Website

https://newschecker.in/

Date

29/04/2025

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APPLICANT

Date: 03/03/2025

At Newschecker, we adhere to a rigorous and consistent methodology for all fact-checks, ensuring that every claim is evaluated using the same high standards of evidence. This approach ensures impartiality and fairness in our work.

Key Aspects of Our Process:

Consistent Methodology: We follow the same essential process for every fact-check, regardless of the claim’s origin or political context. This includes a thorough review of publicly available information and evidence. The methodology can be seen here: https://newschecker.in/our-methodology
Use of Standardised Tools and Techniques: We use the same tools and methodology to verify claims. This includes leveraging AI detection tools for identifying deepfakes or AI-generated content and using OSINT tools and techniques like conducting reverse image searches to verify the authenticity of images.
Primary Source Verification: A crucial part of our process is reaching out to the primary sources for accurate information. This ensures that our conclusions are based on the most reliable data/information available.
Evidence-Based Conclusions: The evidence dictates our conclusions- if a claim is found to be inaccurate, we report it as such, regardless of who made the claim or their political affiliation.
Transparent Attribution and Documentation: We attribute sources and hyperlink our findings to ensure transparency. This allows readers to follow the same methodology and arrive at a similar conclusion. Additionally, we provide screenshots and archive links to preserve evidence and facilitate independent verification.
Comprehensive Source Listing: At the end of each fact-check, we list sources used in our research. This documentation supports our findings and enhances the credibility of our conclusions.

TEN EXAMPLES WITH EXPLANATIONS

Below are examples of fact-checks published over the past year that demonstrate our adherence to high standards of evidence and our consistent approach to evaluating claims, regardless of political affiliations.

1) Video Showing Amit Shah Announcing End to SC/ST/OBC Reservations (Edited)

Link: https://newschecker.in/fact-check/amit-shah-bjp-unconstitutional-sc-st-obc-reservation-edited-video
Summary: A misleading video claimed Amit Shah vowed to end reservations for SC, ST, and OBC communities. However, the video was edited, and in the original video Shah was discussing unconstitutional reservations for Muslims in Telangana.

2) Viral Video of Rahul Gandhi Predicting PM Modi’s Victory in Lok Sabha Elections(Edited)

Link: https://newschecker.in/election-watch/viral-video-of-rahul-gandhi-predicting-pm-narendra-modis-victory-in-2024-general-elections-is-edited
Summary: A video circulating on social media misquoted Rahul Gandhi as predicting Modi’s victory in the 2024 elections. The video was found to be edited, distorting Gandhi’s original statements.

3) Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Thrashed by Public? (False Claim)

Link: https://newschecker.in/fact-check/punjab-cm-bhagwant-mann-thrashed-by-public-no-video-goes-viral-with-false-claim
Summary: A viral video claimed Bhagwant Mann was beaten by the public. However, the footage actually showed Amandeep Singh Boparai being assaulted, unrelated to Mann.

4) Maharashtra Polls: Viral Audio Note ‘Exposing’ Supriya Sule’s ‘Involvement in Bitcoin Scam’

Link: https://newschecker.in/fact-check/maharashtra-polls-heres-the-truth-behind-viral-audio-note-exposing-supriya-sules-involvement-in-bitcoin-scam
Summary: An audio note allegedly featuring Supriya Sule discussing the liquidation of bitcoins to fund election activities. The audio clip was found to be AI-generated using multiple detection tools.

5) Edited Video of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Endorsing BJP Over TMC

Link: https://newschecker.in/election-watch/fact-check-edited-video-of-adhir-ranjan-chowdhury-calling-it-a-better-choice-to-vote-for-bjp-than-tmc-goes-viral
Summary: A video suggested Chowdhury endorsed voting for BJP over TMC. However, the video was edited to misrepresent his words; he had criticised both parties and supported the Congress-Left alliance.

6) Video of BJP’s Dinesh Lal Yadav Discussing Population Growth (found to be original and not a Deepfake)

Link: https://newschecker.in/fact-check/fact-check-the-video-of-bjps-dinesh-lal-yadav-discussing-population-growth-and-its-impact-on-unemployment-is-not-a-deepfake
Summary: A video featuring Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua' sparked controversy, with some claiming it was a deepfake. Newschecker found the video to be authentic based on analysis by AI detection tools.

