Fact-Check Policy

The 2+1 Rule

A story obtained from elsewhere is not published until it is confirmed by two independent sources and carries one contribution of our own — background, a figure, local context or our own reporting. The rule is enforced in our editorial system, so a story cannot be published by skipping it.

What We Check

• Names, designations and places — the spelling of names of people and institutions, and their designations.
• Numbers — figures are matched against the original government document, order or report.
• Quotes — a statement must rest on a recording, a written statement or a direct conversation.
• Photographs and video — an old image, or one from elsewhere, is never attached to a new story; the source of every image is recorded.

Social Media and Viral Claims

A viral post, video or WhatsApp message is not by itself treated as news. Its original source, date and location are checked. A claim that cannot be verified is not published — or is clearly described as unverified.

Sources Shown to the Reader

Wherever possible, a Sources section beneath each story links to the original document or source, so readers can check for themselves.

Spotted a False Claim? Tell Us

If a fact in a story looks wrong, contact us. Every complaint is examined, and where an error is found it is corrected openly under our corrections policy.