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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Infoveritas

Website

https://info-veritas.com/

Date

26/10/2023

Please, answer the following questions:

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

Disinformation damages democracy. This is why INFOVERITAS began verifying information in November 2021.

With the rise of the internet, people have changed how they access information, and instead of depending on traditional media, they now increasingly use social networks. The problem is that there is a great deal of disinformation out there, and it is often difficult to separate fact from fiction. Without a well-informed society, true democracy is not possible. For this reason, we consider the role of verification agencies in the era of an over-supply of information to be essential.

At INFOVERITAS we verify socially relevant topics to reduce the spread of disinformation and strengthen democracy, thus increasing the public’s trust in institutions, media and business, while at the same time reinforcing the welfare of society and increasing the accountability of politicians.

Ramón Salaverría (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 13/04/2023

The applicant began its fact-checking activities in Madrid, Spain, in November 2021, although it only acquired legal personality eight months later, in July 2022, as a private company called Infoveritas Verifica S.L. The company bylaws are publicly available on the applicant's website.

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Non Compliant

Date: 11/04/2023

In the application, they outline that "INFOVERITAS began verifying information in November 2021".
These news highlights its birth in June 2022:
https://www.europapress.es/sociedad/noticia-nace-infoveritas-medio-comunicacion-especializado-contrastar-verificar-noticias-20220615165331.html
https://www.apmadrid.es/nace-infoveritas-un-medio-de-comunicacion-especializado-en-la-lucha-contra-la-desinformacion/

The application for registration in the commercial register was made on May 31, 2022.

On the other hand, it is registered as a limited company in July 2022.
https://info-veritas.com/quienes-somos/
The Twitter account is born in February 2022.
https://twitter.com/Infoveritas_
Otherwise, in this first tweet they outline (February 18, 2022): "We are very happy to announce the birth of Infoveritas (...). We invite you to follow our work at this link"
https://twitter.com/Infoveritas_/status/1494618018713935880
The Facebook account is born in September 2022.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Infoveritas/100085575034010/?sk=about_profile_transparency
It could be helpful to have more information from the applicant.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 23/06/2023

At first, INFOVERITAS were part of Agranda. But, we decide a couple of months later, to guarantee transparency, that INFOVERITAS was an independent company. So, we started to work as part of AGRANDA.

Regarding social networks, we opened them whem a communication expert (Virginia Seseña) was incorporated into the INFOVERITAS team and when we make certain improvements to our website.
Regarding media apiricion, we got it when we contacted them. Our limit is that we are few people in the team.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 28/06/2023

*****Here is the correct answer******

INFOVERITAS began veryfing information in November 2021. We started our project as part of AGRANDA. We decide to start like this in order to start working as soon as possible.
But, a couple of months later, we decide to acquire legal personality, as a private company called INFOVERITAS VERIFICA S.L. in order to guarantee our transparency and independence.

We have limited personal resources, so we opened our social networks when our communication expert joined our team.

Regarding media aparition, we appear when we contated them. As we explained, we are a small team.

Please, let us know if you need more info.

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 06/07/2023

1. According to the commercial register, Infoveritas Verifica S.L. was created on July 22, 2022.
2. Agranda also appears as the administrator of Infoveritas Verifica S.L. in the commercial register.
https://librebor.me/borme/empresa/infoveritas-verifica/

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 06/07/2023

3. Agranda and Infoveritas share the same location.
Calle Lagasca, 106. 1º izda, 28006 Madrid
https://agranda.es/contacto/
https://info-veritas.com/contacto/

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 17/07/2023

4.- In section 4.2. they outline that “Cash contributions made for the purposes of the incorporation of the company, on June 22, 2022, were made by the sole shareholder, AGRANDA S.L. Ms. Macarena Rosado and Ms. Isabel Macías Núñez appear as joint managing directors in the name and on behalf of AGRANDA S.L”.

5.- They also answer that “Mr. Bieito Rubido is currently the President of Agranda. However, this position and his job as the Editor of Spanish newspaper El Debate does not generate any conflict of interest, since his responsibilities, like those of the rest of the partners at Agranda, are administrative and do not involve making editorial decisions”.

