More than 40 fact-checking organizations from across Europe (among them hibrid.info) have agreed on a professional Code that sets out the standards of methodology, ethics and transparency required to combat disinformation effectively and with integrity.
"European Code of Standards for Independent Fact-Checking Organizations”, which was published today, was developed through a project involving fact-checking organizations from more than 30 countries across Europe. It is the result of months of research, surveys, debates and discussions among them.
European fact-checkers, academics and other experts in the field. The final version of the Code was approved by 44 of the 45 organizations that voted.
The Code's standards, which cover issues ranging from quality sources to impartiality and financial transparency, must be met for fact-checking organizations to become verified members of the European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN), a network that will organize, support and represent this community. Membership in the network will indicate to the public which European fact-checking organizations are operating independently, ethically and with a commitment to serving the public interest.
With the text of the Code now adopted, the European fact-checking community will meet in Madrid at the end of September to discuss and define the mission and structure of the network and the governing body that will oversee the implementation of the Code.
In addition, in the coming months, EFCSN will support Europe's open source investigation community in developing a specific set of guidelines tailored to their work and mission.
This project is supported by the European Commission and led by six European organizations focused on combating disinformation: Fundación Maldita.es (Spain), AFP (France), CORRECTIV (Germany), DEMAGOG (Poland), Pagella Politica/ Facta (Italy) and EU DisinfoLab (Belgium).