Our Methodology

MISBAR checks facts, not opinions. We are interested only in verifiable facts. We focus our attention and resources on the issues that are most important to people. We especially try to examine statements that are newsworthy or concern issues of importance. We do our best to be dispassionate and non-partisan, drawing attention to inaccurate statements on both the left and right wings. The identity of the person or organization making a claim is irrelevant: all that matters is whether their facts are accurate or inaccurate.

We are committed to being transparent about our sources. Whenever possible, we provide links to our sources so readers have access to —and verify— the information we use to reach the conclusions in our articles.

MISBAR is committed to fact-checking in a fair, transparent, and non-partisan manner. We strive for high editorial standards and adhere to the following guidelines:

• Evidentiality: MISBAR aims to be accurate in our fact-checking, consulting multiple sources to ensure that fact-checks are backed by accurate evidence. Depending on the nature of the fact-check required, we use internet tools like reverse image search, as well as source data from official sources. Where necessary, we also reach out to relevant persons to verify claims. We do not quote anonymous sources.
• Transparency: MISBAR explains in detail how each claim was debunked. This is done in the interest of transparency and it also serves an educational purpose, guiding the readers on how to evaluate claims which they may come across in future. It also helps in spreading awareness of fake news danger.
• Nonpartisanship: MISBAR has no political affiliations. We believe in fact-checking news from all ends of the political spectrum and apply the same standards to claims irrespective of who originated them.

In journalism, mistakes can and do happen even after the application of due diligence procedures. While Misbar continually strives for excellence and accuracy, we resign the fact that we will occasionally make errors. When these errors are made, Misbar will take responsibility for correcting the error and will maintain a high level of transparency to be sure all parties are confident that the incorrect information does not spread. If a reader spots an error, he or she should contact submit@misbar.com.

A major error is an error that results in a new rating or otherwise changes the general outlook of the article. In these cases we publish a correction article linked to the original article. Also, the text of the article is updated with the new information stating the changes and their timing.

We correct typos, grammatical errors, misspellings, transpositions and other small errors without a mark of correction or tag.

Labeling the authenticity of a topic or event into a one-word assessment can be challenging. Sometimes labeling an article “true” or “false” is not appropriate, or it doesn’t tell the whole story. MISBAR’s rating system has a variety of labels so we can be accurate, clear, and fair. We pay attention to word choice, and claims are rated based on whether the claim is literally correct. We rate all claims using the facts available at the time of publishing and are committed to letting the evidence guide our conclusions. Our available ratings are as follows:

The primary aspects of the claim are false and lack supporting evidence. Elements of a claim are demonstrably false.

The claim has significant elements of both truth and falsity to it such that it could not fairly be described by any other rating. The claim contains misleading information, bias, stereotype, hate speech, irrelated data, inaccurate translation or context fragmentation.

The primary aspects of the claim are true and can be backed up with evidence to prove it.

The claim includes an irrational and illogical attitude which reflects a belief related to magic or myths and is not based on logical or scientific knowledge.

The claim is correct but includes only certain elements of the story and ignores others, aiming to promote certain news and prevent other news from spreading.

Although the claim contains elements indicating that the news may be incorrect, it also contains other elements indicating that the news is true.

The title and claim contain exaggerated elements aimed to attract attention and arouse the readers’ interest, but the content of the story is unrelated to the claim or the title.

The claim / news contains satirical content or a satirical title based on the description of the author / publisher or audience. This classification seeks to alert the public to material that is being circulated as real without knowing that the purpose of the article is satirical.

1. Fact Checks topics:

MISBAR publishes fact-checked topics, labeled and reviewed by editors and experts. All topics should be labeled to TRUE or FALSE or other labels. The fact checks topics should include a clear claim and sources. Fact checks, which use our rating system, are clearly labeled.

2. Misbar Blog:

In addition to fact-checking, MISBAR publishes original news stories, in-depth investigations, analysis, translations, educational material, quizzes, tips and other material we believe will help readers understand and contextualize information they encounter.

• Original news: any needed original news related to Misbar’s focus on fact checking and fake news.
• Investigations: in depth investigation of issues related to fact checking, fake news, long term issues, analyses and assessment reports.
• Educational material: explained, what is, how and tips.
• Translations: translated materials from and into different languages
• Quizzes: test yourself, is this true?