European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN)

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.

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GeoFacts

Website

https://geofacts.ee/ka/

Date

04/10/2024

Please, answer the following questions:

Applicant

Date: 09/08/2024

The main objectives of “GeoFacts” are to provide precise, accurate, and evidence-based information to readers and mitigate the spread of disinformation disseminated in social networks and on the internet through fact-checking. To this end, the “GeoFacts” team monitors parliamentary and government sessions, politicians' speeches, materials published by politicians or public figures on social networks, election party advertisements, party election programs, etc. and highlights the factual accuracies and inaccuracies in their statements. In terms of fighting against dis/misinformation and online hoaxes, the "GeoFacts" analysts monitor Meta platforms, Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok, Telegram and YouTube, along with different online media outlets on a daily basis.

Over the coming year, “GeoFacts” will work towards increasing awareness of the voters in political processes before the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections. We will provide the public with up-to-date information on salient public policy issues covering not only the claims of politicians but also analyzing the most significant political decisions, economic, social, healthcare, and legal issues and cases, legislative initiatives, party programs and promises, etc.

Debunking fake news and online hoaxes will be another central dimension of the program. To this end, we will continue to monitor relevant social and traditional media platforms, as well as claims spread on social networks that are publicly published by accounts other than politicians to mitigate the spread of disinformation or manipulated information. In this sense, "GeoFacts" draws special attention to verifying misleading information that can: a) endanger people's health and life; b) endanger democratic processes, especially if it damages the credibility of the elections; c) damage the process of Euro-Atlantic integration guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia.

Our articles will be published primarily in Georgian and Russian languages, with some selected materials also translated into English for foreign audiences. For both Georgian and Russian language editions, the war in Ukraine will be a priority topic, given the extensive disinformation circulating about the conflict in the region. Climate-related disinformation will be another important topic that “GeoFacts” will be focusing on.

Along with publishing traditional fact-checking articles, over the coming year “GeoFacts” will aim at increasing its social media reach through short videos, long explanatory videos, digital postcards, and infographics. This will also amplify our efforts to diversify our content and increase the impact of our work.

Harry Tsatryan (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 09/09/2024

Organisation has clear goals for the current year. It's noticeable that the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia will be the primary focus.

Applicant

Date: 09/08/2024

Assessor

Needs more info

Date: 01/09/2024

Dues to ongoing threats and the harassment faced by fact-checkers in Georgia, the applicant is registered in Estonia, but its fact-checks focus on disinformation spread across or concerning Georgia, as well as Russian-language information channels, mainly social media concerning Georgia and Ukraine.

Assessor

Compliant

Date: 01/09/2024

The status saved on this question is saved incorrectly, it does not need more information, but I'm not able to change it next to the comment.

Harry Tsatryan (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 09/09/2024

Georgia is a member of the Council of Europe and having the main focus on this country fits the Code’s requirement to “have a substantial and demonstrable focus on one or more of the countries of the Council of Europe, Kosovo, Belarus or Russia”.

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: 09/08/2024

“GeoFacts” has its Editorial Code published (https://geofacts.ee/ka/editorial-code/), which thoroughly explains the whole working process and principles, providing details about how we identify claims to verify; which topics are given priorities for analysis; how we collect data; how verdicts are issued, etc.

It is of uttermost importance for us to correctly select and prioritise claims for verification. When selecting a claim to verify, "GeoFacts" considers several criteria together (it is only natural that one statement cannot meet all the indicators; however, our team tries to make sure that most of the criteria are met whilst selecting the topics) - Verifiability of the claim, public interest, and virality of the claim.

A politician's statement, video, photo, or text shared on social networks that "GeoFacts" chooses to verify must be fact-based. "GeoFacts" does not verify opinions, although it will check any facts presented within those opinions. Additionally, "GeoFacts" generally does not evaluate future predictions, except in cases where fundamentally irrational predictions can be proven impossible to realize.

