In conducting media monitoring, detecting fake news and verifying information we, the editorial staff, researchers and contributors of Myth Detector, a fact-checking portal of Media Development Foundation (MDF), are committed to the following guiding principles:
- Accuracy
To publish accurate information and true facts, use reliable sources and conduct a comprehensive double-checking of misleading or distorted information. In the event of selective and manipulative reporting of facts by a source, to explain the context in order not to mislead audience.
- Impartiality
Myth Detector is not under the editorial control of the State, a political party or a politician. It should rely only on evidence and act in an independent, impartial and apolitical manner. Myth Detector must apply identical standards and procedures in fact-checking in order to avoid a selective approach. Our employee shall not be a member of any party or publicly support any candidate or party for the office. Myth Detector shall not conclude any agreement or partnership with a political party or any other public relations that could endanger the operation’s integrity, reputation, independence and impartiality. Myth Detector shall not employ anyone who holds a salaried and/or prominent position in a political party, government, state or public company under the direct control of a political party or government. Myth Detector staff shall not make any partisan statements in the name of the operation or accept in a professional context any gifts, favours, or services with advantageous conditions that go beyond common social and courtesy items.
- Transparency of sources
To provide the audience with detailed information about sources so as to enable others to double-check them too. Exceptions could be the cases when disclosure of a source may pose a threat to him/her or information has been provided on the condition of confidentiality. Myth Detector fact-checks should disclose any possible conflict of interest or bias from the experts we quote or use that could potentially affect the investigation process.
- Transparency of methodology
To explain to audience a methodology used in fact checking, also inform them of ways of correcting errors and providing feedback to the editorial staff.
- Open & Honest Corrections Policy
To correct a mistake immediately once we learn about it. To update information when we learn that a source of misinformation or/and manipulation has corrected or deleted the initial version. To consider readers’ complaints under the Code of Conduct of Myth Detector.
- Prevention of discrimination
To prevent discrimination of people on the ground of race, color, religion, ethnic and national belonging, gender identity, social origin or any other trait.
- Transparency of organization and financing
Information about the organization, its structure, employees and sources of financing is transparent and available on the webpages of MDF and Myth Detector. Financing cannot in any way influence editorial decisions and content of research taken and conducted based on the Code of Conduct principles and fact-checking methodology.
