidence is considered and are of the same standard.  

All the fact check reports and videos can be accessed here: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof

Where possible they have contacted people who have made the claim unless the claims are on line.

Where possible they have contacted people who have made the claim unless the claims are on line.

We encourage our users to send us claims that they'd like us to verify almost on all our social media platforms and even on our website. To begin with, right on top of our section page we have a communication inviting users to send us their queries. (Link here: https://www.thequint.com/news/webqoof)

Next, at the end of all our videos, we urge our readers to send us their queries on our WhatsApp helpline number or on our email address. (Link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py5FyEy30Jo&list=PLkwj3jpG3Xo0yI1A2xpbzLi2cIz6mFagy)

We also put out creatives o our social media platforms where we ask engage with our users and encourage them to send us their queries.

(Twitter: https://twitter.com/QuintFactCheck/status/1484019685750632451?s=20

(Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CY-pDeBJUlA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link)

(Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuintFactCheck/posts/3137184706601979)

The website gives details for readers to send in claims to check. They have a helpline number, a whatsapp contact as well as an email for this. 

The website gives details for readers to send in claims to check. They have a helpline number, a whatsapp contact as well as an email for this. 

To err is after all human! Own up to any error quickly and completely. Be transparent when correcting a factual error. Therefore, as a professional organisation, while our endeavour is to work with utmost flawlessness and accuracy, we are also mindful of the fact that mistakes need to be corrected promptly.

You can find more on this here: https://www.thequint.com/about-us/webqoof

The corrections policy is clearly listed on the website. 

The corrections policy is clearly listed on the website. 

You can find more on our correction policy here: https://www.thequint.com/about-us/webqoof

The policy clearly states the process to be taken up if there are any mistakes. They also explain the steps to be followed and the way they will go about it. 

The policy clearly states the process to be taken up if there are any mistakes. They also explain the steps to be followed and the way they will go about it. 

1. In September 2021, after the appointment of Mohammad Ashraf Ghairat as the chancellor of Kabul University, a tweet by an account in his name made a public statement that women will be disallowed from working or attending universities till the time "real Islamic environment is not provide for all".

The Quint, reported on the development attributing the comment to Ghairat. However, Kabul University later clarified that no such statement had been made and the page that made the announcement was "fake".

The story was subsequently updated and a corrigendum was issued to clarify that we had made an error: https://www.thequint.com/news/world/women-wont-be-allowed-to-work-at-or-attend-universities-kabul-university-chancellor#read-more

2. In November 2021, after the news of wrestler's death emerged we had initially identified her as the U-23 world championship bronze-medallist Nisha Dahiya, but it later turned out that it was a newcomer and U-23 world champ's namesake. We corrected the story and issued a clarification. 

Link: https://www.thequint.com/news/india/wrestler-nisha-dahiya-brother-shot-dead-at-sushil-kumar-academy-reports#read-more

The applicant is compliant and has provided examples of the corrections in accordance to the stated policy. 

The applicant is compliant and has provided examples of the corrections in accordance to the stated policy. 

We have updated WebQoof's About Us section to to inform readers to how to contact IFCN if we are found violating the IFCN Code: https://www.thequint.com/about-us/webqoof

There is a link to the IFCN complaints page

There is a link to the IFCN complaints page

You can view The Quint's correction policy here: https://www.thequint.com/about-us

The parent company has a clearly stated corrections policy. The applicant has examples to show the policy is followed.

The parent company has a clearly stated corrections policy. The applicant has examples to show the policy is followed.