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

Our organization is composed of a multidisciplinary team of experts from the fields of journalism and communication, artificial intelligence and natural language processing. All these professionals have a common goal: to detect as much disinformation as possible and reduce the amount of false information in the public domain. Currently, our team is composed of three journalists and an academic expert in artificial intelligence and natural language processing.

In the following paragraphs, we provide information on the different roles of our team:

CARLA PINA - DIRECTOR

Ms. Pina, as director of INFOVERITAS, is ultimately responsible for deciding on verifications and disclaimers, as well as reviewing texts before they're published on the website.

In addition, she coordinates the team's collaborators, sets goals and guidelines, conceptualizes plans for projects and campaigns, determines media strategies, ensures the company's effective media presence and brand reputation management, while at the same time looking for partnerships with companies and organizations.

Finally, she raises awareness of our project with a range of audiences, potential customers, public institutions, private companies and readers, while exploring funding sources to make the project viable in the short, medium and long term.

ANDREA CARRASCO- EDITOR IN CHIEF

Andrea Carrasco is the editor-in-chief of INFOVERITAS. Ms Carrasco is tasked with writing disclaimers, editing texts and reviewing verifications before they are published on our website.

In addition, she develops and coordinates the organization’s research projects on disinformation and its media literacy programs.

At the same time, she sets the media strategy.
Finally, she raises awareness of our project with a range of audiences, potential customers, public institutions, private companies and readers, while exploring funding sources to make the project viable in the short, medium and long term.

DAVID LÓPEZ - IA EXPERT

Mr. López is a data scientist and expert in artificial intelligence and natural language processing. He currently contributes to Infoveritas' mission by developing artificial intelligence-intensive services for real-time conversation analysis.

VIRGINIA SESEÑA - COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

As head of social networks at INFOVERITAS, Ms. Seseña searches for hoaxes, fake news and disinformation on social networks. She is also in charge of designing the website, as well as ensuring its functionality. At the same time, she answers requests, verification suggestions and comments sent in by readers to INFOVERITAS through social networks and the contact mailbox. She is also responsible for the company's communication strategy.
Finally, she raises awareness of our project with a range of audiences, potential customers, public institutions, private companies and readers, while exploring funding sources to make the project viable in the short, medium and long term.

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 11/04/2023

More information is requested on the type of work activity of the team members: full-time, part-time, collaboration, volunteer, etc.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 23/06/2023

Here you can find the information you requested:
Carla Pina- Director-Full Time
Andrea Carrasco- Full Time
David López- Part Time
Virginia Seseña- Full Time

Please, let me know if this information is ok for you. Many thansk

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

INFOVERITAS believes that media literacy is central to helping the public use critical thinking, helping reduce the spread of disinformation and strengthening democracy at the same time. For this reason, the organization regularly takes part in conferences and debates in order to strengthen efforts to establish strategies to reduce the impact of disinformation in society and find a common solution to the complex problem of disinformation. Here you can find an example: https://www.aepeventosdigitales.com/courses/info/922

In addition, INFOVERITAS intends to develop media literacy programs for young people, given that this is the demographic segment that most relies on social networks for information, and as such is the main fissure in society through which disinformation is spread.

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 11/04/2023

Please expand the list of activities carried out by INFOVERITAS.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 23/06/2023

1) Fact-checking. The main activity carried out by INFOVERITAS is fact-checking. We also write explanatory article in order to offering context. Our goal is to make complex topic easy to understand. We publish about 15 articles on average a week. Disinformation is infinite, so we can verify everything. Our ability to respond is limited by our available staff. All verifications follow our methodology, using official sources and data.

At INFOVERITAS we verify socially relevant topics to reduce the spread of disinformation and strengthen democracy, thus increasing the public’s trust in institutions, media and business, while at the same time reinforcing the well-being of society and increasing politicians’ accountability.

To involve citizens, INFOVERITAS invites readers to suggest a fact-check or report an error by submitting an email ([email protected]), or through our contact form (https://info-veritas.com/contacto/or by social media (Twitter, Instagram or Facebook).

