Organization: THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
Applicant: Sudipta Sengupta
Assessor: Kanchan Kaur
Background
The applicant is a stand-alone, legally registered private company
It has focused on fact checks relating to information regarding health-related matters and provides general information on lifestyle diseases. It also tries to bust a few myths related to health.
It has published 17 fact-checks in the three months previous to filing the application, but they might not be at the rate of about one a week. Large gaps in February and March have been perceived. No fact checks have been published since April 30.
Most fact checks are in public interest. The applicant has stated that it does not have any financial relationship with politicians or political parties. It uses largely the same standards of evidence for equivalent claims, but there seems to be a tendency to contest claims made by other fact-checkers and media houses.
The applicant explains how it selects claims to fact check, and has not revealed any commercial relationships to any sources. It has not advocated any policy decisions nor has it shown any affiliation to any politician or political party
It has explained its non-partisanship policy on the website. It has also provided a copy of a letter to staff, spelling out the non-partisanship policy clearly, and a copy of the company’s policy guidelines handbook that also clearly demands non-partisanship from its employees.
The applicant uses mainly primary sources and checks main elements of fact checks against more than one source. It identifies the source of the main evidence and provides links in a manner that the reader can usually replicate the fact check.
It has tried to maintain transparency in funding by providing a balance sheet that indicates that the funding comes from its directors.
It has set out an organisational structure, and an editorial policy explaining how editorial control is exercised and how decisions are taken clearly lists out people involved in the editorial output of the company. It has also put out their biographies.
It clearly explains the methodology used to select, research, write and publish fact checks and it sets out evidence in its fact checks on both sides of the claim--that appears to support it and that appears to undermine it. It largely uses the same standards to evidence applied to fact checks claims, irrespective of where the claim came from.
The website encourages users to communicate with the editorial team through a contact form on the site. It also encourages readers to send claims to check through a WhatsApp number and on social media
Its correction policy clearly enunciates what it does and does not cover, and it makes corrections quite transparently. The correction policy is accessible through a link of its editorial policy.
Assessment Conclusion
The application may be accepted.
Kanchan Kaur assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
The applicant may be asked to provide this in Hindi and Bengali.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The Healthy Indian Project (THIP) – https://www.thip.media (henceforth referred as THIP.Media) - is a part THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd, a company formed formed under Company's Act, 2013. The Corporate Identity Number of the company is U85300WB2019PTC231630. The Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the company is AAHCT2993D.
More information about the company (THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd.) including relevant documents like Letter of Incorporation, Govt issued PAN card, Latest balance sheet etc. are available publicly in the Corporate Information section of this page: https://www.thip.media/about-the-healthy-indian-project/
company incorporatio... (181 KB)
THIP-PAN.jpg (120 KB)
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
In its About Us page, the applicant has provided information about the organisation's legal status. It is legally registered as a private limited company.
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?
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
THIP.Media ( https://www.thip.media ) is the only venture of THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd.
THIP.Media ( https://www.thip.media) has been operational since April 2019. The mission of THIP.Media is to publish the most unbiased, honest, accurate and relevant information related to health for people living in India. We focus only on health information and health fact check. We believe, health information on net has the maximum potential to improve (or hurt) any person's well being.
Content on THIP Media is a result of collaboration between two teams - a dedicated and passionate in-house Editorial Team AND a pool of certified and experienced professionals from different sectors of health who acts as external The Review Team. ( Details about our team members here - https://www.thip.media/thip-edit-and-expert-team/ )
Over the next one year, we wish to aggregate health information from all health practices (allopathy, ayurveda, unani etc.) and create a ecosystem (content + tech) that enables much faster information finding/fact checking in the health domain.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has been operational for about a year and has focused on fact checks relating to information regarding health. Its website focuses on health-related matters and provides general information on lifestyle diseases. It also tries to bust a few myths related to health. The applicant has indicated that it plans to include all kinds of health and medicine practices within its scope of checks.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Over the last 12 months, THIP.Media (www.thip.media) has been working on majorly 3 content areas–
1. Fact Checking any dubious health news, information or social post. Our internal editorial team identifies and fact check on them.
2. Researching and Clarifying any health related myths, diet tips etc. (at local or national level), irrespective of whether it is viral on social media or not. This is co-authored by our internal editorial team and a professional medical expert
3. Answering questions related health issues. This is again co-authored by internal editorial team and a professional medical expert and backed by secondary research citing sources.
THIP.Media does not publish news OR opinion of any kind – political or otherwise.
We have published 52 fact check stories over the last 1 year across 3 languages.
17 Fact check stories were published between February 2020 and April 2020 in English alone.
Link as below.