7) Viral Audio Claiming to be Swati Maliwal and Dhruv Rathee’s Call Recording (AI-generated)

Link: https://newschecker.in/hi/fact-check-hi/ai-deepfake-hi/recording-of-call-between-maliwal-and-dhruv-rathi-is-ai-generated
Summary: An audio recording allegedly between Swati Maliwal and Dhruv Rathee was found to be AI-generated and not authentic.

8) Amit Shah, Gautam Adani, and Ajit Doval Banned from Entering US & Canada (False Claim)

Link: https://newschecker.in/hi/fact-check-hi/fact-check-hi/usa-canada-amit-shah-ajit-doval
Summary: Claims that Amit Shah, Gautam Adani, and Ajit Doval were banned from entering the US and Canada were debunked as false.

9) Om Birla’s Daughter Anjali Birla Married a Muslim Man (False Claim)

Link: https://newschecker.in/hi/fact-check-hi/fact-check-hi/om-birlas-daughter-married-to-a-muslim-man
Summary: False claims circulated that Anjali Birla married a Muslim man. However, she married Aneesh Rajani from a Sindhi Hindu family.

10) Harsimrat Kaur Badal Praises AAP? (Edited Video)

Link: https://newschecker.in/pa/fact-check-pa/fact-check-pa/harsimrat-badal-praise-aap
Summary: A video claimed Harsimrat Kaur Badal praised AAP. However, the video was edited to misrepresent her statements; she actually commended the Shiromani Akali Dal.

Assessor´s verdict:

COMPLIANT

APPLICANT

Date: 03/03/2025

At Newschecker, we provide multiple easy-to-use channels for users to communicate with our editorial and fact-checking team. Here are the links and details for these interactive channels:

1) Submit A Claim Page: Users can submit claims for fact-checking through our dedicated “Submit a Claim” page: https://newschecker.in/submit-a-claim. This page provides a direct means for users to share forwards and viral messages they suspect are untrue.

2) How Can We Help Page: For users who wish to connect with us for other reasons, such as feedback or general inquiries, we have a “How Can We Help?” page: https://newschecker.in/contact-us. This page includes a contact form for users to fill out.

3) WhatsApp and Email: At the end of each fact-check article, we clearly provide contact information for immediate engagement stating "If you would like us to fact check a claim, give feedback or lodge a complaint WhatsApp us at +91-9999499044 or email us at checkthis@newschecker.in. You can also visit the Contact Us page and fill the form."

4) Social Media Handles: Our social media pages are listed on the top right section of each page. Users can reach out to us through these platforms for general inquiries or to share claims.

5) Contacting Team Members: In the “Our Team” section of our website, you can find links to email specific team members directly, as well as links to their professional profiles on platforms like X ( formerly Twitter). Link: https://newschecker.in/our-team

6) Corrections and Complaints Page:
Users can send feedback, corrections, or complaints through this page. https://newschecker.in/corrections-and-complaints

Assessor´s verdict:

COMPLIANT

APPLICANT

Date: 03/03/2025

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Over the past year, our dedication to accuracy and transparency has been evident through our commitment to self-review and correction. In instances where we identified anything worthy of correction or update, we promptly took action. For example:

In July 2024, Newschecker published an article debunking the viral claim that IPS officer Anu Beniwal, who qualified under the EWS quota, was the daughter of an IPS officer and had misused the quota to secure her position through corrupt means. The article clarified that Anu Beniwal’s father was not an IPS officer but rather someone who had faced health challenges and managed a small button factory. However, during an internal review, we identified that the initial article mentioned conflicting information, stating that her father was both a businessman and a farmer. Recognising this error, we promptly removed the incorrect line and updated the article with a note at the end explaining the change and specifying the date of correction to ensure transparency for our readers. Here is the link: https://newschecker.in/fact-check/ips-anu-beniwals-father-in-civil-services-no-viral-claim-is-false
On August 9, 2024, Newschecker received an email regarding a fact-check about a viral claim that the US team performed at the Olympics to a specific song. The complainant argued that our fact-check was incorrect because the US team did perform on that song at the Olympics. Our original article focused solely on debunking a viral video that falsely claimed to show this performance at the Paris Olympics. Upon reviewing the complaint and re-examining our article, we confirmed that our fact-check was accurate as it correctly pointed out that the video in question was old and not from the Paris Olympics. However, to avoid any confusion for readers, we issued an update in the article directing them to where they could find information about the actual performance of the US team. This clarification ensured that readers could access accurate details without ambiguity. Here is the link: https://newschecker.in/fact-check/old-video-of-us-artistic-swimming-team-performing-to-ar-rahmans-taal-shared-as-paris-olympics