2) Educational programs. INFOVERITAS believes that media literacy is central to helping the public use critical thinking, while reducing the spread of disinformation and strengthening democracy at the same time. For this reason, the organization regularly takes part in conferences, workshops and debates in order to strengthen efforts to establish strategies to reduce the impact of disinformation in society and find a common solution to the complex problem of disinformation. Examples:

https://www.aepeventosdigitales.com/courses/info/922

https://fape.es/debates-fape-repsol-2023-estan-ganando-la-batalla-de-la-credibilidad-las-redes-sociales-o-los-medios-de-comunicacion/

https://www.lavanguardia.com/local/aragon/20230504/8941097/universidad-san-jorge-celebra-ciclo-seminarios-sobre-desinformacion-procesos-electorales.html

https://plenainclusionmadrid.org/wp- content/uploads/2022/04/fakenews.pdf

https://www.europapress.es/sociedad/noticia-periodistas-dicen-edad-receptor-importante-ganar-batalla-credibilidad-medios-redes-20230426131521.html

https://www.europapress.es/aragon/noticia-universidad-san-jorge-celebra-ciclo-seminarios-desinformacion-procesos-electorales-20230504065953.html

3) Promote our project to get visibility

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

Unfortunately, disinformation is here to stay. On that basis, INFOVERITAS aims this year to safeguard the truth by providing reliable information to protect the public from falsehoods and to minimize their spread and impact, thus helping to reduce polarization in our society and develop critical thinking.

In addition, we believe that education is fundamental to reducing the impact of disinformation. With this in mind, our goal is to develop educational projects that invite citizens to develop critical thinking. With that same objective, INFOVERITAS will also participate in as many workshops, debates and talks as possible in the coming months.

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 11/04/2023

It would be better to be more specific about the list of goals over the coming year.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 23/06/2023

With the rise of the internet and the use of social networks, it is often difficult to separate fact from fiction. For this reason, we consider the role of verification agencies in the era of an over-supply of information to be essential. Our proposal aims to reduce the impact of disinformation, because without a well-informed society, true democracy is not possible.

To offer solutions to such a widespread and complex problem as disinformation, our goal is to develop and implement new AI and NLP tools that allow us to detect more quickly the disinformation circulating on the Internet, as well as to investigate new tools to detect disinformation that is spread by AI (deepfakes, AI-generated images). In addition, INFOVERITAS is exploring new narratives to share our verifications with as many people as possible. For example, the creation of reels or vignettes.

As a challenge, we would like to scale the projec.

In addition, we would like to takes part in more conferences, workshops and debates in order to strengthen efforts to establish strategies to reduce the impact of disinformation in society.
Please, let me know if more information is required.

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: 24/01/2023

At INFOVERITAS we believe that the public has a right to truthful information, as stated in Article 20 of the Spanish Constitution. If people do not receive truthful information, they will not be able to decide freely, whether choosing a political candidate, shopping at a certain supermarket or deciding to undergo medical treatment. Based on this premise, our organization considers it a service of public interest to check the content that circulates on social networks, always with maximum transparency so that readers can draw their own conclusions.

We believe that information helps people make better day-to-day decisions. However, it is impossible to verify everything. Therefore, as indicated in our methodology, we select any content to be verified based on criteria such as public interest, virality and the danger it might pose. The content to be verified is chosen according to the relevance of the topic, the media relevance and the weight that any disinformation carries in society. In addition, we always try to maintain a plurality of topics and protagonists.

Our aim is always to publish information that affects the welfare of society, to promote the transparency of institutions, thereby increasing accountability, and to improve understanding of complex issues to encourage participation in political debate.

Ramón Salaverría (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 13/04/2023

The applicant adequately meets this criterion. Mainly focused on Spain, it covers a wide range of topics spanning politics, economy, social issues and health, to name a few.

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

INFOVERITAS invites readers to suggest a fact-check by submitting an email ([email protected]), through our contact form (https://info-veritas.com/contacto/.

On the other hand, we invite our readers to contact us through our WhatsApp account (621086804), our Telegram channel, as well as our official accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

INFOVERITAS takes communication very seriously, and for this reason we respond to all requests as soon as possible.

