Subject Guides: Fake News &amp; Misinformation: Fact Checking

Check the Facts

Fact checking doubtful claims is an important skill to learn when confronted with the increasing publication of fake news. Searching for quotes or authors via search engines such as Google, or on social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) can be effective ways of conducting a quick fact check if you know how to identify genuine news websites and accounts. The following sites and methods are just some of the ways to fact check information:

AAP Fact Check
The AAP (Australian Associated Press) FactCheck team are experienced journalists trained in traditional and digital fact-checking methods. They work within a framework that is approved by the AAP Standards committee, compliant with AAP’s broader editorial standards and equal to industry best practice. The AAP and are accredited with the Poynter Institute’s International Fact-Checking Network.
Full Fact
Based in London, this fact checking services is a registered, non-partisan charity seeking to cross examine claims made by politicians and the media in the UK and Europe. It is a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network fact-checkers’ code of principles.
Facebook
Despite social media being the source of many fake news stories, over 52% of Australians rely on it as their source of news and information. Facebook has created symbols to identify verified accounts, represented by a blue tick belonging to the people or groups they claim to be. Fact checking claims with verified accounts can be a way of gaining information from trusted journalists and sources in real-time.
X (Twitter)
X now allow users to subscribe to a premium service which includes showcasing a blue tick on their account . Given blue ticks can be purchased on X it is no longer a reliable indicator of verified, authentic accounts on the platform.

RMIT ABC Fact Check

RMIT ABC Fact Check
An Australian-based fact checking service conducted in partnership between RMIT University Australia, and the publicly funded Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "All verdicts fall into three colour-based categories: in the red, in the green or in between – red being a negative ruling, and green being a positive." The platform is governed by the ABC Charter and is accountable to the Australian Parliament.

Recent Stories from RMIT ABC Fact Check

Politifact

Politifact
PolitiFact is a fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others who speak up in American politics. PolitiFact is run by editors and reporters from the Tampa Bay Times, an independent newspaper in Florida, as is PunditFact, a site devoted to fact-checking pundits. The Tampa Bay Times is owned by the not-for-profit Poynter Institute.