VERIFIED MEMBERS
Membership in the EFCSN signifies an organisation’s rigorous commitment to provide accurate information ethically and transparently, without bias or prejudice and focus on matters in the public interest as well as a proven track record of excellence, integrity and accountability as definied in the European Code of Standards for Independent Fact-Checking Organisations.
← Return to organization page
Fact-Check Cyprus
Website
https://factcheckcyprus.org/Date
07/02/2025
Please, answer the following questions:
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
On November 20, 2023, Fact Check Cyprus was integrated into the Social Computing Research Centre (SCRC) of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), marking the culmination of a collaboration between individuals from Cyprus and Greece dedicated to combating disinformation. CUT is a public academic institution in Cyprus and operates as a non-profit organization, which also applies to Fact-Check Cyprus. Our goal is twofold: on the one hand, the debunking of false news, and on the other, educating the public on combating disinformation and promoting digital literacy (media literacy).
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
The Fact-Check Cyprus Center is headed by a Council with voting members, as well as several non-voting members. Voting rights are held by the editorial team and three members of the Social Computing Research Centre (SCRC) of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), where the Centre has been established. Issues that may be subject to voting include participation in programs, the inclusion of new members in the Center or the hiring of staff in case of funding. Voting does not concern the nature or selection of claims for articles, for which the editorial team retains full independence.
The selection of topics to be investigated is decided exclusively by the Fact Check Cyprus editorial team. The SCRC and the other members of the Center do not participate in the selection, writing, or outcomes, but they serve in an advisory capacity on technical or methodological matters. They are also involved in digital literacy activities, dissemination, and organizational matters related to the Center and its activities.
The Fact Checking editorial team consists of five members:
Iakovos Mylonas – Founder – Fact Checker
Dr. Andreas Andreou – Founder – Fact Checker
Dr. Loukia Taksitari – Editor-in-Chief – Fact Checker
Alexandros Efstratiou – Fact Checker
Nektarios Alexandros Damianou – Fact Checker
The Council consists of the following members with full voting rights:
Iakovos Mylonas – Founder – Fact Checker
Dr. Andreas Andreou – Founder – Fact Checker
Dr. Loukia Taxitari – Editor-in-Chief – Fact Checker
Dr. Michalis Sirivianos, SCRC, CUT
Dr. Dimitra Milioni, SCRC, CUT
Dr. Lia Spyridou, SCRC, CUT
Members of the Center with an advisory role and no voting rights are the following:
Professor Savvas Chatzichristofis, Neapolis University Paphos
Dr. Nikos Salamanos, Cyprus University of Technology
Pantelitsa Leontiou, Cyprus University of Technology
Alexandros Efstratiou – Fact Checker
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
As the Centre also has several members who are academic, various research activities take place within or related to the Centre’s operations.
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
The second aim of the Centre’s operation is the increase of the Centre’s outreach to the general public, especially as far as media literacy activities are concerned. These have been target to schools, universities and educators at the moment, but a further expansion to cover other groups such as parents and the youth is among the next steps.
Finally, since Cyprus is a divided island, our future scope includes the establishment of collaborations with Turkish Cypriot fact-checkers, in order to expand our fact-checking to both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. These communities often share narratives, or often a story appears with various versions across the border. We believe such a collaboration will be beneficial in terms of social and political tensions on the island.
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Applicant
Date: 19/04/2025
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
1. Funding Transparency: We have updated our funding page to make it explicitly clear that we do not accept donations from political parties, politicians or any entities that could compromise our impartiality. This ensures our independence and neutrality are not influenced by political interests.
2. Editorial Independence: We state explicitly on the website that our editorial team members are prohibited from holding membership in any political party.
3. Fact-Check Categorization: We have provided more detailed explanations on how we categorize our fact-checks. This additional clarity helps our readers better understand the nature and focus of each fact-check, enhancing transparency in our process.
4. Methodology Improvements: Our methodology page has been reorganized and expanded with additional content. We have explained the specific methods and tools we use in our fact-checking processes, giving readers a clear view of how we verify information and arrive at our conclusions.
5. Complaints Handling: We established a dedicated complaints page, providing a formal channel for individuals or organizations to raise concerns about our fact-checks.