Ramón Salaverría (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 13/04/2023

Users can communicate with Infoveritas by email and through a contact form (Contacto). Both the applicant and its staff members can also be contacted through several social media handles. All in all, the applicant is easily accessible, through multiple contact channels.

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 06/05/2023

The applicant has an easily accessible communication channel, such as a form and social media pages through which the public can submit possible claims for verification.
However, the last post published on Facebook is dated September 15, 2022.
The WhatsApp account is not between the options in the main page and neither in the contact form or the social media accounts.
More information is requested about the WhatsApp account.

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 06/05/2023

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 23/06/2023

Regarding Facebook, our account has been hacked and we recently opened a new one. This is the address: https://www.facebook.com/Infoveritas1
We publish daily.

If you visit our webpage, you can find our WhatsApp buttonin the right side (below). But, to do it more easy,
Also above you can find all our social networks.

Also, has a easily communictaion channel: https://info-veritas.com/contacto/

Please, let me know if you need more info.

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 17/07/2023

1. It can be checked in Archive.org that before there were not button for Whatsapp and neither above.

Contacto - Infoveritas (archive.org)

2. The last post published on the old account in Facebook is dated September 15, 2022.

3. The new account was created on April 28.

https://www.facebook.com/Infoveritas1/about_profile_transparency

4. The first post in Facebook with the new account was published on May 3.

https://www.facebook.com/Infoveritas1?__cft__[0]=AZW1cQgOT3UU-uR4XmEd4tQRUrUga9eZ5WhEH5y3XFPmBE9LtokFMEmFFjMk15YA8fsw4RRChwhttXl6DtWHLUHrcopqk18dtnnMt8Tfdje5zKJEsIR9F7T63ylbimpVpJe80CZwZZQRR9ksNhXQd77v9fAYvdWGi_zJk43nRp5DwzE9f5LVDqhjToNk0EU5fR0&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R

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.

Ramón Salaverría (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 13/04/2023

No report has been submitted by the applicant summarizing the goals and impact of their fact-checking operation over the past year. In absence of such document, this criterion is evaluated provisionally as "Need more information".

Nevertheless, the applicant publishes on its website two comprehensive reports with an overview of disinformation campaigns in 2022, as well as forecasts of disinformation threats in 2023. These two reports provide relevant information that could contribute to evaluate positively this criterion. However, the applicant is kindly invited to submit more specific information about its goals and impact.

Ramón Salaverría (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 21/08/2023

As indicated in the last paragraph of my first evaluation of this criterion 2.L., I deem the existence of the abovementioned reports as sufficient proof of compliance. Despite the fact that the applicant has not submitted additional information on this point, while it has provided it (with positive results) with respect to all other requests for additional information, I am pleased to re-evaluate this criterion as compliant.

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Non Compliant

Date: 06/05/2023

There is not a report on the operation’s impact on issues of public interest.

Applicant

Non Compliant

Date: 29/06/2023

Here you can find our report on the operation's impact on issues of public interest: https://info-veritas.com/logros-y-metas-infoveritas-2022-2023/

Please, take note that we have been working for less than two years.

Also, we published on our website two more reports that we think provide relevant information:
1. Overview of misinformation campaigns in 2022
2. Forecats of disinformation threats in 2023

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Non Compliant

Date: 17/07/2023

The applicant has attached the requested information.

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: 24/01/2023

INFOVERITAS explains in its "policy" tab the mechanism that ensures our editorial independence:
https://info-veritas.com/politica-de-neutralidad-e-imparcialidad/

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 06/05/2023

The sole administrator in Infoveritas is Agranda.
See commercial register: https://librebor.me/borme/empresa/infoveritas-verifica/
The President of Agranda is Mr. Benito Damian Rubido Ramonde:
https://librebor.me/borme/empresa/agranda/
Mr. Benito Damian Rubido Ramonde is also the editor in chief of the newspaper El Debate:
https://www.eldebate.com/quienes-somos.html
More information is requested related to this link.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 23/06/2023

Mr. Bieito Rubido is currently the President of Agranda. However, this position and his job as the Editor of Spanish newspaper El Debate does not generate any conflict of interest, since his responsibilities, like those of the rest of the partners at Agranda, are administrative and do not involve making editorial decisions.