It is impossible to verify every claim spread in the information space. Therefore, when selecting a topic, "GeoFacts" also considers public interest - how interesting is this issue for the society? It is according to this criterion that there are articles on the "GeoFacts" website on issues such as: unemployment, healthcare policy, foreign policy, etc. In addition, “GeoFacts” pays special attention to different national, regional and global events that attract public interest and may give rise to viral disinformation on social media networks. This may include elections in the US, the EU and its member countries, sport events (football championships, Olympics), cultural events (EuroVision), etc. When verifying claims spread on social networks, apart from the importance of the issue, "GeoFacts" takes into account the existing or potential scale of the post's virality.

"GeoFacts" also draws special attention to verifying misleading information that can: a) endanger people's health and life; b) endanger democratic processes, especially if it damages the credibility of the elections; c) damage the process of Euro-Atlantic integration guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia. In crisis situations, false information can cause even more damage. Therefore, "GeoFacts" prioritizes checking information spread about natural disasters, epidemics/pandemics, political crises, large-scale protests, and other situations of similar significance.

"GeoFacts" does not attach importance to who spread a particular claim. What is important for "GeoFacts" is the content of the claim itself and how interesting the issue is for society. Nevertheless, we pay special attention to statements/claims made by high-ranking officials, for example, the Prime Minister, President, Speaker of Parliament, as their statements and promises have a direct impact on public life. Additionally, especially during the pre-election period, "GeoFacts" strives to equally cover claims made by all parties involved in the discussion to ensure balanced reporting.

Assessor

Compliant

Date: 01/09/2024

The applicant’s response and body of work clearly demonstrate a commitment to serving the public interest through their fact-checking efforts. Their fact-checks prioritize issues that are most relevant and impactful to the public (such as important claims by important politicians, big events, health-related viral content, etc.), leaving no doubt that they meet this standard.

Harry Tsatryan (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 09/09/2024

Published fact-checks ensured that the work done by GeoFacts team mainly focused on topics in the public interest. Most of the cases, are, of course, different claims coming from political parties and interest groups that are actively trying to manipulate the public option before the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections.

Applicant

Date: 09/08/2024

“GeoFacts” offers its readers a service – “Submit a Fact to Check”. Users can send us a request to check claims of their interest. “GeoFacts does not check opinions or predictions, we check verifiable facts.

Users have to fill out a form with mandatory fields (name, surname, e-mail), or can use our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561763721332.

Submit a fact to check in Georgian - https://geofacts.ee/ka/submit-a-fact-to-check/

Submit a fact to check in Russian - https://geofacts.ee/ru/submit-a-fact-to-check/

Submit a fact to check in English - https://geofacts.ee/en/submit-a-fact-to-check/

Assessor

Compliant

Date: 01/09/2024

The applicant’s website features a button in the header that allows visitors to easily submit a claim for fact-checking through a simple form. Additionally, the website clarifies that they only fact-check verifiable claims, not opinions or predictions.

Harry Tsatryan (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 09/09/2024

On the top right corner of the website users can find a highlighted notice for submitting a claim for fact-checking. It’s available not only when the user is on the home page, but also when one is reading a fact-check. The button is visible from any page. Readers can legitimately expect what will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable, as the organisation has this clear sentence: ““GeoFacts does not check opinions or predictions, we check verifiable facts.”

Assessor

Needs more info

Date: 01/09/2024

The review of a sample of fact-checks reveals that while documents are consistently cited, the fact-checks do not currently reference individual experts or provide evidence of their credibility and expertise. This may be due to the organization's recent establishment, and as a result, it is challenging to fully assess compliance with the standard of introducing and verifying experts within the fact-checks.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 27/09/2024

