Organization: Verify Media Platform
Applicant: Ahmad Primo
Assessor: Ahmed Esmat
Background
The Assessor assessed the English and the Arabic versions of the website in the original language and used translation to assess parts for the Turkish version. Verify-Sy is a fully registered organization in Turkey working solely on verification and debunking.
Assessment Conclusion
Upon assessing the Verify-Sy application, the assessor suggests accepting them as a verified signatory.
Ahmed Esmat assesses application as Compliant
A short summary in native publishing language
Verify-Sy is a fully registered organization in Turkey working solely on verification and debunking. They started working in 2016 in an independent manner and accumulated experience since then to be eligible to be a part of the IFCN. They fact-checked hundreds of claims from every aspect of life related to Syria and Syrians inside the country and in the diaspora. Verify-Sy has defined goals, vision, mission, and unique methodology for work. The Verify-Sy is a mix of full-timers and volunteers who are all work within a clear framework of integrity and independence. Thought they had to amend certain issues to comply with the recent version of the IFCN code of principles.
Their website is in English, Arabic, and Turkish; the assessor assessed the Arabic and the English in the original language and used translation to assess the Turkish version. They have clear editorial and publishing criteria alongside complaints and correction policy. At several places, they encourage users to report any topic/pic/video they want to be sure of and also ask people to interact with them.
Verify-Sy explains their methodology in detail indicating being committed to applying the same standards for every claim, regardless of who raised it. It has a non-partisanship policy for staff who always got trained before starting their work.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
"Verify-Sy is structured and managed as a non-profit organization, but it is officially registered in Turkey as a personal company, under the 14/52861/52569 number. Our legal status is published publicly on our website under ""our story ""
Arabic: https://www.verify-sy.com/page/3005/%D9%82%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AF
English: https://www.verify-sy.com/en/page/3005/Verify-Sy-story "
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Verify-Sy is fully registered in Turkey and that they stated their legal status on their website.
Upon checking the attached Turkish docs., both have been proven correct. The registration status/ number is mentioned correctly on the website (English, Arabic, Turkish).
The evidence of their registration is mentioned in the "our story" section:
Arabic: https://www.verify-sy.com/page/3005/%D9%82%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AF
English: https://www.verify-sy.com/en/page/3005/Verify-Sy-story
done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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?
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
"1. Verify-Sy is an independent and unbiased initiative established in early 2016 by a group of Syrian journalists in response to the tremendous influx of fake and misleading news that promotes polarization and hatred among the public in Syria.
2. The team comprises of 5 employees. Under the supervision of the executive director, the team responsible for monitoring major news agencies and social media, checking any questionable or controversial information, editing, and publishing the final results.
3. Verify-Sy aims to protect the public from the detrimental impact of misinformation and to promote democracy and transparency through media. Therefore, Verify-Sy undertakes activities that pour into countering polarization, hatred, and intolerance; helping alternative media institutions to create high-quality content and reach a wider audience; capacitating Syrian journalists of fact-checking tools; and raising the public awareness of the importance of fact-checking.
4. We are pursuing to produce a technical guide that encompasses an introduction to the fact-checking basis and its tools, as well as providing practical examples of the negative effects on public of circulating information without verification. Also, we are eager to train journalists, civil activists, and social media influencers on the guide."
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
They started in 2011 as a news website called "Show Al-Akhbar" and in 2014 they focused solely on fact-checking in a new website, the whole story is mentioned https://www.verify-sy.com/en/page/3005/Verify-Sy-story
Team members' short bios and functions are provided in the "our team" section. They have 2 types of people working for them: full employees and volunteers. Also, some provided their personal pictures.
https://verify-sy.com/en/our-team/Our-team
https://verify-sy.com/ar/our-team/%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%82%D9%86%D8%A7
The organization doesn't operate any other activities. According to the website, they are only working on fact-checking; which is their current main focus.
For the next year, Verify-Sy is planning to produce a technical guide for fact-checking. The guide plans sound nice and will be checked later in other questions.
done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Please find attached a list of our most recent articles
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Confirmed.
Verify-Sy has a consistent record of published fact-checked topics. The attached sheet provided information from November 2020 and till November 2021. By double-checking the website and the attached sheet, It is confirmed that they post at least 5 verifications in different categories.
done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
In terms of regularity of posting, Verify-Sy is doing a good job following up with its mission and vision.