English Fact Checks: https://www.thip.media/category/health-news-fact-check/
We concentrate only on across all directions of Health Fact Checks including claim about cures, claims about disease spread, claims about Govt. Institutes, Conspiracy theory etc. The file attached categorize the Health Fact Check stories of last 3 months. It will help demonstrate the variety of topics within health we have tackled in our fact check.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Over the last three months, the applicant has published over 13 fact-checks, but they might not be at the rate of about one a week. For instance, no fact checks were published between April 5 and 15. Large gaps in February and March also have been perceived.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
Criteria 1.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous three months. No additional information required.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Most fact checks published over the last three months were in public interest.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
Criteria 1.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain any commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship your organization has to the state, politicians or political parties in the country or countries you cover. Also explain funding or support received from foreign as well as local state or political actors over the previous financial year.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
THIP.Media is a part of THIP Healthtech Pvt Limited, a company formed under Company's Act, 2013.
The company is incorporated on 26th April, 2019 and is privately funded by its directors (none of who have any political affiliations).
We openly publish all the above information as well as our latest balance sheet in this URL:
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has stated that it does not have any financial relationship with politicians or political parties. It has also said that it has not received funding from any politicians or political parties.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
THIP.Media is a part of THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd and the only venture of the company.
We have received no additional funding - personal or institutional.
It is privately funded by its directors.
Our latest balance sheet in this URL: https://www.thip.media/funding-sources/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
This does not apply since the applicant has confirmed that it does not receive any funding from any political or state 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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
For us, health information is the most critical information consumed by a person on internet. Hence, we follow all regular fact check methodologies like checking the validity of the claimant, validity of the claim, reaching out to the source or authorities.
Rating Criteria::
In addition to standard fact check methodologies, all our fact checks have 3 key criteria embedded in the content, wherever relevant –
a) Secondary research with sources from multiple authoritative platforms
b) Doctor/Medical Professional’s involvement in analysing the content/situation. Their expert opinion about the issue
c) And wherever possible, bring in expert/alternate opinion from professionals of alternate medical practices (Ayurveda, unani, homeopathy etc)
Rating Standards::
We rate all our stories in a scale of 1 to 5 - False >> Mostly False >> Half True >> Mostly True >> True
Below is a list of 10 fact check stories we did in recent days::
Example 1: A story published by leading media house. But we find it doubtful and conflicting with other media reports. So we reached out to the authorities to crosscheck and then prove that it was wrong and fake.
https://www.thip.media/health-news-fact-check/coronavirus-vaccine-is-the-zee-news-story-true/2439/
Example 2: A fact check done by leading fact checking platform, but we reach out to multiple experts to prove they were wrong in their conclusion.
Example 3: A health claim on the basis of homeopathy medicinal practice where we reached out to the claimant/his organization as well as take opinion from other homeopathy doctors on the possibility
Example 4 and Example 5: Two ever-viral fake claims debunked by many and yet it keeps popping up. Hence we bring in video interview of a doctor to prove the point and make it more convincing and to make it reach out to more people
https://www.thip.media/health-news-fact-check/hot-coconut-water-cures-cancer/2056/
Example 6: A regional fake whatsapp message, sent to us by a reader for authenticity. Checked majorly through secondary research.
Example 7: When we felt a simple fact check was not enough. We still need to highlight more details and caution the user based on facts.
Example 8: When we fact check the claim made by a minister and we also focused on ‘other benefits’ of the claim.
Example 9: https://www.thip.media/health-news-fact-check/cabbage-and-coronavirus-did-who-give-a-guideline/4502/
Example 10: https://www.thip.media/health-news-fact-check/another-fake-claim-about-covid-19-vaccine/2428/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Most of the fact checks published by the applicant revolve around information around health. The applicant uses largely the same standards of evidence for equivalent claims. However, there seems to be a tendency to contest claims made by other fact-checkers and media houses.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Building credible, authentic information is our mission. To keep the content neutral, we have a separate external review constituting medical professionals from all fields.
While our external review team of doctors keep an eye on the authenticity of the information, our internal editorial team keeps an eye on their quotes/advice. No content on THIP has ever or will ever advocate any specific medicine brand, treatment methodology or medicinal practice.
We do not put opinion in our fact checks. Wherever we need to put an ‘advice’ we support it strictly with research and source [ https://bit.ly/2yZiPhY ] OR let a doctor/medical advisor do so [ https://bit.ly/2yeM4NG ]
In secondary research, we rely only on selected Govt and Medical Research websites and journals for our sources.
