subhodayam operates a dedicated Fact-Check Desk to verify claims circulating in the public sphere, particularly viral claims on social media, political statements, and information that has significant potential to mislead the public. This policy describes our methodology, standards, and transparency commitments in all fact-checking work.
What We Fact-Check
Our Fact-Check Desk focuses on: claims made by politicians, public officials, and political parties during campaigns, speeches, interviews, and social media posts; viral claims and forwarded messages circulating on WhatsApp, Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms; statistics and data points cited in public discourse without attribution; historical claims used to support contemporary political narratives; and health and scientific misinformation that poses a risk to public safety.
Our Methodology
Every fact-check published by subhodayam follows a rigorous methodology designed to ensure accuracy, fairness, and replicability. We begin by identifying the specific claim to be verified and its original source. We then search for primary evidence — official data, government documents, academic studies, court records, video footage, or other verified primary sources.
Where primary sources are unavailable, we consult multiple independent secondary sources and subject-matter experts. We document all sources and evidence in our research files. Before publishing a fact-check that rates a claim as false or misleading, we contact the individual or organisation that made the claim to offer them an opportunity to respond or provide additional evidence. Their response is incorporated into the published fact-check.
Rating System
We use a clear, consistent rating system to classify claims: True — the claim is accurate and supported by strong evidence; Mostly True — the claim is broadly accurate but lacks important context or contains minor inaccuracies; Half True — the claim contains some accurate elements but omits key facts or creates a misleading impression; Mostly False — the claim contains a kernel of truth but is significantly misleading; False — the claim is not accurate based on available evidence; Misleading — the claim may be technically accurate but is presented in a way that creates a false impression.
Corrections and Updates
If new evidence emerges after a fact-check is published that changes our rating, we update the fact-check promptly and add a prominent note explaining what changed and why. We never silently alter published fact-checks. All corrections are dated and explained.
Independence
Our Fact-Check Desk operates with full editorial independence. No government body, political party, corporate entity, or advertiser has any role in selecting claims for fact-checking or influencing our ratings. Our fact-checkers follow the evidence wherever it leads, regardless of the political affiliation of the person making the claim.
To submit a claim for fact-checking, email us at info@onenews.co.in with the subject line “Fact-Check Request.” Include the claim, its source, and any relevant context.