Most of the reviewed claims are of value to the Syrian context and society's general interests. Verify-Sy is working in the framework of the “public interest” topics that have an impact on the well-being of individuals, and the society”.
done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Verify-Sy has not and will not receive any kind of political-oriented funding. Verify receive funding only from International media organizations that support independent media outlets such as the International Media Support (IMS) and Internews.
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
According to what is stated in their vision, Verify-Sy, they don't receive any political money. And by double-checking several debunked facts on the website, It was found that they are working in an independent manner trying to be free from the political pressures. They fact-checked claims from almost all the Syrian political spectrum and in favor of the general public.
done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
"Verify receives funding only from International media organizations that support independent media outlet. This is publicly stated in our values in our editing and publishing policy on our website:
English: https://www.verify-sy.com/en/page/3003/Editorial-and-Publication-Policy "
Turkish: https://verify-sy.com/tr/page/3003/Edit%C3%B6ryal-ve-Yay%C4%B1n-Politikas%C4%B1
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
It is stated on the website that Verify-Sy is not politicized. In both the English and the Arabic versions of the Verify-Sy editorial line, they mention that they are not controlled by any political party or even an affiliation.
Links:
English :https://verify-sy.com/en/page/3003/Editorial-and-Publication-Policy
Turkish: https://verify-sy.com/tr/page/3003/Edit%C3%B6ryal-ve-Yay%C4%B1n-Politikas%C4%B1
Both are mentioned under the independence section.
done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
We fact check claims from all conflictual parties in Syria, including Syrian Regime, Kurdish Self-Administration, Extremist Groups, and Opposition. We also check news about Syrian refugees in diaspora.
When selecting news to review, we make sure to devote all available resources to check the claims of parties by reviewing their official media accounts and statements to other media outlets.
Once any claim proved to be false or misleading, we use a relevant fact-checking tool. We try to contact the source of the claim, send a field officer to the place (if access is available), or use the reverse search or geolocation, to eventually debunk the claim.
Below the links to articles that prove we fact check claims from all parties:
https://www.verify-sy.com/ar/short/1523
https://www.verify-sy.com/ar/short/1589
https://www.verify-sy.com/ar/short/1593
https://www.verify-sy.com/ar/short/1596
https://www.verify-sy.com/ar/short/1614
https://www.verify-sy.com/ar/short/1624
https://www.verify-sy.com/ar/short/1663
https://www.verify-sy.com/ar/short/1675
https://verify-sy.com/short/956
https://verify-sy.com/short/1060
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The attached link till ****** confirms sharing 10 stories, also the assessor checked the website (Arabic, English, Turkish) till 9/11/2021 to reaffirm that. It is worth mentioning that not all the Arabic debunked topics are translated to the English website.
Verify-Sy verifies a wide range of topics within the Syrian context, Turkish and even Egyptian ones.
done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
"The public page on our website ""Methodology"" illustrate how we select and fact-check news
Arabic: https://www.verify-sy.com/methodology/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D9%87%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%A9
English: https://www.verify-sy.com/en/methodology/Methodology
Turkish: https://verify-sy.com/tr/page/3003/Edit%C3%B6ryal-ve-Yay%C4%B1n-Politikas%C4%B1
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
In view of what I had observed, Verify-Sy is having a very good methodology (Arabic and English) in the below links:
Arabic: https://www.verify-sy.com/methodology/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D9%87%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%A9
English: https://www.verify-sy.com/en/methodology/Methodology
Turkish: https://verify-sy.com/tr/page/3003/Edit%C3%B6ryal-ve-Yay%C4%B1n-Politikas%C4%B1
The links provide the full methodology that has been approved at the meeting of the Verify-Sy Board of Directors on November 16, 2020. It also includes the detailed procedure for the fact check process. They provide a clear publishing mechanism and they are following the international standards of debunking.
done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
According to their website, they are functioning independently and that is clear from the randomly selected stories.
In their debunked stories, Verify-Sy by the end of each, they list- in a form of a table- all the sources used during the process; which enables readers to double-check and build their own conclusions.
done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Based on the link: https://verify-sy.com/page/3003/%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%B1
They stated clearly they are not an affiliation of any political entity. The Editorial and Publication Policy states the mechanism and standards of work. They have expanded on their principle ideas to explain what each principle means to Verify-Sy. Following Publishing Policy, Publication Mechanism, Communicating sources.
