FactSpace West Africa seeks to promote accuracy in engagements on social media and in public discourse by correcting the spread of false or misleading claims or statements.

The Managing editors of our fact-checking projects have control over the day-to-day editorial decisions. No other body or source has any influence over our editorial policy & independence.

We select claims to fact-check based on reach, how relevant the claim is to the public, and the potential impact the claim might have on the public if it goes unchecked. We are only committed to the facts and listens to all relevant stakeholders in executing our fact-check reports.

As best as we can, our researchers will ensure fact-checks produced include a comment or request from the claimant. Where not possible due to varied reasons including safety, inaccessibility and in the interest of time, researchers will indicate those attempts in the reporting for our readers. 

Each fact-checking report we produce is different, but to ensure fairness, the way we approach all reports is the same.

The rating options include:

False: The primary claim(s) of the content is factually inaccurate. This generally corresponds to “false” or “mostly false” ratings on fact-checkers sites.

Mixture: The claim(s) are a mix of accurate and inaccurate content.

False Headline: The primary claim(s) of the article body content are true, but the primary claim within the headline is factually inaccurate.

True: The primary claim(s) of the content are factually accurate. This generally corresponds to “true” or “mostly true” ratings on fact-checkers sites.

Partly True: The primary claim(s) contains elements of truth but is either not entirely accurate, according to the best evidence publicly available at the time.

Misleading: Elements of the claim are accurate but presented in a way that is misleading.

Satire: The content is posted by a Page or domain that is a known satire publication, or a reasonable person would understand the content to be irony or humour with a social message. It still may benefit from additional context.

Exaggerated: The claim exaggerates the facts.

Understated: The claim understates the facts.

Unproven: Evidence publicly available at this time neither proves nor disproves the statement. More research is needed.