Methodology

First: The Verification Path

Iraqi society is characterized by its diversity and plurality. At The Checker, we are committed to providing well-documented information that reflects these variations and differences. We strive to present this information with clarity, transparency, and balance — free from bias.

Second: The News We Verify and Correct

To identify claims, our team thoroughly investigates all types of data — including news, images, videos, texts, and audio — that begin circulating among users on various Iraqi social media platforms. We also verify suggestions and verification requests submitted by readers through our social media pages or by email: info@checker.news.

We receive many claims requiring verification through our digital channels. From these, we select the most important ones based on their impact, spread, and relevance to readers’ priorities.

Third: Data We Do Not Verify

• Personal opinions, predictions, or political analyses presented as subjective views rather than factual claims.

• News or information for which our team cannot find any usable sources for verification.

• Information irrelevant to the Iraqi context or with no effect on the Iraqi audience.

Fourth: Key Factors We Focus on When Selecting Claims

Iraq is one of the most misinformation-affected countries in the region. Given the limited resources available for tracking — regardless of a platform’s activity — we focus on key priorities before selecting claims to verify:

1. Relevance: The news should be important to the public and related to public interest.

2. Circulation: We prioritize widely circulated claims.

3. Potential Harm: Claims that could harm individuals or society take precedence.

4. Verifiability: We must be able to verify the claim using available tools.

5. Balance: We ensure fair representation, especially for claims targeting minorities or diverse ethnic groups in Iraq.

Fifth: After Identifying a Claim

Once a piece of news raises a fact-checker’s suspicion and meets the core criteria (it’s a news item, important, and potentially misleading), we begin the verification process. The claim is categorized by domain (political, social, scientific, etc.) to streamline and expedite the investigation.

Sixth: Verifying Claims

1. Thorough Online Research:
   Using advanced Google search tools and filters (date, time, location, keywords) to trace the origins of digital content.

2. Data Reliability Check:
   We evaluate texts, images, and videos to determine if they are authentic or manipulated — including checking for AI-generated content. Tools like reverse image search, advanced web tools, AI-powered platforms such as Dalil, Full Fact, flight and ship tracking tools, and mapping services are essential in tracing the origins and verifying whether content was previously used in similar or different contexts.

3. Contacting Official Authorities:
   If a rumor relates to a governmental issue, we contact central or local government entities for clarification. We also reach out to the persons or organizations mentioned in the claim to verify the accuracy of attributed quotes or visuals.

4. Using Open-Source Information:
   These include official government websites, international reports, databases, and organizations’ platforms.

5. Consulting Experts:
   When a claim requires specialized knowledge, we reach out to subject-matter experts for insights.

Seventh: Writing and Editing

Once the fact-checker finishes the initial draft, it is sent to the chief editor who reviews the content, checks the accuracy of the facts, and determines whether the claim warrants publication. Necessary updates are made, followed by a final round of editing before release.

Eighth: Publication

After completing all verification and editing steps, the final report is published on The Checker’s website and shared across its social media platforms.