6. Corrections Policy: Along with the complaints handling above, a separate, dedicated page for corrections has been created to ensure that any errors or inaccuracies in our work are clearly addressed and rectified.
7. Safeguarding Individual Identities: We introduced new rules to safeguard the identity of individuals who should not be publicly named in our fact-checks. For example, we blur the names of private individuals making false claims when they are not public figures, protecting their privacy while still addressing the misinformation.
These updates reflect our commitment to adhering to the principles outlined in the Code and to continuously improving our processes to build trust with our readers.
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Article 2.2: Methodology
In order to be recognised as a verified member of the European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN), operations must:
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
https://factcheckcyprus.org/μεθοδολογία/
Our selection process is mentioned bellow. Here we also mention our rating system and categorization as well:
https://factcheckcyprus.org/ανεύρεση-ισχυρισμών/
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Conversation
Charalampos Dimoulas (assessor)
Compliant
Date: 17/11/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
1. Vulnerable or marginalized Social Groups: We place special emphasis on disinformation that targets marginalized communities, particularly refugees, migrants, ethnic minorities and the LGDBQ+ community. These groups are often the subject of harmful falsehoods that fuel discrimination, xenophobia and even physical violence.
2. Public Health: Public health has been another major focus of our fact-checking work since the beginning of our team’s operations, particularly with regard to misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and other health-related topics. Throughout the pandemic, we have actively debunked false claims about vaccines and treatments, aiming to help in the safeguarding of the health and well-being of society and ensuring the public has access to accurate, scientifically backed information.
3. Current Events: We also focus on disinformation related to major global events such as the invasion of Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas. False narratives about international conflicts can have far-reaching consequences, from influencing public opinion to shaping foreign policy, affecting election results and financial decisions. By addressing these issues, we ensure the public can engage in informed, critical discussions about world affairs.
4. Political Issues: Political disinformation is a major threat to democratic processes, and our work frequently addresses misleading claims in political discourse. Whether fact-checking local elections or broader geopolitical developments, our goal is to provide accurate information that empowers citizens to make informed decisions. A recent such example has been the European Elections of 2024, during which various individuals at a local level were targeted.
5. Disinformation and Artificial Intelligence: As AI technology continues to evolve, so does the spread of AI-generated disinformation. We are increasingly focusing on this emerging area, investigating instances where AI is used to create deepfakes or other misleading content, and explaining the implications of this technology to the public.
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Conversation
Charalampos Dimoulas (assessor)
Compliant
Date: 17/11/2024
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Best Practices:
In addition to the required standards listed above, the Code identifies the following as a best practice that is encouraged but not required to join the EFCSN.
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Article 3.1: Non-Partisanship and Impartiality
In order to be recognised as a verified member of the European Fact-checking Standards Network (EFCSN), operations must:
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Conversation
Charalampos Dimoulas (assessor)
Compliant
Date: 17/11/2024
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
To uphold this standard, we have a clear policy outlined on our website, which explicitly states that we do not accept donations from political parties or politicians and that our editorial staff are prohibited from being members of any political party. This policy reinforces our independence and ensures that our fact-checking remains focused solely on providing accurate information to the public, free from partisan interests.
Our editorial independence and neutrality policy can be found on the following page: The page explains in detail the mechanisms we have in place to ensure that our organization remains neutral in all political matters, preserving the trust of our readers and the integrity of our fact-checking process.
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
We have a formal policy on our website that outlines our stance on maintaining independence from political entities. This policy ensures that we do not collaborate with political parties, accept donations from them or enter into any agreements that could jeopardize our integrity as a fact-checking organization. This is a key element of our ethical framework, ensuring that our work remains focused on the public interest and free from political influence.
For more details on this policy, you can visit the following link. This page provides a comprehensive explanation of the mechanisms we have established to protect our reputation for independence and impartiality.
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Our methodology explicitly outlines our commitment to neutrality and balanced investigations. We ensure that the selection of fact-checks is guided by the relevance of the claims and their potential impact on public discourse, rather than any political alignment. This approach helps protect our reputation for fairness and prevents any perception of bias in our work.