The credibility of INFOVERITAS’s work depends on its independence, which is why we follow strict ethical standards of impartiality and transparency. Editorial decisions are made by the Editor, together with the rest of the team, independent of any political, economic or other influences. However, the Editor always has the final say.

We do not choose or exclude articles for coverage on the basis of whether they relate to any political party, company or institution, nor do we take into account the links that the people involved may have with the company's partners. In addition, we are always open to readers' suggestions for verification, although our ability to respond is limited by our available staff. Disinformation is infinite and we cannot verify it all. All verifications follow our methodology, using official sources and data.

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 06/07/2023

Infoveritas and El Debate have an agreement to publish fact-checking pieces. Mr. Bieito Rubido is currently the President of Agranda and Agranda appears as The sole administrator in Infoveritas.

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

INFOVERITAS explains in its "policy" tab the mechanism that ensures this policy:
https://info-veritas.com/politica-de-neutralidad-e-imparcialidad/

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 06/05/2023

See section 3.1.A.
El Debate is promoted by the Catholic Association of Propagandists.
El debate principles:
"Our newspaper defends the values of Christian humanism, placing the freedom and dignity of the person and the right to life at the center. El Debate supports the unity of Spain and its democratic constitutional order and the Spanish language and culture."
See: https://www.eldebate.com/quienes-somos.html

Infoveritas published:
"INFOVERITAS has signed a collaboration with El Debate to publish two weekly verifications. With this agreement, both outlets seek to promote critical thinking and reduce misinformation in society".
https://info-veritas.com/mision/
More information is requested.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 23/06/2023

INFOVERITAS has signed a collaboration with El Debate to publish two weekly verifications, but Mr. Bieito Rubido is currently the President of Agranda. However, this position and his job as the Editor of Spanish newspaper El Debate does not generate any conflict of interest, since his responsibilities, like those of the rest of the partners at Agranda, are administrative and do not involve making editorial decisions.

The credibility of Agranda’s work depends on its independence, which is why we follow strict ethical standards of impartiality and transparency. Editorial decisions are made by the Editor, together with the rest of the team, independent of any political, economic or other influences. However, the Editor always has the final say.

INFOVERITAS has no shareholding, economic, ideological or any other connection with these media, which are simply a means to disseminating INFOVERITAS content.

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 06/07/2023

Mr. Bieito Rubido is currently the President of Agranda and the editor in chief of the newspaper El Debate.
Agranda appears as The sole administrator in Infoveritas.

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

INFOVERITAS explains in its "policy" tab the mechanism that ensures this policy:
https://info-veritas.com/politica-de-neutralidad-e-imparcialidad/

Ramón Salaverría (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 13/04/2023

Infoveritas Verifica SL is administrated by the company Agranda SL, which according to BORME is chaired by Benito Damián ('Bieito') Rubido Ramonde, a noted Spanish journalist, currently the editor-in-chief of the digital native newspaper El Debate. This newspaper regularly publishes fact-checks produced by Infoveritas. The ties of Infoveritas with Agranda SL and their personal partners are sufficiently disclosed in the 'About us' page (¿Quiénes somos?) of Infoveritas.

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 06/05/2023

See section 3.1.A and 3.1.B.

More information is requested.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 28/06/2023

INFOVERITAS has no shareholding, economic, ideological or any other connection with these media, which are simply a means to disseminating INFOVERITAS content.

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

1. La foto de la Reina negando el saludo a Díaz Ayuso durante el saludo oficial antes de la cena en honor al emir de Catar es falsa

Link: https://info-veritas.com/reina-no-niega-saludo-ayuso/

2. Es falso que Alberto Garzón aplauda que no se haya rebajado el IVA de la carne

Link: https://info-veritas.com/desinformacion-es-falso-que-alberto-garzon-aplauda-que-no-se-haya-rebajado-el-iva-de-la-carne/

3. Santiago Abascal ha adquirido una finca valorada en 5.000.790 euros. FALSO

Link: https://info-veritas.com/santiago-abascal-ha-adquirido-una-finca-valorada-en-5-000-790-euros-falso/

4. Este tuit del líder de Vox en Castilla y León que dice que “las mujeres son más propensas a embarazarse que los hombres” es un montaje

