Organization: THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
Applicant: Sudipta Sengupta
Assessor: Surekha Deepak
Background
THIP Media is a legally registered private limited company and are not part of any larger entity.
Assessment Conclusion
THIP Media is a legally registered private limited company and is not part of any larger entity.
They publish Fact Checks related to health misinformation, various health issues, Diet-related articles. THIP Media conducts health literacy trainings, to various communities. In addition, publish a subscription-based Quarterly Digital e-Magazine. They also publish in 6 other languages Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Nepali, and Bhojpuri.
The applicant has published about 4 stories a month for the last six months.
They do not receive any funding from political sources and therefore their editorial decisions are not influenced. They have received a grant from Google. This is clearly stated.
Most of the fact checks published by the applicant revolve around information around health. The process they follow is clearly explained in the stories. All claims are checked using similar standards and follow the process the state.
The applicant mentions the sources used in the fact-checking process clearly including links to resources such as research studies and these are hyperlinked. They also consult their team of health professionals for inputs. There is no evidence that shows any relationship that could influence their process.
There is no evidence of the organization’s affiliation to any political party and they clearly state their non-partisan policy.
They are funded by their directors. They have also mentioned receiving a grant from Google and is clearly mentioned on the site.
THIP Media lists out their non-partisan policy on the website. Team members are not allowed to affiliate with any political party or advocacy organization to avoid any potential conflict of interest. They also have a ‘No influence, No distraction’ policy, and are an ‘Ad free’ website
The applicant identifies the source of evidence in detail. Sources are listed and if there is a reference to data or other reports they are hyper-linked.
The organizational structure and the editor, team members, and the experts are mentioned on the page.
The methodology is clearly explained on the website. They mainly publish fact checks of fake medical news, opinion, claims, etc. across all medical beliefs and practices. They also try and answer questions about various health-related and include experts' advice.
The process to select a claim to fact check is explained. They monitor news, social media, and statements of politicians and people in positions of authority. Also, readers send them links to be fact-checked.
The claim is selected based on newsworthiness its impact, and if content is provocative or sensitive, and could potentially cause harm if left unchecked.
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 website gives details for readers to send in claims to check. They have a helpline number social media contacts well as an email. They receive claims on this for which they publish fact checks.
The corrections and complaints policy is clearly listed on the website.
Surekha Deepak assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
They publish in multiple regional languages though the assessment is requested in 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.
THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
07-Jun-2021 (3 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)
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
THIP Media is a legally registered private limited company and are not part of any larger entity. The certificate of incorporation is available on the web page.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
WHEN AND WHY WE STARTED
We started with the vision to make preventive healthcare convenient in India. As of date, 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 October 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 the internet has the maximum potential to improve (or hurt) any person's well-being.
TEAM
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/ )
DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES
So far, THIP Media is the only business activity for the parent company THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd.
THIP Media publishes - (a) Fact Checks of health misinformation (b) Question-Answers related to various health issues (c) Diet-related articles. The content format is both text and video.
THIP Media also provides health literacy trainings, mostly offline, to various communities.
In addition, THIP Media also has a subscription-based Quarterly Digital e-Magazine that publishes Feature Stories and Interviews.
THIP Media publishes in 6 different Indian languages - English, Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Nepali and Bhojpuri.
GOALS FOR NEXT ONE YEAR
Over the next year, we wish to improve on our content diversity focusing on more 'types' of health misinformation (eg. Alternate Medicines, Advertising etc.), improve our presence in Health Literacy, and also use technology to disseminate credible health information to a larger audience.
We wish to increase our presence in languages. Currently, we publish in 7 languages.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
THIP Media was started in Oct 2019 to publish the unbiased, honest, accurate, and relevant information related to health.
They have an internal editorial team of seven and a team of certified health professionals. The roles of the members is clearly mentioned on the site.
They publish Fact Checks related to health misinformation, various health issues, Diet-related articles. THIP Media conducts health literacy trainings, to various communities. In addition, publish a subscription-based Quarterly Digital e-Magazine. They also publish in 6 other languages Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Nepali and Bhojpuri.