done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
"Our principles and values in our ""Editing and Publishing Policy"" ensure a non-partisanship approach:
English: https://www.verify-sy.com/en/page/3003/Editorial-and-Publication-Policy
Turkish: https://verify-sy.com/tr/page/3003/Edit%C3%B6ryal-ve-Yay%C4%B1n-Politikas%C4%B1
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The link:
Clearly stated in the "Editorial and Publication Policy" under the standards category that Verify-Sy guarantees that it is committed to non-partisan and independent work as well as how they preserve its commitment to independent work. They also promote the Impartiality of the editorial team within the section the "Our Team" https://verify-sy.com/en/our-team/Our-team
"Editorial and Publication Policy"
English: https://www.verify-sy.com/en/page/3003/Editorial-and-Publication-Policy
Turkish: https://verify-sy.com/tr/page/3003/Edit%C3%B6ryal-ve-Yay%C4%B1n-Politikas%C4%B1
"Our Team"
done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
By random checking the stories, Verify-Sy post links as a hyperlink within their stories promoting the sources that they have used in their articles regarding the claim.
done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
It has been confirmed through a random check. Generally, Verify-SY uses on-ground correspondents as primary sources when checking claims. Sometimes, they depend on secondary sources. In all cases, they provide a list of sources below each debunked claim.
done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Through a random sample, Verify-Sy checks multi-source when applicable. In some cases, they don't list all the sources below the claim but they provide sources as hyperlinks with the articles themselves.
done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The assessor randomly checked and can assure that they state all the circumstances evolving around the claim. YES, they meet the spirit of this criteria with respect to the sources it cites when checking claims of fact.
done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
"Verify is an independent media outlet specialized in fact-checking and it does not subsidiary of any kind of another media organization. This is clearly stated in the page ""Our Story"":
https://www.verify-sy.com/page/3005/%D9%82%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AF"
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Being independent is stated clearly and they provided a pdf of their registration as a company in Turkey. They are neither a unit nor a parent organization, but Verify-Sy is an organization that is focused solely on fact-checking.
Methodology
Arabic: https://www.verify-sy.com/page/3005/%D9%82%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AF
English: https://verify-sy.com/en/methodology/Methodology
Turkish: https://verify-sy.com/tr/methodology/metodoloji
Verify-Sy Story
Arabic: https://verify-sy.com/ar/page/3005/%D9%82%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AF
English: https://verify-sy.com/en/page/3005/Verify-Sy-story
Turkish: https://verify-sy.com/tr/page/3005/TEEKKED%E2%80%99%C4%B0N-H%C4%B0KAYES%C4%B0
done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
By going through the website, the organization is fully registered in Turkey https://verify-sy.com/page/3005/%D9%82%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AF
Also, their story state that they are focusing only on Fact-checking: https://verify-sy.com/en/page/3005/Verify-Sy-story
Verify-Sy Story
Arabic: https://verify-sy.com/ar/page/3005/%D9%82%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AF
English: https://verify-sy.com/en/page/3005/Verify-Sy-story
Turkish: https://verify-sy.com/tr/page/3005/TEEKKED%E2%80%99%C4%B0N-H%C4%B0KAYES%C4%B0
done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Organizational Structure
Arabic: https://www.verify-sy.com/organizational/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D9%8A%D9%83%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9
English: https://www.verify-sy.com/en/organizational/Organizational-structure "
Turkish: https://verify-sy.com/tr/organizational/TEEKKED-PLATFORMUNDAK%C4%B0-Y%C3%96NET%C4%B0MSEL-YAPI
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
On all versions of the website, Verify-Sy indicates the different departments and the hierarchy. The Hierarchy clarifies the reporting system and different departments within the organization.
https://www.verify-sy.com/en/organizational/Organizational-structure
Arabic: https://www.verify-sy.com/organizational/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D9%8A%D9%83%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9
English: https://www.verify-sy.com/en/organizational/Organizational-structure "
Turkish: https://verify-sy.com/tr/organizational/TEEKKED-PLATFORMUNDAK%C4%B0-Y%C3%96NET%C4%B0MSEL-YAPI
done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
In our team section, names, positions, and pictures of the team and volunteers are added in both (Arabic English, and Turkish).
"Our Team"
done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
"We encourage readers to contact us through three ways:
1- At the end of each article, there is a link users could use to send us a complaint or suspect information ""أرسل لنا خبراً تشك في صحته"".
The random article shows the link at the end of the article: https://www.verify-sy.com/short/9124
2- We have a public Facebook group ""تأكد على الحارك"" through which users could contact us.
Verify's the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/verify.sy/
3- We publicly encourage users to contact us through our ""Complaints Policy""
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Verify-Sy provides a clear link for communication under the (contact us) category. Also articles are proceeded with(Send us a piece of news you suspect) to encourage more engagement.