Link: https://info-veritas.com/desinformacion-tuit-garcia-gallardo-montaje/

5. Unidas Podemos no va a prohibir los helados por considerarlos machistas

Link: https://info-veritas.com/desinformacion-unidad-podemos-no-va-a-prohibir-helados/

6. El vídeo del trabalenguas de Feijóo sobre el engaño no es real

Link: https://info-veritas.com/desinformacion-el-video-del-trabalenguas-sobre-el-engano-de-feijoo-no-es-real/

7. El Gobierno de España ha decretado cortes de luz de tres horas en los hogares. FALSO

Link: https://info-veritas.com/desinformacion-gobierno-decreto-cortes-de-luz-falso/

8. La Junta de Andalucía no estudia el copago sanitario en Atención Primaria

Link: https://info-veritas.com/desinformacion-andalucia-no-estudia-copago-sanitario-atencion-primaria/

9. Pedro Sánchez aparece en la última fila en la foto oficial de la Cumbre de la OTAN de Madrid. FALSO

Link: https://info-veritas.com/pedro-sanchez-ultima-fila-foto-oficial-cumbre-otan-madrid/

10. La UE no planea confinamientos climáticos para los países que superen los niveles de contaminación

Link: https://info-veritas.com/desinformacion-ue-confinamientos-climaticos/

We select the disinformation we have to verify based on purely journalistic criteria: virality, public interest and dangerousness. In order to guarantee our neutrality and impartiality, we always try to maintain a plurality and balance between topics and protagonists.

Our team is made up of independent journalists who have no relationship with any political party, nor do they accept gifts, services or favored treatment that could undermine this independence. Editorial control is exercised by the journalists of the team and does not depend on any state, political party or similar entity.

Although each verification is different, we always follow the same methodology, regardless of the protagonist. Our principal goal is for the public to be informed and able to reach, always with information, their own opinion on the matter. Therefore, the basis of our research is always official data and sources. In addition, we explain in each article the steps we have followed to reach a certain conclusion and the rating we have given. Finally, we conduct a peer review to avoid any potential bias. These policies apply to all articles.

Here you can find ouur methodoly tab: https://info-veritas.com/metodologia/ and here: https://info-veritas.com/politica-de-neutralidad-e-imparcialidad/

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 06/05/2023

This practice is written in the applicant’s methodology and the applicant complies with this standard based on the evidence they provided in the application.

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

INFOVERITAS explains in its "methodology" tab the steps and criteria to be followed when verifying a news item, as can be seen on our website: https://info-veritas.com/metodologia/

Ramón Salaverría (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 13/04/2023

In a random review of fact checks, no violations of this criterion have been found. Besides that, on the Neutrality and Impartiality Policy page (Política de neutralidad e imparcialidad), the applicant states that it "will address any reasonable conflict of interest or political bias of the experts or organizations it cites or uses."

Applicant

Compliant

Date: 28/06/2023

Please, let me know if you need more info about this point.

Ramón Salaverría (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 21/08/2023

Both the applicant's Methodology of fact-checking (Metodología) and Neutrality and Impartiality Policy (Política de Neutralidad e imparcialidad) are deemed sufficiently explicit as regards the procedure to prevent and address in publications any reasonable conflict of interest or political bias.

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

Neutrality and impartiality are two fundamentals for INFOVERITAS, and not only in the disclaimers and corrections we produce every day. To ensure credibility and trust in our work, team members also act according to this principle and comply with our impartiality policy.

INFOVERITAS is not under the editorial control of the state, any political party or a politician, and does not focus research on a particular political party or side of the political spectrum. At this fact-checking unit does not employ any person holding an important or salaried position in a political party, government or public company under the direct control of a political party or government and does not solicit or advise readers to vote for any political party, candidate for public office or policies other than those that concern fact-checking.

INFOVERITAS has no agreement or association with a political party and will address any reasonable conflict of interest or political bias of the experts or organizations it cites or uses.

INFOVERITAS warns its employees not to make political statements on behalf of the verification unit and not to accept gifts, favours or services and advantageous conditions in the work environment that go beyond commonly acceptable social and courtesy conventions.

