How we fact-check

Choosing claims

We check claims that are spreading widely, that could affect people's health, safety, money or vote, or that public figures make about matters of public interest. We check claims from across the political spectrum, and the topic or speaker never decides the verdict. Readers can suggest claims through the contact form.

Investigating

• We find the original source of the claim and record who made it, when and where.
• We contact the person or organisation who made the claim and ask for their evidence.
• We look for primary evidence: official data, documents, court records, original video and expert analysis.
• Images and videos are checked with reverse image search, metadata analysis and geolocation where possible.
• At least two editors review every fact-check before it is published.

Verdicts

• True: the claim is accurate and nothing significant is missing.
• Mostly true: the claim is accurate but needs clarification or additional context.
• Misleading: the claim contains some truth but leaves out or distorts important facts, giving a false impression.
• False: the claim is inaccurate.
• Unverified: there isn't enough reliable evidence to prove or disprove the claim yet.

Transparency

Every fact-check lists the claim, who made it, our verdict and the sources we checked, with links wherever possible. If new evidence emerges, we update the fact-check and, if needed, the verdict, with a dated note.

Corrections

If you believe a fact-check is wrong, tell us using the contact form. We follow our Corrections Policy.