“GeoFacts“ encourages a practice of using independent expert consultations, especially when two or more primary sources do not provide adequate insight. In this case, “GeoFacts” prioritises experts with a narrowly defined area of expertise when consultation is necessary. As per the editorial code, when expert consultation or interviews are needed, “GeoFacts” first seeks the expertise of a neutral expert professionally associated with the issue, whose insights contribute to evaluating the verdict in the article. In case the quoted expert has connections with political associations, they are clearly indicated and their expertise is only used to better understand the issue. “GeoFacts” may also reference expert opinions sourced by organizations verified by EFCSN/IFCN or other reputable independent media. For example, given the limited number of climate change experts in Georgia, “GeoFacts” might use quotes from experts interviewed by organizations verified by EFCSN or IFCN. See the link to the relevant article - https://geofacts.ee/ka/2024/09/04/%e1%83%93%e1%83%94%e1%83%96%e1%83%98%e1%83%9c%e1%83%a4%e1%83%9d%e1%83%a0%e1%83%9b%e1%83%90%e1%83%aa%e1%83%98%e1%83%90-%e1%83%95%e1%83%94%e1%83%a0%e1%83%a2%e1%83%9b%e1%83%a4%e1%83%a0%e1%83%94%e1%83%9c/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0bnskNJZPzrWJskyyNEGxbQzracS5Zw2XkdWXl7GVQyub8r9e7Uqr0OFk_aem_sflguUfZe6RceOo23JYCcg.

“GeoFacts” usually uses at least two primary sources in its articles. Analysts use the best available primary, not secondary, sources of evidence, wherever suitable primary sources are available. In rare cases, “GeoFacts” may rely on a single primary source depending on the nature of the claim. For example, a video featuring misleading Georgian translation of statements made by Former US Ambassador to Georgia, Ian Kelly, and Former Assistant Secretary of State, David Kramer, was debunked using just one primary source—the original video. See the link to the relevant article - https://geofacts.ee/ka/2024/08/20/%e1%83%93%e1%83%94%e1%83%96%e1%83%98%e1%83%9c%e1%83%a4%e1%83%9d%e1%83%a0%e1%83%9b%e1%83%90%e1%83%aa%e1%83%98%e1%83%90-%e1%83%93%e1%83%94%e1%83%95%e1%83%98%e1%83%93-%e1%83%99%e1%83%a0%e1%83%90/. Similarly, “GeoFacts” might rely on a single primary source, the official state data, when we are assessing inflation, economic growth, etc. in Georgia. For example, one of the articles verifies a statement made by the Prime Minister about poverty and the number of socially vulnerable people in Georgia. The article uses data from the National Statistics Office of Georgia to assess the statement about poverty, and uses data from the Social Services Agency to determine the number of socially vulnerable people (https://geofacts.ee/ka/2024/06/30/%E1%83%98%E1%83%A0%E1%83%90%E1%83%99%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98-%E1%83%99%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%90%E1%83%AE%E1%83%98%E1%83%AB%E1%83%94-%E1%83%A1%E1%83%90%E1%83%A5%E1%83%90%E1%83%A0%E1%83%97%E1%83%95/).

Harry Tsatryan (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 14/09/2024

Based on the review of the random fact-checks, the applicant is fully compliant with the Code.

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.

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: 09/08/2024

A rule - Not conclude any agreement or partnership with a political party or any other public relations and similar activities that could compromise the operation’s reputation for independence and impartiality - is part of “GeoFacts” political impartiality and editorial independence policy, publicly accessible in the “About us” section of our website.

In Georgian - https://geofacts.ee/ka/about-us/

In Russian - https://geofacts.ee/ru/about-us/

In English - https://geofacts.ee/en/about-us/

Assessor

Compliant

Date: 01/09/2024

The applicant's publicly available policy explicitly prohibits partnerships with political parties or activities that could compromise their independence. This policy is sufficient to ensure compliance with the standard. A review of their disclosed partnerships and other materials shows no evidence of violations, confirming their commitment to impartiality.

Harry Tsatryan (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 14/09/2024

The applicant has transparent partnerships available on the website: there is no agreement or partnership with a political party or any other public relations and similar activities that could compromise the operation’s reputation for independence and impartiality.

Applicant

Date: 09/08/2024

The “About us” section on “GeoFacts” website clearly outlines how the organization handles a situation in which conflict of interest may arise in regards to the organization as a whole or an individual employee. According to this policy "GeoFacts" analyst who may have a conflict of interest when verifying a particular claim will recuse themselves from working on that issue and the reader will be notified of this in a note.

This is publicly available here:

In Georgian - https://geofacts.ee/ka/about-us/

In Russian - https://geofacts.ee/ru/about-us/

In English - https://geofacts.ee/en/about-us/

Additionally, the editorial code notes that in some cases, in order to understand certain issues, it is necessary to conduct interviews/consultations with respective field experts. If these experts are affiliated with the government or opposition in any way and their opinion is given in the article to better understand the content of the issue, their affiliation with a specific issue on a professional basis or their connection to a specific political association is necessarily indicated when quoting them.