Here you can find the link: https://info-veritas.com/politica-de-neutralidad-e-imparcialidad/

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 06/05/2023

See section 3.1.A, 3.1.B and 3.1.C.
More information is requested.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 28/06/2023

INFOVERITAS has no shareholding, economic, ideological or any other connection with these media, which are simply a means to disseminating INFOVERITAS content.

Here you can find the link: https://info-veritas.com/quienes-somos/

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: 24/01/2023

Before publishing a denial, INFOVERITAS always contacts the company, institution or person affected, so as to compare the different versions in the conflict. As a rule, INFOVERITAS offers between 24 and 48 hours for those affected, or their communication team, to have enough time to exercise their right to reply, thus allowing them to clarify any inaccuracies or criticisms and to respond to erroneous, inaccurate or biased information.

In addition, once the verification has been published, those affected who wish to clarify a news item can contact us via email, WhatsApp or other communication channels.

The INFOVERITAS team will review the topic, and if an error or mistake is detected it will be corrected as soon as possible. In addition, the article itself will notify of this revision in the same way as the information, and the article will be shared on social networks, pointing out the change.

INFOVERITAS considers that rectifications are synonymous with informative quality. Furthermore, we understand that rectification is not only a mechanism for the protection of possible injured parties, and that rectification should not be understood solely as a way to protect possible injured parties, but also as a reinforcement of the right of the public to receive complete and truthful information.

Here you can find the link to our website:https://info-veritas.com/metodologia/

Ramón Salaverría (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 14/04/2023

The applicant has a clear and sound Corrections Policy (Política de correcciones), which allows a fair right-of-reply. When this evaluation was performed, in April 2023, that page listed two examples of fact-check's corrections and/or updates. Therefore, the criterion is evaluated as 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.

Article 3.3: Honest corrections

In order to be recognised as a verified member of the European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN), operations must:

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.

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: 24/01/2023

INFOVERITAS holds a daily editorial meeting attended by the entire team to propose and select the topics to be fact-checked, always according to the criteria of our methodology: public interest, danger and virality. This means that we make our own decisions about our fact-checking and how we report them.

Editorial control is exercised by the website director, Carla Pina, the editor-in-chief, Andrea Carrasco, and the communications director, Virginia Seseña, who decide which articles are published on the website.

This link to our website specifies the structure of the organization: https://info-veritas.com/quienes-somos/

On occasions of particular relevance, topics are discussed with members of the editorial group's board of directors, Isabel Macías Núñez.

https://info-veritas.com/metodologia/

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 08/05/2023

See section 3.1.A, 3.1.B and 3.1.C.
More information is requested.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 28/06/2023

INFOVERITAS has no shareholding, economic, ideological or any other connection with these media, which are simply a means to disseminating INFOVERITAS content.

Here you can find the link: https://info-veritas.com/quienes-somos/

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

INFOVERITAS is a limited and unipersonal company with a registered office in Madrid and registered in the Mercantile Registry on 07/22/2022, inscription number 1, volume 43820, folio 140, section, page M-773339 as INFOVERITAS VERIFICA S.L., with CIF B 10921526 .

Its partner and sole administrator is the company AGRANDA, SL, with CIF B05358787, AGRANDA S.L., represented by its director Mrs. Isabel Macías Núñez. The founding partners of AGRANDA S.L. are Mr. Diego del Alcázar Silvela, Mr. Bieito Rubido Ramonde, Mrs. Macarena Rosado Corral and Mrs. Isabel Macías Núñez.

Diego del Alcázar Silvela has made all the financial contributions. INFOVERITAS has not income yet.

Here you can find the link to our webside: https://info-veritas.com/quienes-somos/

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 08/05/2023

See section 3.1.A, 3.1.B and 3.1.C.
More information is requested.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 28/06/2023

INFOVERITAS has no shareholding, economic, ideological or any other connection with these media, which are simply a means to disseminating INFOVERITAS content.

Here you can find the link: https://info-veritas.com/quienes-somos/

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

Here you can find the link to our website: https://info-veritas.com/quienes-somos/

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 08/05/2023

See section 3.1.A, 3.1.B and 3.1.C.
More information is requested.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 28/06/2023

INFOVERITAS has no shareholding, economic, ideological or any other connection with these media, which are simply a means to disseminating INFOVERITAS content.

