Fact Check Policy

At Keertiman, fact-checking is the most important instrument for protecting truth. In a time when a lie can reach millions in seconds, it is our responsibility that the truth reaches with equal speed and clarity.

Our Fact Check Policy is based on the five core principles of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) Code of Principles.

Our Five Principles

1. Non-Partisanship and Fairness

We do not work for or against any political party, religion, region or individual. We scrutinise the claims of every side with equal rigour.

2. Transparency of Sources

Every fact-check report transparently mentions:

• The original source of the claim (who said it, where, when)
• The authentic information we verified
• Our reference sources — government data, research papers, interviews, documents
• Technical tools used

3. Financial and Organisational Transparency

Keertiman's ownership structure, sources of funding and fact-check team are publicly available on our About Us page. We do not accept direct financial support from any political party or government agency.

4. Transparency of Methodology

We explain how a claim was selected, how it was checked, and how the conclusion was reached.

5. Open and Honest Correction Process

If a fact-check turns out to be wrong, we correct it immediately and add a correction note on the original article.

Our Methodology

Step 1: Selection of Claims

• Information being widely disseminated publicly (viral social media posts)
• Statements by political leaders, ministers or public figures
• Misleading claims about government or policy data
• Misinformation related to health, elections or disasters
• Claims submitted by readers

Step 2: Sources and References

• Government portals and official press releases
• RTI documents
• Parliamentary / Assembly records
• Court orders and judgments
• Research journals and university studies
• Interviews with subject-matter experts

Step 3: Technical Verification

• Google Reverse Image Search and TinEye
• EXIF data analysis
• Video verification tools like InVID / WeVerify
• Location verification — Google Earth, OpenStreetMap
• Deepfake detection tools (where suspected)

Step 4: Verdict and Rating

• True ✓ — the claim is fully correct
• Mostly True — main claim correct, some minor facts wrong
• Half True / Misleading — parts correct, parts wrong or out of context
• Mostly False — main claim wrong, some minor facts correct
• False ✗ — claim entirely untrue
• Unverified — insufficient evidence
• Satire / Not Verifiable

Step 5: Editorial Review

Every fact-check report must pass an independent review by a senior editor before publication.

What We Do Not Check

• Pure opinion and predictions
• Personal private matters (unless of public interest)
• Satire / parody
• Matters of religious faith

Claim Submission

Corrections and Appeals

1. Write to factcheck@keertiman.com with documentary evidence
2. We re-review within 7 business days
3. If an error is found — immediate correction, note on the original article, and correction notice on social media

Our Pledge

We pledge: our allegiance to truth is greater than any other interest.