Organization: UOL Confere
Applicant: Carlos Henrique de Souza Padeiro
Assessor: Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura
Background
UOL Confere is the fact checking and verification arm of UOL, one of the largest news and content portals in Brazil. It exists since 2017, is formed by a two persons team, and focuses on checks regarding politics, economics and public health. Their coverage refer to topics of social importance and reach, usually information that has gone viral or that impacts social life in Brazil. They do journalistic work responsibly and use the best primary available information, frequently linking to it. They are also transparent on their work and methods, and are balanced when choosing and assessing claims.
Assessment Conclusion
UOL Confere’s fact-checking work is consistent and solid. They use primary sources and check claims in a balanced, responsible way. They are transparent on their methods and internal work. Their methodology and corrections policy is thoroughly explained in their About section. UOL Confere is fully compliant to the IFCN code.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
UOL Confere é a seção de checagem de fatos e verificação do UOL, um dos maiores portais de notícias, conteúdo e serviços do Brasil. O UOL Confere foi criado em 2017 e faz checagens e verificações relacionados a política, economia e saúde, focando principalmente em checagens de discursos e depoimentos de atores políticos, além de boatos online. Eles apresentam rigor jornalístico, são equilibrados em suas checagens, usam fontes adequadas e primárias. Atuam de maneira completamente condizente ao código da IFCN.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago)
We have a link on our website that explains that UOL Confere is UOL's fact-checking division. The link also explains that UOL Confere is financed by UOL, a private media outlet. This link is available on every fact-check that UOL Confere publishes.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The applicant is a division of UOL, one of the largest news portals in Brazil. This is clear by their branding and URL, and is clearly exposed in the About link the applicant has produced, which link also displays useful information. After modifications, the applicant has embedded the About link in the splash page, making it visible to the reader.
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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?
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
1. UOL Confere started in March 2017. Our mission is to check and explain facts to Brazilian audiences. We dedicate most of our efforts to fact-check political actors who occupy public office or which are relevant to the public debate even out of office.
2. Two people work in UOL Confere: Bernardo Barbosa (assistant editor) and Juliana Arreguy (reporter). Both of us work directly as fact-checkers, publishing our fact-checks in UOL Confere's website and Twitter account.
3. Researching and publishing fact-checks; developing of media literacy and pre-bunking content for social media; production of long-tail explanatory content
4. Our main goals are: produce content about the upcoming 2022 elections in Brazil; better adapt fact-checking to social media and have a stronger social media presence; and produce content that explain how disinformation works.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The applicant has been setup exclusively for fact checking, as a unit inside UOL. They have been working since 2017 and are formed as a small team: two journalists work fact checking and producing other content related to media literacy and pre-bunking. Some pieces of content are also explanatory. Their goals revolve around better spreading fact checking content on social networks. They are fully compliant.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
All of UOL Confere's fact-checks are available at https://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The applicant meets and surpasses the minimum amount of fact check needed for the assessment. A note in terms of methodology: the checks counted for this threshold were the ones marked as UOL Confere, opposed to the ones from Projeto Comprova, a fact checking coalition of news outlets.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The applicant produces journalistic content and fact checks related to important, socially relevant current events. Currently, they have been focusing mainly on topics connected to the pandemic and Brazilian national politics.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
UOL Confere does not have any kind of commercial or financial relationship with the state, politicians or political parties in Brazil, which is the country we cover. UOL Confere has not received funding or support from any kind of state or political actors, foreign or national. UOL Confere has collaborated with the Brazilian Electoral Superior Court (TSE) to fight disinformation about Brazilian elections. The TSE has a website that republishes fact-checks made by UOL Confere and other outlets.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The applicant does not have any financial or political ties to political actors in Brazil. Their financing comes from the UOL group, which is a large, private media portal. The Brazilian supreme court for elections (TSE) does have a website (https://www.justicaeleitoral.jus.br/fato-ou-boato/#) where they publish links for fact checks from UOL and other respectable outlets, but that doesn't affect their indepence, and is meant to increase trust in the Brazilian electoral system.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
UOL Confere does not receive funding from local or foreign state or political sources.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Not applicable. The applicant does not receive funding from state actors.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Over the past year, UOL Confere has published fact checks that cover a variety of actors and themes. We follow the same criteria and the same process for all of our fact checks. We do not check opinions or predictions; we only check verifiable claims. Our criteria for fact-checking is described here: https://noticias.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/redacao/2021/07/21/conheca-o-metodo-de-checagem-e-a-politica-de-correcoes-do-uol-confere.htm
We believe the fact checks listed below demonstrate UOL Confere's non-partisanship:
1. Fact check of Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro UN speech: http://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/09/21/na-onu-bolsonaro-desinforma-sobre-meio-ambiente-economia-e-vacinacao.htm
2. Fact check of São Paulo state governor, João Doria. Doria supported Bolsonaro in the 2018 elections, but is now on the opposition and is a possible presidential candidate in the 2022 elections: http://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/02/22/covid-19-vacinacao-sp.htm