These examples showcase our proactive approach to self-review and correction, ensuring that our users have access to accurate and reliable information at all times.

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Assessor´s verdict:

COMPLIANT

APPLICANT

Date: 03/03/2025

Our policy on reusing fact-checks from other fact-checking institutions: https://newschecker.in/more-information
We respect the intellectual property and efforts of other fact-checking organisations, initiatives, and independent fact-checkers. We do not republish or reuse any part of their content without providing clear attribution to the original source. Where applicable, we notify the original creators prior to reuse, ensuring compliance with the licensing terms of their content.

Collaborations:
In cases where collaboration is necessary, we work closely with other fact-checking organisations to combine expertise and resources for accurate and impactful fact-checks.

For example, we partnered with The Healthy Indian Project (THIP) to produce health-related fact-checks in Nepali and Kannada languages. This collaboration leveraged THIP’s expertise in health-related misinformation and our multilingual capabilities to deliver accurate information to diverse audiences. Our methodology involved joint research, content sharing, and cross-verification to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.

- Examples of jointly written articles can be seen here: https://nepal.newschecker.co/author/newschecker-and-thip and here: https://newschecker.in/kn/author/newscheckerandthip/1

- Additionally, at the end of each collaborative article, we clearly state: “This article is published in collaboration with THIP Media” to maintain transparency and credit both organisations.

Participation in Shakti Collective 1.0: As part of Shakti 1.0, a consortium of 100+ fact-checkers and news publishers in India, we worked collaboratively to aid the early detection of online misinformation and deepfakes while amplifying the reach of fact-checks in regional languages. Newschecker partnered with DataLEADS and GNI as part of Shakti Collective to combat election-related misinformation. Our verified fact-checks were shared with mainstream organisations such as NDTV and ABP News, amplifying their reach across diverse audiences and can be seen here::

1) Published in ABP: https://news.abplive.com/authors/newschecker-in-shakti-collective

2) Published on NDTV: https://www.ndtv.com/search?searchtext=NewsChecker

Assessor´s verdict:

COMPLIANT

Section 1: Eligibility to be a verified signatory This section aims to assess if an Applicant meets the eligibility criteria for becoming a verified signatory to the MCA Code of Principles.

1.1 The Applicant is legally registered in India

1.2 The Applicant's fact-checking activities have a substantial and demonstrable focus on India

1.3 The Applicant’s fact-checking has been published either in English/Hindi and/or in one of the 22 languages listed in Schedule VIII of the Constitution of India, in the course of the twelve months prior to the date of application

1.4 At least 75% of the Applicant’s fact checks must relate to issues that could have an impact on the welfare or well-being of individuals, the general public, or society, or have a public interest element

1.5 The Applicant’s editorial output must not be under the control of the state, any political party, or a politician

1.6 The Applicant must, fully and fairly, disclose if it receives funds from local or foreign state or political sources

Section 2: Non-partisanship and fairness This section aims to understand how an Applicant ensures impartiality in their fact-checking operation.