Also, They are having a concrete complaints policy
In addition to the "contact us" link at the end of each web page on their website.
done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The methodology is publicly accessible (English Arabic and Turkis). Verify-Sy provided clear definitions that lead their work mechanism, besides introducing adequate categories, and subcategories indicating the broad lines, definitions, mechanism, and setting priorities,
Our Methodology
Arabic: https://www.verify-sy.com/page/3005/%D9%82%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AF
done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The assessor randomly analyzed some compliances against their publicly mentioned criteria, and they proved to be convincing. Verify-Sy assesses compliances against their publicly mentioned criteria. They state clearly how they are dealing with claims and how they communicate them as shown in the below link:
Our Methodology
Arabic: https://www.verify-sy.com/page/3005/%D9%82%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AF
done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Yes, Through a random sample, the assessor confirms that they follow the methodology (Arabic, English, and Turkish). Verify-Sy also adds a list of references and sources at the end of each article.
done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
It appears that Verify-Sy applies the same standards within the spectrum of their work. The assessor confirms the similar quality of evidence across the debunked claims.
done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Based on the part of the claim in their methodology, Verify-Sy provided comprehensive details including seeking documents in written or recorded, the formality correspondence with sources, the privacy of sources, the tone of correspondence,
That part is mentioned in Arabic, English, and Turkish.
Our Methodology
Arabic: https://www.verify-sy.com/page/3005/%D9%82%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AF
done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
"We encourage readers to contact us through three ways:
1- At the end of each article, there is a link users could use to send us a complaint or suspect information ""أرسل لنا خبراً تشك في صحته"".
Random article showes the link at the end of the article: https://www.verify-sy.com/short/9124
2- We have a public Facebook group ""تأكد على الحارك"" through which users could contact us.
Verify's Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/verify.sy/
3- We publicly encourage users to contact us through our ""Complaints Policy""
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Indeed, Verify-Sy encourages the audience to send claims for debunking. They do so via the contact us at the bottom of the site, send us a claim at the end of each debunked piece, also on Facebook.
done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
"Our Complaint policy:
English: https://verify-sy.com/en/complaints/Correction-and-complaints-policy
Turkish: https://verify-sy.com/tr/complaints/D%C3%9CZELTME-VE-%C5%9E%C4%B0KAYET-POL%C4%B0T%C4%B0KASI
Our Methodology
Arabic: https://www.verify-sy.com/page/3005/%D9%82%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AF
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Verify-Sy is having a concrete correction policy published here:
"Our Complaint policy:
English: https://verify-sy.com/en/complaints/Correction-and-complaints-policy
Turkish: https://verify-sy.com/tr/complaints/D%C3%9CZELTME-VE-%C5%9E%C4%B0KAYET-POL%C4%B0T%C4%B0KASI
Their correction policy is scrupulous, also they are providing a separate page for complaint forms.
done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Verify-Sy provides a full list of definitions of what they are doing in a well-orgianzed way under the standards category.
"Our Complaint policy:
English: https://verify-sy.com/en/complaints/Correction-and-complaints-policy
Turkish: https://verify-sy.com/tr/complaints/D%C3%9CZELTME-VE-%C5%9E%C4%B0KAYET-POL%C4%B0T%C4%B0KASI
Verify-Sy applies two levels of correction policy with five mechanics. They indicated that "The platform makes sure that every criticism, complaint or comment that arrives formally or informally is a "complaint" that must be dealt with, but rather from the freedom of criticism and protected expression, and the complaint is all that is received on the platform officially or informally or the positions and responses that the platform follows provided that it contains one standard of standards established in the system".
done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
"Verify-Sy's team receives complaints or comments on a particular article from the public. Then the team assesses the source according to our policy. In the following two articles, Verify-Sy has admitted to be mistaken and published a public apology.
Older corrections:
https://www.verify-sy.com/ar/details/765
https://www.facebook.com/verify.sy.E/posts/204086886649994
New Corrections:
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
The assessor checked the https://verify-sy.com/ar/details/765 and can confirm both corrected stories from 2016/2017.
The older corrections were published on separate pages, not beneath the original posts. But the new corrections are labeled Updated along with why it was updated.
done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
NA
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
Not yet a signatory.
done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Ahmed Esmat.
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.
Verify Media Platform
18-Apr-2020 (4 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago
NA
Ahmed Esmat Assessor
05-Jun-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
They are not a part of a parent organization, so, this does not apply to Verify-Sy.