Product Overview: Africa Check
Introduction
Africa Check is a non-profit fact-checking organization established in 2012 with the primary goal of promoting accuracy in public debate and the media across Africa. Founded by Peter Cunliffe-Jones after winning an International Press Institute news innovation contest sponsored by Google, Africa Check is modeled after renowned fact-checking sites such as FactCheck.org and PolitiFact.com.
Key Features and Functionality
Fact-Checking Services
Africa Check specializes in testing claims made by public figures, institutions, and the media against the best available evidence. The organization produces detailed fact sheets in English and French, evaluating the accuracy of statements on a six-point scale ranging from “correct” and “mostly correct” to “unproven,” “exaggerated or understated,” “misleading,” and “incorrect”.
Regional Coverage
With offices in Johannesburg, South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya; Lagos, Nigeria; Dakar, Senegal; and London, Africa Check has a robust regional presence. This allows the organization to closely track and corroborate stories, engaging audiences throughout the continent and providing localized fact-checking services.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Africa Check collaborates with major platforms like Facebook to flag and reduce fake news stories. This partnership has been instrumental in decreasing misinformation on social media platforms by up to 80% in some regions. Additionally, Africa Check works with other fact-checking organizations and has launched initiatives such as the “What’s Crap on WhatsApp?” service to identify and combat false information on messaging apps.
Automated Fact-Checking
Africa Check is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its fact-checking processes. The organization has developed a three-phase approach involving claim detection, claim matching, and robot-checking to validate claims efficiently. This automation has significantly enhanced the speed and reach of their fact-checking efforts, contributing to improved media literacy and political accountability in Africa.
Public Resources and Tools
Africa Check provides several public resources, including a Promise Tracker that monitors whether politicians and political parties keep their promises. These promises are rated as “Kept,” “In the Works,” or “Broken.” The website also features detailed reports and fact sheets that are freely accessible, helping audiences understand and protect themselves from disinformation.
Community Engagement
The organization engages its audiences through various initiatives, such as crowdsourcing false information from WhatsApp networks and sending back verified information as voice notes. This community-driven approach helps in spreading accurate information and fostering a culture of fact-based public discourse.
Credibility and Bias
Africa Check is highly regarded for its balanced and accurate fact checks, with a “Least Biased” rating and “Very High” factual reporting credibility. The organization adheres to the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) Code of Principles, ensuring that all information is thoroughly sourced and presented without emotional or stereotypical appeals.
In summary, Africa Check is a comprehensive fact-checking platform dedicated to enhancing the quality of information in Africa. Its robust regional presence, innovative use of AI, and collaborative efforts with major platforms make it a leading force in combating misinformation and promoting accurate public discourse.