For more information on our approach to political neutrality, please refer to our methodology page here:
Below you can find a list of fact checks from the previous year showing the fact checking of claims across the political spectrum:
- https://factcheckcyprus.org/fact-checks/parapliroforisi/the-european-parliament-resolution-does-not-promote-the-continuation-of-the-war-in-ukraine/
- https://factcheckcyprus.org/fact-checks/droushia_students_not_indicative_for_cyprus_student_population/
- https://factcheckcyprus.org/fact-checks/parapliroforisi/no-there-is-no-pregnant-ken-doll-released/
- https://factcheckcyprus.org/fact-checks/ai-created-is-the-photo-of-a-parade-with-a-child-holding-the-greek-flag/
- https://factcheckcyprus.org/fact-checks/american-map-not-questioning-the-greek-ownership-of-aegean-islands/
- https://factcheckcyprus.org/fact-checks/dangerous_zones_syria/
- https://factcheckcyprus.org/fact-checks/american_conspiracy_behind_mari_explosion/
- https://factcheckcyprus.org/fact-checks/parapliroforisi/inaccurate-data-in-relation-to-the-percentage-of-migrant-pupils-in-schools-in-cyprus/
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
This policy helps prevent any potential conflicts of interest and ensures that our team members remain completely independent in their work. Our editorial and operational staff are selected based on their expertise in fact-checking and journalism, with the understanding that their roles must remain free from any political ties that could compromise our objectivity.
This policy is outlined in detail on our website, reinforcing our commitment to neutrality and impartiality. For further information, you can visit the following link:
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
When citing external experts or organizations, we conduct thorough checks to identify any potential biases or conflicts of interest. If such conflicts exist, we make sure to disclose them clearly within the publication, allowing our audience to have full transparency and make informed judgments about the information presented. This process is key to upholding the credibility of our fact-checks and the integrity of our fact-checking operation.
Our dedicated page provides further details on how we handle conflicts of interest and political bias. You can find this policy explained here:
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
To reinforce this policy, all employees are made aware of the guidelines during their onboarding process, and we have procedures in place to take immediate action if any staff member violates these rules. This can include disciplinary measures if an employee is found to be making partisan statements on behalf of the organization. Additionally, we actively manage any personal advocacy or views on policy issues held by our staff to ensure that these do not interfere with the neutrality of our operations. We take steps to separate personal opinions from the work of the organization, thereby safeguarding our credibility and impartiality.
The full policy on political neutrality and partisan statements can be found on our website here:
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
In the rare event that an employee is offered such items, they are required to report the offer immediately, and our internal procedures ensure that swift action is taken to address the situation. Disciplinary measures are in place for any violations of this policy, ensuring that our team remains fully committed to transparency and ethical standards.
The full details of our policy on accepting gifts and favors can be found on our website here:
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
We have established public guidelines to ensure that any advocacy we engage in is transparent and adheres to the highest standards of objectivity. These guidelines outline how we manage advocacy efforts in a way that ensures they are strictly related to our fact-checking mission, and they detail the steps we take to prevent any perception of bias.
For more information about our advocacy guidelines and how we maintain impartiality, please refer to the following page on our website:
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Article 3.2: Privacy and Safety
In order to be recognised as a verified member of the European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN), operations must:
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
In cases where private individuals are involved, particularly when they are not public figures and even if there is no clear indication that their safety could be compromised by exposure, we always take steps to obscure their identity. For example, if a false claim originates from a non-public individual, we blur their name and image to protect their privacy while still addressing the misinformation. This practice is especially important in contexts where the spread of false information could result in harassment, discrimination or even physical harm.
An example can be found here:
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Our approach involves focusing on the content of the disinformation itself rather than highlighting the identity of the individuals who spread it. When dealing with user-generated content, we remove or obscure any identifying information, such as usernames, profile pictures or personal details, unless the person in question is a public figure or there is a compelling public interest to disclose their identity. Additionally, when obtaining information from secondary sources, we protect the identities of the informants so they do not come under the spotlight.