We also rely on direct quotes from all parties involved, Govt/official websites/twitter handles (PIB, WHO, Ministry of Ayush etc.) and compare multiple news reports on the issue. In case we fail to get a quote from the official, we mention it on the story. And when we receive the quote, we add it to the story with a clear note of amendment. [Example https://bit.ly/2KMCX9K ]
We also run the story through our review team of medical professionals wherever required and take them in as co-authors [ Example https://bit.ly/2VVi4zw ] or put their quotes in text/video formats [ .Example https://bit.ly/3fd1mTK ]
At times, if a relevant expert is not available in our direct review team, we take quotes from other medical professionals of the same medicinal practice [Example https://bit.ly/2YrAfhV ]
Details about how we choose a particular story, how we fact check them and how we promote them is available here - [ https://www.thip.media/editorial-policy/ ]
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has provided, on its website, an explanation of how it ensures that the fact-checking is non-partisan. It also explains how it selects claims to fact 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
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has not revealed any commercial relationships to any sources, or any other relationships that may cause the public to infer that these might influence the applicant's fact-checking. One does not see any reason to believe otherwise.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
Criteria 2.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has not advocated any policy decisions, nor has it shown any affiliation to any politician or political party.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Thip.Media DO NOT publish any news, information, opinion or even fact check stories that are outside Health domain (political or otherwise).
Individual members of THIP.Media may have their own personal political view (not affiliation). We strongly discourage any political affiliation of any editorial member.
Our Non-partisanship Policy are clearly documented on the website [ https://www.thip.media/editorial-policy/ ]
To stay true to our ‘No influence, No distraction’ policy, we have kept ourselves as a completely ‘Ad free’ website. [Ad Policy here: https://www.thip.media/advertising-policy/]
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
16-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Thip.Media DO NOT publish any news, information, opinion or even fact check stories that are outside Health domain (political or otherwise).
Individual members of THIP.Media may have their own personal political view (not affiliation). We strongly discourage any political affiliation of any editorial member.
Our Non-partisanship Policy are clearly documented on the website [ https://www.thip.media/editorial-policy/ ]
Our editorial team members have to sign a Non-Partisanship Agreement while accepting Offer of Employment ( a copy of the same attached )
Our editorial team members are further sensitized about editorial guidelines including non-partisanship policy in the Policy Guidelines Handbook given to them during orientation (a copy of the same attached)
To stay true to our ‘No influence, No distraction’ policy, we have kept ourselves as a completely ‘Ad free’ website. [Ad Policy here: https://www.thip.media/advertising-policy/]
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has put out a statement on its website declaring that it is non-partisan. It also has explained its non-partisanship policy on the website. It would help to see a copy of a letter that might be part of an appointment letter to staff, spelling out the non-partisanship policy clearly.
cancel 2.5 marked as Request change by Kanchan Kaur.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
21-May-2020 (4 years ago)
The applicant has put out a statement on its website declaring that it is non-partisan. It also has explained its non-partisanship policy on the website. It has provided a copy of a letter to staff, spelling out the non-partisanship policy clearly. In addition, it has provided a copy of the company’s policy guidelines handbook that also clearly demands non-partisanship from its employees.
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
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
In most of its fact checks, the applicant identifies the source of the main evidence and provides links in a manner that the reader can replicate the fact check. However, it might help for the applicant to be a bit more diligent and specific in linking to its sources. For example, in the story, 'Drinking Cold Water after Meal Causes Cancer" (https://bit.ly/2Wk6HQv), Chinese medicine has been quoted, with no links to it. Also, in "Sunlight will Kill Coronavirus" (https://bit.ly/2xqOgBx), it might help to link to the research in the sentence: Researches have shown that sunlight or, more specifically, solar UV radiation (UV) acts as the principal natural virucide in the environment.
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
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant uses mainly primary sources and explains the need for a secondary source.
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
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant checks main elements of fact checks 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
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has mainly indicated in its fact checks the background of the sources. The reader can draw conclusions on the accuracy of the evidence provided by 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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
THIP Media is a part of THIP Healthtech Pvt Limited, a company formed under Company's Act, 2013.
The company is privately funded by its directors (none of who have any political affiliations).
We openly publish all the above information as well as our latest balance sheet in this URL:
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
16-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
THIP Media is a part of THIP Healthtech Pvt Limited, a company formed under Company's Act, 2013.
The company is privately funded by its directors (none of who have any political affiliations).
We are a bootstrapped organization where the directors bear the company's operational expense and founding employees have taken a voluntary pay cut for first year. This is to keep the company's cash reserves intact and at the same time build it as per our vision.