Link to the editorial code:

In Georgian - https://geofacts.ee/ka/editorial-code/

In Russian - https://geofacts.ee/ru/editorial-code/

In English - https://geofacts.ee/en/editorial-code/

Assessor

Compliant

Date: 01/09/2024

The applicant’s public methodology clearly outlines the principle of addressing potential conflicts of interest or political biases, including those from experts or organizations cited in their fact-checks. Although no specific example was provided by the applicant, and I have not observed any such cases in their work, the inclusion of this principle in their methodology suggests a commitment to transparency should such situations arise.

Harry Tsatryan (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 14/09/2024

Provided information and shared links were enough to see that the applicant is fully compliant with the Code.

Applicant

Date: 09/08/2024

“GeoFacts” political impartiality and editorial independence policy available in “About us” section, prohibits employees from receiving gifts, assistance or service on favourable terms that go beyond the general framework of expressing courtesy and respect. Organizational Regulations include disciplinary measures, including dismissal if these policies are broken by employees.

In Georgian - https://geofacts.ee/ka/about-us/

In Russian - https://geofacts.ee/ru/about-us/

In English - https://geofacts.ee/en/about-us/

Assessor

Compliant

Date: 01/09/2024

The applicant has a clear policy outlined in their political impartiality and editorial independence policy, available in the "About us" section of their website, that prohibits employees from accepting gifts, favors, or services on favorable terms that exceed common social courtesies. The policy is backed by organizational regulations that include disciplinary measures, up to and including dismissal, if violated.

Harry Tsatryan (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 14/09/2024

Provided information and shared links were enough to see that the applicant is fully compliant with the Code.

Applicant

Date: 09/08/2024

The “Editorial Code” section on “GeoFacts” explains that the organization only advocates on issues concerning the fight against disinformation, media issues, and fact-checking topics.

In Georgian - https://geofacts.ee/ka/editorial-code/

In Russian - https://geofacts.ee/ru/editorial-code/

In English - https://geofacts.ee/en/editorial-code/

Assessor

Compliant

Date: 01/09/2024

The applicant clearly states in the "Editorial Code" that they only advocate on issues directly related to their mission, such as combating disinformation, media issues, and fact-checking topics. This focus aligns with their commitment to independence and impartiality, and the guidelines provided are specific enough to prevent engagement in unrelated advocacy. Based on the evidence provided and review of their work, "GeoFacts" appears to fully comply with this standard.

Harry Tsatryan (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 14/09/2024

Provided information and shared links were enough to see that the applicant is fully compliant with the Code. Also, the guidelines published on the operation’s website are clear enough to prevent the applicant from engaging in advocacy on issues other than those relevant to the mission of fact-checking.

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: 09/08/2024

Oftentimes, it is unclear what a politician or other authors of particular claims meant in a specific statement or it is possible that they voiced a claim which cannot be found in other sources. If the claim or part of it is unclear and it is impossible to determine the exact quote using other sources (for example - the politician may repeat a specific phrase at the same briefing, or dedicate a post to the issue on social networks and thus the analyst can independently clarify the quote containing the claim), the analyst of "GeoFacts" contacts the claim disseminator and clarifies the quote. However, often, especially politicians and public figures, try to embellish the claim instead of correcting their mistake. At such times, "GeoFacts" considers each case individually and, mainly, gives preference to the form of the statement/claim that was publicly disseminated. It is the publicly disseminated claim that may mislead a citizen, while the claim clarified in a private conversation with the "GeoFacts" analyst is not available to a wide audience. In such a case, "GeoFacts" evaluates the original claim with a verdict, but attaches the claim author's explanation to the article.

This policy is outlined in the editorial code on “GeoFacts” website –

In Georgian - https://geofacts.ee/ka/editorial-code/

In Russian - https://geofacts.ee/ru/editorial-code/

In English - https://geofacts.ee/en/editorial-code/

Harry Tsatryan (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 14/09/2024

Provided information and shared links showed that the applicant is fully compliant with the Code. Also, in the Editorial Code of the applicant this approach is addressed.

