Fact-Checking Policy

🎯 Our Commitment to Accuracy

At Israel.com, we are committed to providing accurate, verified, and trustworthy news coverage of Israel and the Middle East region. Our comprehensive fact-checking policy ensures that every piece of information we publish meets the highest standards of journalistic integrity and accuracy.

This policy outlines our systematic approach to verification, source validation, and correction procedures, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to factual reporting in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly.

🔍 Verification Standards

Primary Source Verification

• Direct Source Confirmation: All facts must be verified through direct contact with primary sources whenever possible
• Document Authentication: Official documents are verified for authenticity before publication
• Expert Consultation: Complex topics require consultation with recognized subject matter experts
• Cross-Reference Checking: Facts are cross-referenced across multiple independent sources
• Real-Time Verification: Breaking news requires immediate verification protocols while maintaining accuracy standards

Source Hierarchy and Reliability

• Tier 1 Sources: Government officials, official statements, court documents, verified eyewitness accounts
• Tier 2 Sources: Established news organizations, academic institutions, recognized experts
• Tier 3 Sources: Social media posts (when verified), unnamed sources (with corroboration), advocacy groups
• Prohibited Sources: Unverified social media claims, anonymous tips without corroboration, known misinformation sources

⚙️ Fact-Checking Process

Pre-Publication Verification

• Initial Research: All claims undergo preliminary fact-checking during the writing process
• Editorial Review: Senior editors review all factual claims before publication
• Expert Verification: Technical or specialized information is verified by relevant experts
• Legal Review: Sensitive stories undergo legal review to ensure accuracy and avoid defamation
• Final Check: A final fact-checking review is conducted before publication

Breaking News Protocols

• Rapid Response Team: Designated fact-checkers available for urgent verification
• Multiple Source Rule: Breaking news requires at least two independent source confirmations
• Continuous Updates: Stories are updated as new verified information becomes available
• Uncertainty Disclosure: Clearly label information that is still being verified

🛡️ Source Protection and Validation

Anonymous Source Guidelines

• Multiple Confirmation: Anonymous source information requires confirmation from at least two independent sources
• Editorial Approval: Use of anonymous sources requires approval from senior editorial staff
• Background Verification: Anonymous sources' credibility and access to information is thoroughly vetted
• Legal Considerations: Protection protocols comply with journalist shield laws and ethical standards

Digital Content Verification

• Image Authentication: Photos and videos are verified using reverse image searches and metadata analysis
• Social Media Verification: Social media content is verified through account authentication and cross-referencing
• Deepfake Detection: Advanced tools are used to detect manipulated audio and video content
• Geolocation Verification: Location-based claims are verified using geolocation tools and local sources

📝 Correction and Update Procedures

Error Identification and Response

• Error Reporting: Multiple channels for readers and sources to report potential errors
• Rapid Investigation: All error reports are investigated within 2 hours of receipt
• Immediate Action: Confirmed errors are corrected immediately, regardless of time of day
• Transparency: All corrections are clearly labeled and include explanations of the original error

Correction Standards

• Prominent Placement: Corrections appear prominently at the top of corrected articles
• Complete Disclosure: Corrections include what was wrong, what is correct, and when the correction was made
• Archive Preservation: Original versions are preserved for transparency and accountability
• Follow-up Stories: Significant corrections may warrant follow-up reporting to provide full context

✅ Quality Assurance and Training

Staff Training and Development

• Regular Training: All editorial staff receive ongoing fact-checking and verification training
• Industry Best Practices: Training includes latest industry standards and emerging verification techniques
• Technology Updates: Staff are trained on new fact-checking tools and technologies
• Legal Updates: Regular updates on legal requirements and ethical standards

Performance Monitoring

• Accuracy Metrics: Regular tracking of accuracy rates and error frequency
• Reader Feedback: Systematic collection and analysis of reader feedback on accuracy
• External Audits: Periodic third-party reviews of our fact-checking procedures
• Continuous Improvement: Regular policy updates based on lessons learned and industry developments

🔧 Technology and Tools

Verification Technologies

• Database Access: Access to government databases, court records, and official document repositories
• Fact-Checking Software: Use of professional fact-checking and verification software platforms
• Media Verification Tools: Advanced tools for verifying photos, videos, and audio content
• Real-Time Monitoring: Systems for monitoring breaking news and verifying information as it develops

Data Security and Integrity

• Secure Systems: All verification work is conducted on secure, encrypted systems
• Source Protection: Technology safeguards protect confidential source information
• Backup Procedures: Comprehensive backup systems ensure verification records are preserved
• Access Controls: Strict access controls limit who can modify published content