The description of our approach can be found in the following links:
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
However, we lso adhere to a clear policy regarding offering a right-of-reply to any person or organization that is the subject of significant criticism or allegations within our fact-checks. While we provide multiple open communication channels for anyone to contact our editorial team, we also ensure a right-of-reply is explicitly offered when appropriate and possible before the publication of a fact check. In such cases, we notify the criticized party, providing them with an opportunity to respond to the claim within a defined timeframe (typically 48 hours). This allows for the inclusion of their response or clarifications in the final fact-check if received before publication. Should no response be received by the deadline, we proceed with publication but remain open to publishing their response afterward as an update to the original article. We are committed to transparency and fairness, ensuring all right-of-reply responses are presented in full and unedited.
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Best Practices
In addition to the required standards listed above, the Code identifies the following as a best practice that is encouraged but not required to join the EFCSN.
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Firstly, all new fact-checkers joining our team undergo specialized training that not only covers the technical aspects of fact-checking but also equips them with strategies for dealing with online harassment and stressful content. This training includes best practices for personal safety, managing hostile online interactions and recognizing early signs of emotional distress. The motto of this training can be summarized in one phrase: “Do not engage”, ensuring they do not expose themselves to potentially risky situations and they avoid conflict.
In addition to training, we provide access to professional psychological support to all our team members. Fact-checkers are frequently exposed to distressing material, including violent or traumatic content, and we understand the emotional toll this can take. As part of our commitment to safeguarding their mental health, we offer regular access to counselling and professional psychological services to help them process and manage the emotional impact of their work. To this end, we have ensured the support of two professional counselling psychologists, who work at the Neapolis University Paphos and collaborate with our Centre for psychological “first aid”, as well as longer support if needed.
Finally, Fact-Check Cyprus is actively involved in the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) protection scheme initiative. This initiative is currently being designed to protect fact-checkers from online harassment and threats. Our editor-in-chief is part of the working group developing this scheme in an effort to provide support to fact-checkers across Europe, and within the Centre itself.
Our approach is rooted in both proactive and reactive measures, focusing on empowering our fact-checkers to deal with potential risks, while also providing them with the necessary support and resources to protect their mental and emotional well-being. Our fact checkers, who have been active in the area for some years and are aware of the toll harassment can take, prioritize training, psychological support and external collaboration through the EDMO initiative, to ensure that our team can operate in a safe and supportive environment.
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
No hay archivo adjunto
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Article 3.3: Honest corrections
In order to be recognised as a verified member of the European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN), operations must:
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
When fact-check has been corrected or updated a correction note is always added at the top of the article, as shown here:
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
https://factcheckcyprus.org/παραδείγματα-διορθώσεων/
Here is an example:
https://factcheckcyprus.org/fact-checks/staged-video-of-mother-invading-classroom-and-removing-lgbtq-flag/
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Best Practices:
In addition to the required standards listed above, the Code identifies the following as best practices that are encouraged but not required to join the EFCSN.
Applicant
Date: 19/04/2025
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
https://factcheckcyprus.org/πολιτική-διορθώσεων/
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Article 4.1: Organisational transparency
In order to be recognised as a verified member of the European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN), operations must:
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Here’s a more detailed presentation of the members of the editorial team:
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Proof of registration/legal status:
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Proof of ownership:
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Proof of governance structure:
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
The Board of the Centre has a decision-making role, with three members of the editorial team and three members of the SCRC having voting rights. The editorial team is solely responsible for editorial control. The structure and details of these members is shown here:
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
A special page on the website is dedicated to Independence, as shown below:
https://factcheckcyprus.org/%cf%87%cf%81%ce%b7%ce%bc%ce%b1%cf%84%ce%bf%ce%b4%cf%8c%cf%84%ce%b7%cf%83%ce%b7-%ce%ba%ce%b1%ce%b9-%ce%b1%ce%bd%ce%b5%ce%be%ce%b1%cf%81%cf%84%ce%b7%cf%83%ce%af%ce%b1/
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Article 4.2: Financial transparency and conflicts of interest
In order to be recognised as a verified member of the European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN), organisations or parent organisations must:
OPTION A
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
OPTION B
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Also in the Page Funding and Independence, there is a detailed description of the team’s financial and political independence:
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
https://factcheckcyprus.org/η-ομάδα/
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024
Final Ratings
First assessor rating :
Compliant
Second assessor rating :
Compliant
Best Practices
In addition to the required standards listed above, the Code identifies the following as a best practice that is encouraged but not required to join the EFCSN.
Applicant
Date: 15/09/2024