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.

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: 09/08/2024

Correction policy of “GeoFacts” is outlined in the editorial code, as well as in a separate section on the webpage called – dispute/correction. It stipulates that in case of a correction, there will be explanation in a relevant article in the form of an editor’s note. In addition, the title of the article will contain the word “Correction”.

See the links:

Correction/Dispute policy

In Georgian - https://geofacts.ee/ka/dispute-correction/

In Russian - https://geofacts.ee/ru/dispute-correction/

In English - https://geofacts.ee/en/dispute-correction/

Editorial Code

In Georgian - https://geofacts.ee/ka/editorial-code/

In Russian - https://geofacts.ee/ru/editorial-code/

In English - https://geofacts.ee/en/editorial-code/

Assessor

Compliant

Date: 01/09/2024

"GeoFacts" has a comprehensive corrections policy in place that emphasizes the importance of promptly and transparently correcting errors. When a reasoned appeal for a correction is submitted, the editorial board reviews it alongside the article's author, and decisions are made collectively. If a correction is made that affects the verdict, it is clearly indicated with an editor’s note explaining the change and the reasoning behind it. The article is then republished with the correction noted in the title, and efforts are made to reach the same audience as the original version. For updates that do not affect the verdict but provide additional information, "GeoFacts" also includes an editor’s note. This policy aligns well with the standard of correcting every known mistake promptly and transparently.

Harry Tsatryan (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 14/09/2024

The applicant has a clear Correction Policy available on the website: https://geofacts.ee/en/dispute-correction/ It goes in line with the Code.

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.

I. ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY In order to apply to the EFCSN, your fact-checking operation must first meet the criteria outlined in Chapter 5.2 of the Code.

1. When and why was your fact-checking operation started?

2. How many people work or volunteer in the operation and what are their roles?

3. Please list any activities besides fact-checking that your operation engages in.

4. What are the goals of your fact-checking operation over the coming year?

5. Please explain the geographical scope of your fact-checking operation and how you fit the Code’s requirement to “have a substantial and demonstrable focus on one or more of the countries of the Council of Europe, Kosovo, Belarus or Russia”.

5.b Please provide all the relevant information to demonstrate the existence of “a meaningful connection with the country or countries where the mis- and disinformation your organization fact-check originates from”.

6. Please attach a list of an average of four original fact-checks per month from the past year if this is your first time applying to the EFCSN or from the past two years if you are renewing your application.

7. Please note which policies you have had to change, if any, over the past 6 months in order to comply with the Code.

2.A. Make available and easily accessible on their website an explanation of the process used to select, research and complete investigations, including a definition of any rating systems used.

2.B. Assess the merits of the evidence found using the same standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.

2.C. Primarily focus on topics that are in the public interest, defined here as issues that concern the welfare of society or individuals, and be willing to explain, if requested by an assessor, how various investigations fit this definition.

2.D. Make available and easily accessible on their website a channel through which the public can submit possible claims for verification and encourage users to send claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable.

2.E. Identify and include in publications, when possible, access to all evidence or other required information for a reader to replicate the verification process.

2.F. Provide evidence for every pertinent factual statement made in an investigation, relying on primary sources where possible. Set out in its fact checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.

2.H. Name all sources except when their safety is at risk. In such exceptions, anonymous sources may only be included if the information they provide is corroborated by named sources or material evidence.

2.I. When quoting experts, establish their credibility in the relevant topic.

2.J. Ensure each investigation undergoes at least one round of editing by someone other than the author before publication.

2.K. Present findings in precise, factual and non-emotive language, while taking care not to overstate conclusions.

2.K. Present findings in precise, factual and non-emotive language, while taking care not to overstate conclusions.

3.1.A. Be editorially free and politically independent.

3.1.B. Not endorse or advise the public to vote for any political parties or candidates for public office.

3.1.C. Not conclude any agreement or partnership with a political party or any other public relations and similar activities that could compromise the operation’s reputation for independence and impartiality

3.1.D. Not focus investigations unduly on one particular political party or side of the political spectrum.

