18. March 2026
METHODOLOGY
Fact-Checking Methodologies
To ensure rigorous standards in fact-checking while aligning with the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) Code of Principles, The ClarityDesk has adopted the following methodology.
Transparency of Sources
All claims will be traced back to original sources. Fact-checkers will assess the credibility of the sources, ensuring they are authoritative and reliable.
The methodology and sources used in the fact-checking process will be clearly disclosed in each article, allowing readers to understand how conclusions were reached.
The methodology and sources used in the fact-checking process will be clearly disclosed in each article, allowing readers to understand how conclusions were reached.
Thorough Research Process
1. Claim Identification: Fact-checkers will identify specific claims requiring verification, focusing on statements that are potentially misleading, controversial, or widely circulated.
2. Gathering Evidence: Fact-checkers will collect information from diverse sources, including academic research, government reports, expert interviews, and databases.
3. This will include cross-referencing multiple sources to verify accuracy.
2. Gathering Evidence: Fact-checkers will collect information from diverse sources, including academic research, government reports, expert interviews, and databases.
3. This will include cross-referencing multiple sources to verify accuracy.
Use of Established Standards
The ClarityDesk will employ a consistent framework for evaluating claims, which includes:
1. Accuracy: Is the claim true or false?
2. Context: Is the claim presented in a misleading context?
3. Relevance: Why is the claim significant to the audience?
1. Accuracy: Is the claim true or false?
2. Context: Is the claim presented in a misleading context?
3. Relevance: Why is the claim significant to the audience?
Expert Consultation
1. For complex claims, fact-checkers will consult relevant experts or practitioners in the field. This helps ensure that interpretations are accurate and comprehensive.
2. Before publication, fact-checked articles undergo a peer review process within the team to validate findings and interpretations.
2. Before publication, fact-checked articles undergo a peer review process within the team to validate findings and interpretations.
Clear Rating System
Our truthfulness spectrum implements a clear rating system to categorise claims based on their accuracy, such as:
True: The claim is accurate and supported by evidence.
False: The claim is inaccurate.
Misleading: The claim contains some truth but is presented in a way that misleads.
Altered: The ‘Altered’ rating indicates that genuine content, such as a quote, image, or video, has been edited or manipulated.
Unverified: The claim lacks sufficient evidence for a definitive conclusion.
Satire — When a claim is false and has the potential to fool, but it has no intention to deceive (for example, humour, parody).
True: The claim is accurate and supported by evidence.
False: The claim is inaccurate.
Misleading: The claim contains some truth but is presented in a way that misleads.
Altered: The ‘Altered’ rating indicates that genuine content, such as a quote, image, or video, has been edited or manipulated.
Unverified: The claim lacks sufficient evidence for a definitive conclusion.
Satire — When a claim is false and has the potential to fool, but it has no intention to deceive (for example, humour, parody).
Feedback Mechanism
1. We encourage readers to provide feedback on fact-checked articles. This involves commenting or reaching out directly with questions or concerns regarding the fact-checking process.
2. We have established a clear policy for issuing corrections or updates if new evidence emerges post-publication, demonstrating a commitment to accuracy and transparency.
2. We have established a clear policy for issuing corrections or updates if new evidence emerges post-publication, demonstrating a commitment to accuracy and transparency.
Training & Continuous Improvement
1. Regular training sessions are conducted for the fact-checking team to stay updated on best practices, emerging trends, and new tools in fact-checking.
2. We periodically review and refine our fact-checking methodology based on feedback and lessons learned from previous fact-checks
2. We periodically review and refine our fact-checking methodology based on feedback and lessons learned from previous fact-checks
…and many many more…
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The ClarityDesk’s parent organisation, Excellence Foundation for South Sudan, is a national nonprofit that works through grassroots initiatives to support literacy, leadership, and community engagement, especially among youth and marginalised groups, to foster inclusive, high-quality lives through education, well-being, and opportunity
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