3. Fact check of a speech made by opposition leader former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Lula will probably run for president in the 2022 elections: http://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/03/10/uol-confere-primeiro-discurso-de-lula-apos-condenacoes-anuladas.htm
4. Fact check of Luiz Henrique Mandetta, former Health minister of the Bolsonaro government, now on the opposition, possible presidential candidate in the 2022 elections: http://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/05/04/mandetta-cpi-covid-coronavirus.htm
5. Fact check of Wilson Witzel, former Rio de Janeiro state governor that supported Bolsonaro in the 2018 elections: http://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/06/16/witzel-faz-alegacoes-imprecisas-sobre-hospitais-de-campanha-e-impeachment.htm
6. Fact check of Osmar Terra, representative from Rio Grande do Sul state and former cabinet member of the Bolsonaro government: http://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/06/22/osmar-terra-mente-ao-dizer-que-isolamento-nao-funciona-para-conter-covid-19.htm
7. Fact check of social media posts published by opposition representatives about a hike on an energy tax: https://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/06/29/alta-de-52-em-taxa-extra-nao-significa-que-conta-de-luz-tambem-subira-52.htm
8. Fact check of Luis Carlos Heinze, senator from Rio Grande do Sul state and Bolsonaro ally: http://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/08/10/remedio-desenvolvido-pela-pfizer-nao-tem-relacao-com-tratamento-precoce.htm
9. Fact check about Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes: http://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/08/16/confere-alexandre-de-moraes-pcc-antigo.htm
10. Fact check about supporters and adversaries of the Bolsonaro government: http://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/06/21/posts-de-opositores-e-governistas-desinformam-sobre-atos-contra-bolsonaro.htm
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The evidence produced by the applicant represents checks referent to diverse actors in the Brazilian political spheres. Across all of them, the applicant has used relevant evidence and has applied the same standards for equivalent claims.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The About link provided by the applicant lists criteria of independence and plurality while describing their journalistic work. The same link also explains clearly (and could even be considered a benchmark for other outlets) how they choose claims to check, based on the following factors: if the content is checkable (and not an oppinion), social importance, the identity of the speaker, and social reach. The decisions of what to check are thorougly explained.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Whenever using sources, the applicant explains the nature and interests of those sources. Sources are put in context. This check (https://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/06/18/em-cpi-medicos-defendem-substancias-sem-eficacia-comprovada-para-covid-19.htm) is an example on how they handle sources, contextualizing them so the reader can better interpret the information.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The applicant is neutral on their journalistic endeavors. That is, they don't concentrate their checks in any political side, and does not show support for any political party or actor. Naturally, they tend to check more frequently claims from state actors, but that doesn't remove their independence.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
UOL Confere
03-Dec-2021 (2 years ago)
We have included our About page at the top of UOL Confere's home page: https://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The applicant's About page, where they linked to, does not have a policy on non-partisanship for staff. It states the independence and impartiality of UOL, but does not refer to the staff. The policy was not found elsewhere in the website. This should be added.
cancel 2.5 marked as Request change by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
15-Dec-2021 (2 years ago)
The applicant's About page mentions a non-partisanship policy for staff. It follows the Folha Newsroom Guideline, stating independence and non-partisan personal involvement with political issues..
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
After a thorough review of dozens of fact checks, it was identified that the applicant consistently uses links to the sources they are employing. In their About section, there is a specific policy on using identified sources as a rule. Links to the sources are common, as well as links to recent reports from UOL themselves on that same evidence. They tend to link to specific reports from state actors, public notes, studies etc. The applicant is compliant.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
After a thorough review of fact checkgs from the previous months, the assessor has identified that the applicant uses first hand sources whenever possible in their checks. Sources are linked to and explained. Sometimes, they use internal links to previous stories from UOL to explain some piece of evidence, in situations where this evidence was explained before by them. Even in those cases, the sources used are primary.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The applicant is very complete when checking claims. One frequent format used by the applicant is to check whole speeches or talks by political actors. In those cases, they check several claims in the same report, often using more than one piece of evidence to check every claim. One example of this format can be seen here: https://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/06/09/cpi-da-covid-secretario-elcio-franco-checagem-vacinas.htm
Even in checks outside of this model, the applicant usually employs more than one source to verify claims. One example can be found here: https://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/10/26/post-antigo-no-facebook-engana-ao-dizer-que-susana-vieira-apoia-bolsonaro.htm, the applicant has combined 4 different pieces of evidence to confirm that the actress has not shown support for the president.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Whenever using sources, the applicant identifies them and puts them in context, so the reader can assess relevant interests that may impact the check. However, the presence of this kind of source, that would impact the accuracy of the evidence or check, is not common. Sources are public and clear on their meaning.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
UOL Confere is the fact-checking unit of UOL. Our website (https://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/) is hosted inside UOL's website, and we use UOL's name. UOL Confere is mentioned in content published by other sections of UOL. Examples:
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Not applicable. The applicant is a unit inside UOL's newsroom, and receive funds from UOL's main operation.