Thip Media aims to improve content diversity focusing on more 'types' of health misinformation (eg. Alternate Medicines, Advertising etc.), work on Health Literacy. They also aim to publish in more languages.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We have published over 75 Fact check stories since July 1, 2020 in over 7 different languages.
The attached document (for purpose of this review) lists down stories at 1/week [ English & Hindi ]
In addition, the following links can be referred for all our stories in English, Hindi, Bengali and Punjabi:
ENGLISH:: https://www.thip.media/category/health-news-fact-check/
HINDI:: https://www.thip.media/hi/category/hindi-health-fact-check/
BENGALI:: https://www.thip.media/bn/category/bengali-health-fact-check/
PUNJABI:: https://www.thip.media/pa/
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant has published about 4 stories a month for the last six months
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant complies with this requirement. Most of the stories they debunk could have an impact. They are focused on health related issues only.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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).
Our revenue streams are as follows:
a) Sale of Digital e-Magazine
b) Grants
We have received grants from Google in the last FY 20-21 for one of our projects which constitute a major part of our revenue.
We do not run advertisements. We do not take any political funding.
Our funding sources are mentioned on this URL:
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
They have clearly stated they have not not received funding from any politicians or political parties.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Not applicable
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
They do not receive any funding from political sources and therefore their editorial decisions are not influenced. They have received a grant from Google. This is clearly stated. There is no evidence to show they have been influenced in any way.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
For us, health information is the most critical information consumed by a person on the 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, we tend to follow the following 3 points for our stories (one or all, as per situation):
a) Do a thorough Secondary Research: Refer to scientific journals, medical research, and authority bodies (WHO, ICMR etc.). Focus on the latest researches.
b) Consult Experts: Take Expert Opinion (Doctor/Medical Professionals) about the issue. Wherever possible, take multiple opinions.
c) Consult Alternative Medicine professionals: Wherever relevant, include opinion from professionals of approved alternative 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 for reference:
3. https://www.thip.media/health-news-fact-check/masks-can-cause-fungal-infection-in-lungs/4754/
4. https://www.thip.media/health-news-fact-check/fact-check-egg-and-banana-together-is-harmful/4879/
8. https://www.thip.media/health-news-fact-check/garlic-and-cancer-what-is-the-relation/4840/
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Most of the fact checks published by the applicant revolve around information around health. The process they follow is clearly explained in the stories. All claims are checked using similar standards and follow the process they state.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
THIP works on breaking medical misinformation occurring due to the following reasons:
a) Misinformation due to lack of medical help and age-old cultural superstition
b) Misinformation due to rumors spreads through social media and other mediums using the internet (Facebook pages and messaging apps like WhatsApp)
c) Misinformation due to lack of updated knowledge or enough knowledge about different medical practices or beliefs
THIP’s Internal Editorial Team tracks mainstream and social media for possibly dubious information, propaganda, and suspiciously viral posts.
More details on our Fact Check process, topic selection process, etc. are mentioned on our website on this page: https://www.thip.media/editorial-policy/
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
They clearly explain the process of selecting a health related claim and how they go about verifying it.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant mentions the sources used in the fact checking process clearly including links to resources such as research studies and these are hyperlinked. They also consult their team of health professionals for inputs. There is no evidence that shows any relationship that could influence their process.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago)
There is no evidence of the organisation’s affiliation to any political party and they clearly state their non-partisan policy.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Our Non-partisanship Policy are clearly documented on the website. You will find it here: https://www.thip.media/editorial-policy/#NON_PARTISANSHIP_POLICY_AND_NO_INFLUENCE_POLICY
Our Editorial Employees further need to sign a Non-Partisanship Agreement when they join the organization. A copy of the same is attached.