2.1 The Applicant fact-checks use the same high standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim

Key Aspects of Our Process:

TEN EXAMPLES WITH EXPLANATIONS

2.2 The Applicant does not unduly concentrate its fact-checking on any one side

2.3 The Applicant discloses on its website and/or in the fact check any reasonable conflict of interest, other relevant interests, or bias, including that of the experts or organisations cited in the fact check

2.4 The Applicant is not affiliated with nor declares or shows support for any political party, any politician or political candidate, nor does it advocate for or against any policy positions on any issues save for transparency and accuracy in public debate

2.6 The Applicant discloses any ownership or stake in its organization held by sitting members of parliament, assembly, local governments; office bearers or spokespersons of political parties; or those directly or indirectly associated with political parties

2.7 The Applicant does not employ anyone who holds a salaried and/or prominent position in a political party, government, state, or public company under the direct or indirect control of a political party, government, or the state

2.8 The Applicant only advocates for issues that are relevant to the mission of fact-checking, strengthening democracy, and improving general transparency and accountability of various organs of the state, and are compatible with the reputation for independence and impartiality

Section 3: Transparency of sources This section aims to understand how the Applicant ensures that their readers can independently verify the findings mentioned in a fact check themselves.

3.1 The Applicant identifies the source of all significant evidence used in its fact checks and provides relevant links where the source is available online

3.2 The Applicant uses the best available primary, not secondary, source of evidence

3.3 The Applicant checks all key elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence, except where the one source is the only source relevant and available on the topic

3.4 The Applicant always identifies and discloses its relevant interests, including any commercial relations, and that of its sources, in the fact checks, where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided

Section 4: Transparency of funding and organisation This section aims to understand the funding sources of the Applicant and their funders' influence on editorial decisions.

4.1 The Applicant is an independent organization

4.2 The Applicant is a dedicated fact-checking section or unit in an organization

4.3 The Applicant discloses the names of persons or entities holding over 10% of the shares/stakes in it

4.4 The Applicant provides information about who runs its editorial operations and how

4.5 The Applicant provides an easy means on its website and/or via social media for users to communicate with its editorial and fact-checking team

Section 5: Transparency of methodology This section aims to understand an Applicant's methodology for selecting, researching, writing, editing, publishing and correcting their fact checks and how they encourage readers to send claims to fact-check.

5.1 The Applicant’s fact-checking methodology is available on its website

5.2 The Applicant selects claims to fact-check based on their reach and importance

5.3 The Applicant provides evidence that supports and undermines a claim, irrespective of who made the claim

5.4 The Applicant makes a demonstrable effort to contact the person/organization making the claim to seek supporting evidence

5.5 The Applicant encourages readers to send in claims to fact check

5.6 The Applicant quotes experts after establishing their credibility

5.7 The Applicant ensures each investigation undergoes at least one round of editing before publication, by someone other than the author

5.8 The Applicant presents findings in precise, factual, and non-emotive language while taking care not to overstate conclusions

Section 6: Open and honest corrections policyy This section aims to understand an Applicant's corrections policy, how it is followed, how transparent it is, and how the Applicant ensures that readers see the corrected version.

6.1 The Applicant has a corrections or complaints policy that is easily and prominently visible and accessible on its website

6.2 Where credible evidence is provided demonstrating that the Applicant has made a mistake worthy of correction, it makes the correction openly and transparently, seeking to ensure as far as possible that readers of the original see the correction and the corrected version

6.4 If the Applicant is the fact-checking unit of a media company, its parent company adopts and adheres to the same corrections policy as is being followed by the Applicant

Section 7: Intellectual property rights This section aims to understand how Applicant observes and demonstrates respect for intellectual property rights in all forms including text, image, audio or video.

7.1 The Applicant publishes all fact checks on its website, and does not keep the fact checks behind a paywall. The fact checks should be easily accessible in the public domain and without coste

7.2 The Applicant observes & respects intellectual property laws, creative commons licences, copyrights when using, modifying, and/or merging any contente

7.3 The Applicant allows, where possible & applicable, the organization’s content to be used for non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons license with source attribution

7.5 The Applicant discloses all references and sources that have been used in the fact-check

Section 8: Commitment to privacy and safety This section aims to understand how Applicant identifies and demonstrates commitment to privacy and safety.

8.2 The Applicant is restrictive, respectful, and considerate when mentioning or identifying minors (as permitted under existing law) and makes all possible efforts to protect their privacy

8.4 The Applicant has put in place measures that aim to address the risk of trauma or harassment experienced by staff as a result of its activities, including but not limited to, providing training to prevent and identify symptoms