Here you can find the link: https://info-veritas.com/quienes-somos/

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:

Ramón Salaverría (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 14/04/2023

Ramón Salaverría (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 14/04/2023

In the 'About us' page (¿Quiénes somos?), the applicant declares that, by the date of performing this evaluation in April 2023, it has not yet earned any income and that "to date, the financing of the project has been provided by Mr. Diego del Alcázar Silvela," partner of the parent company AGRANDA S.L. According to the information offered by the applicant in the criterion 4.2.B, the financial support from Mr. Alcázar Silvela amounts €400,000 This information is deemed sufficient to evaluate this criterion as compliant.

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 08/05/2023

Infoveritas published:
"INFOVERITAS has signed a collaboration with El Debate to publish two weekly verifications. With this agreement, both outlets seek to promote critical thinking and reduce misinformation in society".
https://info-veritas.com/mision/
See section 3.1.A, 3.1.B and 3.1.C.
More information is requested.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 28/06/2023

INFOVERITAS has no shareholding, economic, ideological or any other connection with these media, which are simply a means to disseminating INFOVERITAS content.

Here you can find the link: https://info-veritas.com/quienes-somos/

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

Cash contributions for the purposes of the incorporation of the company, on June 22, 2022, were made by the sole shareholder, AGRANDA S.L. Diego del Alcázar Silvela, founding partner of Agranda, has made all the financial contributions.
The financing of the project has been provided by one of the founders, Don Diego del Alcázar Silvela.

Specifically, the contribution of Azalvaro, owned by Mr. Diego del Alcázar Silvela, has been €400,000 to Agranda. We are waiting to reach agreements with companies and institutions that can cover the expenses of the company.

For the time being, we have not obtained any other financial input.

You can find this info in this link: https://info-veritas.com/quienes-somos/

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 08/05/2023

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 28/06/2023

INFOVERITAS has no shareholding, economic, ideological or any other connection with these media, which are simply a means to disseminating INFOVERITAS content.

Here you can find: https://info-veritas.com/quienes-somos/

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

Here you can find the link: https://info-veritas.com/politica-de-neutralidad-e-imparcialidad/

Ramón Salaverría (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 14/04/2023

The applicant has explained in the criterion 4.2.D that "Infoveritas has signed a partnership with Spanish online daily El Debate to publish two weekly verifications." This information is also disclosed on its website. Since the applicant claims to have no additional income to that declared from Mr. Alcázar Silvela, it is inferred that this partnership with El Debate does not entail any payment. If it is otherwise, the applicant is kindly invited to disclose it.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 23/06/2023

No, the partnership with El Debate and 20 Minutes do not entail any payment.
INFOVERITAS has no shareholding, economic, ideological or any other connection with these media, which are simply a means to disseminating INFOVERITAS content.

https://info-veritas.com/quienes-somos/

Ramón Salaverría (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 21/08/2023

Thanks for the clarification. In light of the new information provided, I am pleased to assess this criterion as compliant.

Applicant

Date: 24/01/2023

INFOVERITAS has signed a partnership with Spanish online daily El Debate to publish two weekly verifications. With this agreement, both media seek to promote critical thinking and reduce misinformation in society.

However, this collaboration does not entail any financial benefit.

Here you can find the link where this information is available on our website: https://info-veritas.com/mision/

Ramón Salaverría (assessor)

Compliant

Date: 14/04/2023

As requested, Infoveritas has disclosed publicly on its website its partnership with El Debate it is not yet "available and easily accessible" on the applicant's website.

RAUL MAGALLON (assessor)

Needs more info

Date: 08/05/2023

See section 3.1.A, 3.1.B and 3.1.C.
More information is requested.

Applicant

Needs more info

Date: 28/06/2023

INFOVERITAS has no shareholding, economic, ideological or any other connection with these media, which are simply a means to disseminating INFOVERITAS content.

Here you can find the link: https://info-veritas.com/quienes-somos/

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.

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 or Belarus”.

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.