For fact-checkers
Break a claimAn atomic, verifiable statement linked to evidence, a coverage envelope and separate human assessment dimensions. into checkable parts
Show which evidenceResearch material whose provenance, time, integrity state and link to an exact source version are preserved. supports the conclusion, which evidence contradicts it, and what remains unestablished.
Define the object of the check
Clarify subject, action, date, place and a measurable criterion. Split a broad statement into atomic claims.
- Separate fact from opinion and prediction.
- Preserve the original wording before research starts.
- Name the finding that would change the decision.
Gather different grounds
For each claim, preserve a primary anchor, independence, coverage and negative results.
- Two copies of the same report are not independent.
- Distinguish not found from disproved.
- Mark a source as unavailable or changed instead of silently substituting it.
Use abstentionA decision not to make a stronger conclusion when evidence is insufficient or conflicting, with the gap stated explicitly.
Insufficient data is a complete result when it explains what is missing and what safe next step is possible.
- Do not turn a heuristic or a match into a fact.
- Preserve alternative explanations.
- Give the editor a short brief and a detailed audit trail.