Product Overview: FactCheckNI
FactCheckNI is Northern Ireland’s first and only dedicated fact-checking service, established to combat the spread of misinformation and foster a culture of critical thinking within the region.
What FactCheckNI Does
FactCheckNI is a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) that identifies and investigates important public statements relevant to Northern Ireland. The team scrutinizes these statements by interrogating the best available evidence and publishes fact-check articles to enhance the quality of public debate, knowledge, and understanding. This initiative aims to empower the public by providing accurate, fair, and reliable information, thereby resetting the dynamic of misinformation that erodes trust in reliable sources and undermines public confidence.
Key Features
Fact-Check Articles
FactCheckNI publishes articles on claims made by politicians, public figures, media outlets, and viral online content. These articles are designed to hold public figures, campaigns, and the media to account, ensuring that facts underpin debates and discussions.
Training and Education
The organization provides comprehensive training courses, events, and educational resources in fact-checking and critical thinking skills. These programs are delivered in school and local community environments, as well as for private and public sector clients. Since 2016, FactCheckNI has trained over 7,000 people from more than 60 community-based organizations.
Media Literacy and Critical Thinking
FactCheckNI prioritizes media literacy and critical thinking skills, recognizing the need for a tailored, multi-levelled approach in the Northern Irish context. The training aims to support individuals and communities in navigating the vast amount of information available and in holding those in positions of power accountable.
Transparency and Funding
FactCheckNI is transparent about its funding sources and ensures that funders have no influence over the conclusions reached in their fact checks. The organization is a verified signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network Code of Principles, committing to nonpartisanship, fairness, and transparency.
Functionality
User-Friendly Website
The FactCheckNI website is designed with user experience in mind, featuring a modern and accessible interface. Key functionalities include a fast and responsive design, dark mode option, AJAX search function, and category-specific filters for popular tags. These features make it easier for users to find and access fact-check articles efficiently.
Community Engagement
FactCheckNI engages with the community through various initiatives, including free critical thinking sessions and online toolkits that provide simple tips for applying fact-checking and critical thinking skills in daily life. This approach helps in embedding critical thinking as part of wider community building and development efforts.
Advisory Panel
The organization is guided by an advisory panel that reflects the functions and audiences of their work, including official statistics, journalism, law, training, education, community engagement, and public affairs. This ensures a diverse and informed approach to fact-checking and critical thinking.
By combining rigorous fact-checking, comprehensive training, and a commitment to transparency and community engagement, FactCheckNI plays a crucial role in promoting informed decision-making and critical thinking in Northern Ireland.