Fact-checking

Content

What is fact-checking?
The importance of fact-checking
How to conduct fact-checking
Sources for information verification
Using social media for fact-checking
Is fact-checking necessary?

What is fact-checking?

Fact-checking is the process of verifying information for its accuracy. Before publishing material on a website or sharing interesting news on social media, it is essential to ensure that the information presented is truthful. For example, if a video was initially posted on Telegram, it is crucial to conduct a check to determine whether it corresponds to reality.

The importance of fact-checking

Fact-checking plays a key role in shaping a company's positive reputation online. Subscribers and visitors must be confident that the information published by the company is reliable. Otherwise, if the facts turn out to be false, it could lead to a loss of trust from customers and negatively impact the business. For instance, if a news article references an authoritative source, such as Rosstat, it adds extra assurance of its accuracy.

Additionally, fact-checking contributes to a company's promotion in search engines. Google and Yandex algorithms consider the reliability of information when ranking websites, making fact-checking an essential tool for achieving high positions in search results.

Fact-checking is particularly relevant for the media, as according to legislation, the dissemination of unverified information can lead to various legal consequences, including fines. For example, Bloomberg was fined for publishing a misleading press release, highlighting the importance of fact verification.

How to conduct fact-checking

The responsibility for fact-checking lies with the author and editor of the material. The main principles include impartiality, independence, and accuracy. To avoid distortions, it is helpful to follow a checklist:

Check names, positions, company names, and geographical locations; clarify dates.
Ensure the accuracy of provided contacts (phone number, email address).
Learn the meanings of unfamiliar terms.
If quoting someone, ensure that the quote truly belongs to that person.
When publishing images, verify their originality using verification tools.
Compare information with multiple sources to confirm its accuracy.
Avoid categorical statements without justification.

Doubt is an important tool in the fact-checking process. Material should not be published until the author is convinced of its accuracy. Even if the information comes from an authoritative source, it does not guarantee its absolute truthfulness. For example, an article about the healing properties of a plant without scientific confirmation should not be taken seriously.

Sources for information verification

When conducting fact-checking, it is recommended to use the following sources:

Websites of government agencies (Rosstat, ministries, Bank of Russia);
Financial and legal systems ("Garant," "Consultant Plus," "Glavbukh");
Major news agencies ("TASS," "Interfax," "RBK," "Lenta");
Sociological research centers (VTsIOM);
Official company websites;
Social media pages of individuals and companies;
Technical documentation;
Experts in the relevant field.

Reliable sources often contain links to primary sources, are written by experts, and are not anonymous, which also increases trust in the information presented.

The same rules for verifying information apply on social media. It is important to ensure that the account is genuine, as there are many fakes. A blue checkmark confirms the authenticity of the page. Pay attention to the account creation date, the type of content, and its diversity to assess the reliability of the information.

Is fact-checking necessary?

Fact-checking is necessary in any case, regardless of the topic. Even in general materials, such as reviews or compilations, facts must be verified. If it is not possible to conduct detailed fact-checking, it is important to use logical reasoning and common sense. For example, a statement that one promotion method is universally the best should raise doubts, as effectiveness depends on many factors.