3.1.E. Not employ anyone who holds a salaried and/or prominent position in a political party, government, state or public company under the direct control of a political party or government.

3.1.F. Explicitly address in publications any reasonable conflict of interest or political bias, including from experts or organisations cited.

3.1.H. Have internal policies that bar employees from accepting in a professional context any gifts, favours, or services with advantageous conditions that go beyond common social and courtesy items, and have procedures in place to take action if they do.

3.1.I. Make available and easily accessible on their website these and any other non-partisanship policies (See template in Annex 3)

3.1.J. Only advocate for issues that are relevant to the mission of fact-checking and are compatible with a reputation for independence and impartiality. Organisations that engage in advocacy must set out public guidelines on how they adhere to these standards.

3.2.A. Obscure the image and/or identity of subjects of an investigation when there is a reasonable concern for their safety.

3.2.B. Take measures to avoid exposing the source or identity of user-generated disinformation content to undue public scrutiny.

3.2.C. Be restrictive, respectful and considerate when mentioning or identifying minors and make efforts to protect their privacy.

3.2.D. Anonymise any personal information that could allow the harassment of people (i.e. at least partially concealing telephone numbers, IDs or passports, bank account numbers, email addresses…).

3.2.E. When appropriate and possible, a right-of-reply should be offered to any named person or organisation who is the source of the inaccurate claim and/or is the subject of significant criticism or allegations.

3.2.F. Put in place measures that aim to address the risk of trauma or harassment experienced by staff as a result of the operation’s activities, including but not limited to providing training to prevent and identify symptoms.

3.3.A. Correct every known mistake promptly with a correction note in the same publication in which the error was made; if the error is only typographical, grammatical or stylistic, a correction note is not needed.

3.3.B. When the original publication in which the mistake was made is not editable, disseminate the correction in the same format and channel as the original so that as far as possible users of the original see the correction and the corrected version.

3.3.E. Make available and easily accessible on their websites a corrections policy and a record of the corrections published over the previous year in the first application for EFCSN membership and of the previous two years upon renewal.

3.3.F. Include in their corrections policy, available and easily accessible on their websites, a detailed account of how they assess requests for corrections.

3.3.G. Offer audiences direct channels to request a correction, within the corrections policy on their website.

3.3.I. Undergo an internal and documented annual review of published corrections to determine whether methodological and procedural changes should be made to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future.

3.3.H. Inform audiences of the possibility of submitting a complaint to the EFCSN under the terms of article 6 with a link to the complaint form.

4.1.A. Make available and easily accessible on their website a statement that sets out the applicant’s organisational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.

4.1.B. Make available and easily accessible on their website regularly updated information related to the ownership and legal status of the operation and/or parent organisation. People or entities holding over 5% of the shares must be disclosed (see template in Annex 4).

4.1.C. Make available and easily accessible on their website regularly updated information related to the governance of the operation and/or the parent organisation (see template in Annex 5).

4.1.D. Provide proof of the ownership, legal status and governance of the organisation to the external assessors

4.1.E. Make available and easily accessible on their website regularly updated information about the identity of the editors or decision makers behind the operation, including any relevant previous roles.

4.1.F. Make available and easily accessible on their website regularly updated information about the positions held by all staff involved in the fact-checking operation’s editorial output, including any relevant previous roles.

4.1.G. Make available and easily accessible on their website a statement setting out the operation’s mission, values and internal guidelines in place to protect its independence.

4.1.H. Make available and easily accessible on their website the organisation’s bylaws, understood as the rules or statutes that govern the members of an organisation.

4.2.A. Disclose all income sources contributing 1% or 5.000 euros (whichever the higher), from the most recent annual accounts when joining and the last two annual accounts when renewing membership, to external assessors and the Governance Body

4.2.D. Make available and easily accessible on their website an updated declaration of all unpaid significant commitments made to other organisations (see Annex 9).

4.2.F. Make available and easily accessible on their website goods and services they receive from external sources, including paid subscriptions or free access to tools, software and/or advertising, that make a material difference to their finances (5% of net income).

4.2.H. Make available and easily accessible on or from their website the full annual accounts of their organisation for each year since joining the EFCSN.