In addition, to stay true to our ‘No influence, No distraction’ policy, we have kept ourselves as a completely ‘Ad free’ website. You will find our Advertising Policy here: https://www.thip.media/advertising-policy/
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
THIP Media lists out their non-partisan policy on the website. Team members are not allowed to affiliate with any political party or advocacy organisation to avoid any potential conflict of interest. They also have a ‘No influence, No distraction’ policy, and are a ‘Ad free’ website.
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant identifes sources of evidence, hyperlinks and quotes experts. The fact checks are replicable.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant identifies the source of evidence in detail. Sources are listed and if there is a reference to data or other reports they are hyper linked.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
They check claims against more than one source.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The sources are clearly identified so the reader can conclude if there is any influence of a source on the story.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We are an independent private limited company. Our Certificate of Incorporation is attached.
All details are also mentioned in this page: https://www.thip.media/about-the-healthy-indian-project/
company incorporatio... (181 KB)
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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. They have mentioned a grant from Google this does not reflect in the balance sheet, we do not know if it accounts for more than 5 % of the revenue. The balance sheet does not reflect any income or expenses.
cancel 4.1 marked as Request change by Surekha Deepak.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
25-Aug-2021 (3 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. They have also mentioned receiving a grant from Google and is clearly mentioned on the site.
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
THIP Media is a part of THIP Healthtech Pvt Limited, a company formed under the Company's Act, 2013. [Certificate of Incorporation is attached herewith]
The company is privately funded by its directors (none of who have any political affiliations).
Details about the company are mentioned on this page: https://www.thip.media/about-the-healthy-indian-project/
Details about funding are mentioned on this page: https://www.thip.media/funding-sources/
company incorporatio... (181 KB)
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
THIP Media is a independent organisation.
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The organizational structure is 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/
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The organisational structure and the editor, team members, and the experts are mentioned on the page.
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
All members who take part in generating the content, reviewing them, or play any other role (research, etc.) are available here:
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The biographies of the fact checking team is available on the website.
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Contact details are clearly provided on the website and they receive requests for factchecks on it.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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:
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The methodology is clearly explained on the website. they mainly publish fact checks of fake medical news, opinion, claims etc. across all medical beliefs and practices. They also try and answer questions about various health related and include experts advice.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The process to select a claim to fact check is explained. They monitor news, social media, and statements of politicians and people in position of authority. Also readers send them links to be fact checked.
The claim is selected based newsworthiness it’s impact, and if content provocative or sensitive and could potentially cause harm if left unchecked.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Yes 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.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
They have a process where claims are fact checked and all evidence is considered and are of the same standard. They sate the process followed for each story they debunk.
The fact checks do not show any variance in methodology based on who makes the claim.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
They state that the process they follow includes contacting the source of the claim, many claims are from on line sources. They use other sources to debunk the claim.
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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 give an explanation about what can be Fact Checked and how we pick up a topic etc. is mentioned as a part of our Editorial Policy here : https://www.thip.media/editorial-policy/#Fact_Check_Process
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The website gives details for readers to send in claims to check. They have a helpline number social media contacts well as an email. They receive claims on this for which they publish fact checks.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 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/correction-policy/
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The corrections and complaints policy is clearly listed on the website.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The policy clearly states they will make the correction if there are any mistakes.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We published a Fact Check about the effectiveness of Dettol on Novel Coronavirus. We received a request from the PR division of the company to update the story when new research findings were published by the company. So we updated the old story (you will find update notes and strikethrough) AND published a new story. Both stories were interlinked.
Original Fact Check: https://www.thip.media/health-news-fact-check/coronavirus-can-be-sanitized-using-dettol-true-or-false/2084/
Updated Fact Check: https://www.thip.media/health-news-fact-check/updated-fact-check-can-dettol-kill-covid-19-causing-coronavirus/5087/
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is compliant and has provided an example of the correction, in this case an update in the story. This is in accordance to the stated policy.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
It is mentioned in bold on our Corrections Policy page.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant is compliant with this requirement. They have a link leading to the IFCN complaints page.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Surekha Deepak.
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
07-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Not applicable. We are an independent media platform.
Surekha Deepak Assessor
14-Aug-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
The applicant does not have a parent media company.