IFCN CODE OF PRINCIPLES
Myth Detector declares its full commitment to the code of principles elaborated by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) of the Poynter Institute, as a verified signature since November 2019.
If you believe that Myth Detector is violating the Code of Principles, you can inform the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) and it will review your claims. The IFCN is not an appeals body but has responsibility to suspend or withdraw signatory status if it finds a signatory has seriously violated the code. You can submit your claim to the complaints page on the IFCN site:https://ifcncodeofprinciples.poynter.org/complaints-policy
The commitments that signatory organizations abide by are:
- A commitment to Nonpartisanship and Fairness
Signatory organizations fact-check claims using the same standard for every fact check. They do not concentrate their fact-checking on any one side. They follow the same process for every fact check and let the evidence dictate the conclusions. Signatories do not advocate or take policy positions on the issues they fact-check.
- A commitment to Transparency of Sources
Signatories want their readers to be able to verify findings themselves. Signatories provide all sources in enough detail that readers can replicate their work, except in cases where a source’s personal security could be compromised. In such cases, signatories provide as much detail as possible.
- A commitment to Transparency of Funding & Organization
Signatory organizations are transparent about their funding sources. If they accept funding from other organizations, they ensure that funders have no influence over the conclusions the fact-checkers reach in their reports. Signatory organizations detail the professional background of all key figures in the organization and explain the organizational structure and legal status. Signatories clearly indicate a way for readers to communicate with them.
- A commitment to Transparency of Methodology
Signatories explain the methodology they use to select, research, write, edit, publish and correct their fact checks. They encourage readers to send claims to fact-check and are transparent on why and how they fact-check.
- A commitment to an Open & Honest Corrections Policy
Signatories publish their corrections policy and follow it scrupulously. They correct clearly and transparently in line with the corrections policy, seeking so far as possible to ensure that readers see the corrected version.
Myth Detector Code of Conduct
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.
