Product Overview: Faktograf.hr
Introduction
Faktograf.hr is a Croatian fact-checking website established in 2015 by the Croatian Journalists’ Association and GONG. It is the first and only media organization in Croatia specialized in fact-checking, aiming to verify the accuracy of statements made by public figures and media.
Key Features and Functionality
Fact-Checking Process
Faktograf.hr evaluates the accuracy of claims on a five-grade scale:
- Fakt (“Fact”)
- Tri kvarta fakta (“Three quarters of a fact”)
- Polufakt (“Half-fact”)
- Ni pola fakta (“Less than half of a fact”)
- Ni F od fakta (“Not a fact”)
Partnerships and Networks
- Faktograf is a member of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) since 2017 and the European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN) since 2022.
- It is part of Facebook’s Third-Party Fact-Checking program since April 2019, helping to reduce the spread of misinformation on social media platforms.
Coverage and Scope
- Faktograf monitors and fact-checks information shared on social networks, as well as in various media outlets, focusing on public policies, politics, culture, social science, and civil society.
- During critical periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Faktograf has dedicated sections like “Live blog: Disinformation about the coronavirus” and “The State of Democracy and Civil Rights” to document and counter misinformation.
Collaborations and Initiatives
- Faktograf co-founded SEE Check, a network of fact-checking organizations from Southeast Europe, to combat viral misinformation in the region.
- It has also participated in the International Fact-Checking Network’s FactCheckEU, focusing on fact-checks related to the European Union and EU elections.
Impact and Metrics
- Faktograf’s work has led to the reduction of the virality of misinformation on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. For instance, between July and December 2023, Faktograf’s fact-checking articles helped label and reduce the spread of millions of pieces of content in the EU.
Operational Independence
- Despite being part of Meta’s fact-checking program, Faktograf operates independently and does not have the authority to block or remove content from social media platforms. Instead, it evaluates content and provides accuracy ratings, which are then used by platforms like Facebook to reduce the reach of inaccurate posts.
Challenges and Support
Faktograf faces significant challenges, including harassment campaigns, attacks, and threats from disinformation spreaders. Despite these challenges, the organization remains committed to promoting professional and ethical journalism, and to suppressing disinformation through its rigorous fact-checking processes.
In summary, Faktograf.hr is a crucial tool in the fight against misinformation, providing transparent and independent fact-checking services that help maintain the integrity of public discourse in Croatia and beyond.