Integrity and Transparency Policies

Transparency Policy

The team relies primarily on open sources in most fact-checking processes and does not hesitate to contact individuals or institutions whenever a response is possible.

The team documents the sources of claims in order to warn the public about the origins of rumors and false news. The team commits to doing its utmost to document details, attribute them to known and specific sources, and provide links that the public can review to verify the accuracy of the information.

The team aims to present the fact-checking steps clearly and simply, enabling the public to apply them independently and verify the results. Archived links to the claim sources are provided to preserve evidence in case any source is removed.

The team refrains from relying on anonymous sources in its fact-checks. Instead, it uses identifiable sources, clearly referencing their names, positions, and relevance to the claim.

The team highlights any conflicts of interest related to the sources it cites during the verification process, especially if these sources have stakes that could influence the credibility of their information.

The observatory requires its team to maintain full neutrality and avoid any political or ideological bias to preserve the integrity of the work, editorial accuracy, and ensure fact-checking outcomes are based solely on collected evidence.

The observatory has no profit-based affiliations with any entity. Should any future relationship arise, the team is committed to ensuring no interference with editorial policies or influence over assessment and fact-checking outcomes.

The team is also committed to correcting fact-checks if evidence of unintentional errors appears during the evaluation or verification process. Furthermore, if funding is received from donors or other institutions, the team ensures that the work and conclusions remain free from external influence.

The team provides replicable steps for the public to verify information and pledges to correct any errors identified through internal review or public feedback.

Neutrality and Non-Bias Policy

The team presents fact-check results without bias, avoiding any defense, attack, or promotion of specific ideas. All members are committed to transparency and neutrality policies.

Team members are aware of the risks of personal bias and, therefore, do not automatically believe information that aligns with their beliefs or dismiss evidence that contradicts them.

The team strives to present all relevant evidence that could support or refute a claim and avoids ignoring any available proof.

Context is carefully considered when presenting events related to the claim, helping the audience form a complete and informed understanding.

A clear policy prohibits team members from expressing personal opinions or aligning with any political or social group during their professional duties.

The team believes that verification processes must remain free from external influence and that delivering accurate, unbiased information is the core of its mission.

The AkhbarMeter team treats all societal groups equally.

Every fact-checking report aims to be fully objective, focusing solely on evidence-backed facts.

Internal review and cross-checking are conducted among team members to ensure adherence to integrity and neutrality standards.

How Does AkhbarMeter Avoid Bias?

• The verification process includes all relevant parties and does not focus solely on one side.

• No daily agenda is set to target specific public issues or personalities, and the team does not focus on any particular party or entity.

• Claims are selected daily from social media, media outlets, and public figures, based on predefined selection criteria.

• The focus remains on verifying data and figures, avoiding confusion with opinions or personal interpretations.

• When dealing with statements or news containing opinions, the content is carefully analyzed to distinguish between fact and opinion.

• All sources used in the verification process are disclosed. Transparency in sourcing helps the audience understand and assess the credibility of the results.

• Outlining the verification process step by step reduces any ambiguity around potential bias.

• The team actively engages with public feedback, addressing complaints and observations that may uncover overlooked perspectives.

• If unintentional bias or errors are found, they will be corrected transparently, with an explanation of what happened and why corrections were made.

• The team rejects any form of payment, gifts, or personal gain that could be seen as direct or indirect influence on their reports.

• Editorial team members must disclose any potential conflicts of interest to their supervisors.

Correction Policy

The AkhbarMeter team does not shy away from acknowledging unintentional errors and pledges to correct them promptly if discovered internally or reported by the public via email at info@akhbarmeter.org or via the website through the Contact Us.

The team notifies the public of any corrections by displaying them in a dedicated box beneath the original fact-check.

Corrections are also announced on all of AkhbarMeter’s social media platforms.

The team takes between 48 hours to five working days to review the content in question and publish corrections once an error is verified.

If a correction leads to a change in the content rating, the classification will be updated accordingly.

If new developments emerge related to a previously verified claim, these updates will be added to the verification result, and the rating will be revised if necessary.

If suggestions or correction requests are found to be incorrect, the observatory responds with explanations and evidence via email to the requestor.

Unprofessional or unclear comments that are not directly related to the content will not receive a response.

In the case of major errors:

If the correction is substantial, the fact-check title and classification will be updated. A detailed explanation of the mistake and its context will be included, and the correction will be shared on social media to ensure it reaches a wide audience, with an apology to readers.

The revised article will be republished with “Correction” added to the title, and the publishing date and time will be updated accordingly.

In the case of minor errors:

Spelling, grammar, and typographical errors that do not affect content accuracy will be corrected without notification.

Complaints Policy

The complaints policy aims to provide a transparent and fair channel for addressing any inquiries or objections regarding AkhbarMeter’s work or its published fact-check results.

How to submit a complaint:

Complaints must be sent via the observatory’s official email: info@akhbarmeter.org or via the website through the Contact Us.

They must include full details, such as the fact-check or rating in question, and supporting evidence.

Review standards for complaints include:

• Claims of inaccuracies or bias in fact-checks

• Errors in analysis or interpretation

• Violations of AkhbarMeter’s integrity or professional standards

Review process:

• A confirmation email is sent within 3 working days.

• The complaint is reviewed by the observatory director, evaluation team lead, and the head of fact-checking.

• If an error is found, corrections are made transparently, with explanations published.

Response timeframe:

A response is issued within 48 hours to five working days. If more time is needed for investigation, the complainant will be informed of the delay and any updates.

Confidentiality:

All complaints are treated with strict confidentiality to protect the privacy of all parties.

Common Types of Complaints:

1. Fact-check accuracy complaints

• Allegations of inaccuracy or incomplete verification.

• Requests for re-verification due to new information.

• Claims of bias in verification or presentation.

• Concerns about verification methodology or source credibility.

• Demands for more transparency regarding sources.

2. Technical complaints

• Access issues with the platform or fact-check reports.

• Concerns about the performance of verification tools or technologies.

3. Rights and freedoms-related complaints

• Claims of infringing on freedom of expression, especially when labeling content as "misleading" or "false."

• Objections to verification of sensitive or personal information, such as rumors affecting reputations.

When are complaints dismissed?

• Complaints lacking clear identification or submitted under pseudonyms are not accepted.

• Personal messages directed at article authors are not considered formal correction requests.

• Only the complaint categories mentioned above are eligible.

If you are not satisfied with the team’s response:

AkhbarMeter is committed to the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) Code of Principles and always strives to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism. If a complaint concerns AkhbarMeter’s performance or adherence to the Code of Principles, the public may escalate the complaint directly to the IFCN.