We openly publish all the above information as well as our latest balance sheet in this URL:
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has shared proof of its status as a legally registered company. It has provided a balance sheet that indicates that the funding comes from its directors. However, in the balance sheet, it does not show an expenses toward staff salaries and the like. Perhaps an explanation is in order.
cancel 4.1 marked as Request change by Kanchan Kaur.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
21-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has shared proof of its status as a legally registered company. It has provided a balance sheet that indicates that the funding comes from its directors.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Details about the company is mentioned on this page: https://www.thip.media/about-the-healthy-indian-project/
Details about funding is mentioned on this page: https://www.thip.media/funding-sources/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is a stand-alone, legally registered private company.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
All members who take part in generating content, reviewing them or play any other role (research etc.) are available here:
https://www.thip.media/thip-edit-and-expert-team/
Editorial decisions are taken on the basis of the Editorial Policy mentioned on this page: https://www.thip.media/editorial-policy/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has set out an organisational structure, and an editorial policy explaining how editorial control is exercised and how decisions are taken.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
All members who take part in generating content, reviewing them or play any other role (research etc.) are available here:
https://www.thip.media/thip-edit-and-expert-team/
External team of experts who help us with their knowledge is also
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant's website clearly lists out people involved in the editorial output of the company. It has also put out their biographies.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
At an organizational level, we have a contact us form on the website: https://www.thip.media/contact-thip-media/
Our mobile/whatsapp number asking users to share doubtful content is advertised across the website through multiple Ad banners
Our email ID where users can request for correction is clearly mentioned below all articles as a disclaimer.
At a personal level, Linkedin profiles of all editorial members are mentioned along with their bio in the team page: https://www.thip.media/thip-edit-and-expert-team/
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant encourages users to communicate with the editorial team through a contact form on the website. This provides a WhatsApp number, as well as a form to request corrections. Further, on each page, a panel that educates the reader on health misinformation also encourages them to contact the organisation through WhatsApp.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
Details about how we select content, research on them, publish, promote or make corrections are mentioned in our Editorial Policy page. Link below:
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant's website has a page that clearly explains the methodology used to select, research, write and publish fact checks.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Kanchan Kaur.
Criteria 5.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The claims picked by the applicant to fact-check are mainly in the public interest and have a large reach. Where needed it explains the reason for choosing the claim.
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
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant sets out evidence in its fact checks on both sides of the claim--that appears to support it and 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
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant uses the same standards to evidence applied to fact checks claims, irrespective of where the claim came from.
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
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant does state in most of its fact checks that it has contacted the person who made the claim to seek evidence. However, it does go ahead and checks claims, nevertheless.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
We have a dedicated special whatsapp number for users to forward us doubtful content - +91-85078-85079
The number is boldly advertised on the header banner of the website on all pages.
We also regularly distribute the number through social media creatives to make people aware of the helpline number. (sample attached)
Our fact check methodology is explained to readers here : https://www.thip.media/editorial-policy/
social-media-sample-... (19 KB)
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant encourages readers to send claims to check through a WhatsApp number and a contact form. It also invites claims on social media.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
We invite users to submit correction requests. The requisite email ID is clearly listed below every article as a disclaimer.
Furthermore, the detailed Corrections Policy is listed on this page: https://www.thip.media/editorial-policy/
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
16-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
We invite users to submit correction requests. The requisite email ID is clearly listed below every article as a disclaimer.
Furthermore, the detailed Corrections Policy is listed on this page: https://www.thip.media/editorial-policy/
Correction Policy is further given separately in this page: https://www.thip.media/correction-policy/
A link to the Correction Policy is given from the Disclaimer section below every article.
A link to the Correction Policy is also given from the About Us page [In the 'Why' section]
A link to the Correction Policy is also given from the Footer of the website for better visibility.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant's correction policy is accessible through a link of its editorial policy. It might want to consider separating the two in order to make its correction policy more easily accessible. Alternatively, it could mention its correction policy in the 'Why' section of its About Us page.
cancel 6.1 marked as Request change by Kanchan Kaur.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
21-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant's correction policy is easily accessible through a link in its editorial policy.
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
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant's correction policy clearly enunciates what it does and does not cover. It explains how major mistakes are handled. The applicant largely adheres to this policy.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
We usually do not delete content. We use <strike>STRIKE THROUGH</strike> to show corrections (so that users can easily understand what were written earlier and what is written now).
One article where we can showcase our corrections made is https://bit.ly/2zNP3NI where we added the quote of the official at a later date after we received it.
Second article where based on secondary research we initially mentioned that excessive sunlight can cause skin cancer but then amended it after we got an expert quote saying the risk is minimum for Indian population. https://bit.ly/2Yvamh4 (Check last paragraph)
However, we do not record minor grammatical or syntax error corrections.
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant makes corrections quite transparently, making it evident to the reader which is the original version and which the corrected one.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
N/A. (We are applying for the first time)
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant has applied for the first time, so it can provide the relevant link if the application is approved.
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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
01-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
N/A. (We are an independent startup company privately funded by our directors)
Kanchan Kaur Assessor
07-May-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 4 years ago
The applicant is not a fact-checking unit of a media company, so this criteria does not apply.