This code of principles is for organizations that regularly publish nonpartisan reports on the accuracy of statements by public figures, major institutions, and other widely circulated claims of interest to society. It is the result of consultations among fact-checkers from around the world and offers conscientious practitioners principles to aspire to in their everyday work.
The commitments that signatory organizations abide by are:
1. 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.
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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
If you believe that FactCheck Georgia 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