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The applicant has an About link where all the main information about their operation is listed. The relation to UOL's main operation is clear through their naming, brand and hosting.
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The same About link mentioned earlier describes their team, which is currently small. The functions and editorial control are clearly described.
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The same About link mentioned earlier has details on the professional biography of each member of the team. Currently, only two people integrate the applicant's team. However, their previous experiences in journalism are described in the section.
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The applicant provides means and encourages readers to communicate with the editorial team in three instances: in their About page, in their twitter bio (https://twitter.com/uolconfere), and in a footer under every check. The go-to method is an email address.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
In their About page, the applicant has a very complete section devoted to how claims are selected. This is based on social importance and reach. The same section details how they research and write their checks. The section is thorough and clear, and details ahow they handle sources. The labels used in articles are also explained. The applicant is compliant.
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
After a review of randomized checks, it was identified that the applicant consistently reports about issues of social importance and reach. In terms of reach, this is identified by circulation of claims in social networks. In terms of relevance, the topics covered are related to important and/or political actors, and involve topics of social sensibility, such as politics, economics and health.
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
When analyzing a claim, the applicant analyzes the claim in a broad way. This means they assess its veracity based on more than one evidence, and use evidence both to prove and disprove it. Claims and arguments are put in context in a responsible way. An example of this behavior can be found in this link: https://noticias.uol.com.br/comprova/ultimas-noticias/2021/08/13/medica-distorce-dados-para-levantar-suspeita-sobre-covid-em-nao-vacinados.htm
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Although exactly equivalent claims are hard to come by, the applicant is balanced in how they assess claims. Evidences are used in a responsible way, across the political spectrum. The following two links refer to checks about the same topic, gas prices, from two opposite political actors, president Bolsonaro and former president Lula. In both, evidences are used responsibly.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The applicant consistenly contacts the person who has made a claim, in order to clarify it. However, since the applicant also frequently checks viral social media posts, this is not always possible. The following two links are examples of them contacting whoever made a claim in order to put it in context.
https://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/02/22/covid-19-vacinacao-sp.htm
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
All of UOL Confere's fact checks have a footer that informs our email adress (uolconfere@uol.com.br) and encourages users to send in claims. We also inform our email adress on our Twitter profile and in the link that explains how we work. This link also explains to users what we consider to be verifiable: https://noticias.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/redacao/2021/07/21/conheca-o-metodo-de-checagem-e-a-politica-de-correcoes-do-uol-confere.htm
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The About page of the applicant has a section explaining what readers should expect to be checked and what is not fact-checkable. This is a very clear section, and communicates expectations to readers in a responsible way.
The applicant displays an email address for readers to get in touch in three different places: in the About page, in the Bio of their Twitter account, and in a footer under every check.
Readers can easily find the address and are encouraged to contact the team and send claims.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
In the About page, the applicant has a clear corrections policy. It describes how errors are handled and displays the proper channel to send them, the email address. It should be added that the applicant displays in every news article a quick form where users can send errors to be considered by the newsroom.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The policy is clear on what types of errors are covered. It also explains how errors are handled, what is the process in dealing with them, and what readers should expect. The applicant is compliant.
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
On August 2021, we received a correction request from an user on our email (see attached file; personal information is blurred). We answered the request (see attached file; personal information is blurred) and made the correction on the link that follows below. Right at the top of the fact check, there is an alert that is was corrected. When the user clicks on the alert, it directs to an explanation of the correction made.
UOL Confere - correc... (355 KB)
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The applicant has produced an screenshot where they were inquired by a reader regarding an inconsistency in a check about gas prices. The reader was right, and they have replied to the request. The article in question has been corrected.
Another example of a corrected article can be found here: https://noticias.uol.com.br/confere/ultimas-noticias/2021/06/08/checagem-ministro-da-saude-marcelo-queiroga-cpi-covid-vacinas.htm
When a piece of content is corrected, they mark it as such in the beginning of the article, explaining in more detail in the footer what was corrected. Hence, the applicant is compliant, being transparent about the corrections made.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
UOL Confere is not an existing signatory.
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Not applicable, since the applicant is not currently a signatory.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura.
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.
UOL Confere
27-Sep-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
This link informs that UOL and UOL Confere corrections policies are the same: https://noticias.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/redacao/2021/07/21/conheca-o-metodo-de-checagem-e-a-politica-de-correcoes-do-uol-confere.htm
All of UOL's contents have a "Comunicar Erro" ("Report mistake") button, which leads to a form to request a correction (see attached file).
UOL - example of for... (210 KB)
Marcelo Crispim da Fontoura Assessor
24-Oct-2021 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The corrections policy displayed in the applicant's About page refers to the whole content of UOL, not only to the content of UOL Confere. Therefore, it is compliant to the code.
On top of that, every journalistic piece published by UOL on their website, not only the pieces by the applicant, are accompanied by a form where readers can communicate an error to the newsroom.