Fact-Check Yourself: Tools for Navigating Truth in a Misinformation Age

In an age where misinformation spreads faster than truth, navigating the flood of headlines, memes, and viral claims can feel overwhelming. Whether you're trying to verify a politician’s statement, a trending rumor, or even a well-meaning social media post, fact-checking has become a crucial skill. My friend Janis recently reminded me just how important it is to have trusted tools at our fingertips—and inspired me to pull together this list of reputable fact-checking sites. Most are vetted by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), and I’ve included a few secondary resources as well to help you dig deeper. These tools won’t just sharpen your discernment—they’ll help restore trust in how we share and consume information.

Singer/songwriter/musician Janis Ian posted this recently on Facebook:

Clergy Coaching Network

In a world that is swirling with information true and made-up, it is harder than ever to tell a truth from a lie.  Fact-checking tools can be an important addition in our search for reliable information. 

We think you’ll want to keep these sites handy. You may even want to save them in your notes. Visit them regularly. And rather than relying on one, you’ll probably want to use multiple fact checking sites. 

In the US we recommend: 

OUR PRIMARY SOURCES…all members of the IFCN*

• https://apnews.com/hub/ap-fact-check
• https://www.factcheck.org/
• https://www.usatoday.com (search for “fact check”) 
• https://thedispatch.com/category/fact-check/
• https://leadstories.com/
• https://www.poynter.org/news/fact-checking/
• https://www.politifact.com
• https://www.reuters.com/fact-check/
• https://www.pbs.org/newshour/tag/fact-check
• https://www.snopes.com/
• https://checkyourfact.com/

(All of the above are members of the International Fact-Checking Network. Becoming a signatory requires a demonstrated commitment to using unbiased sources, relying on primary material, identifying multiple lines of evidence and including links to all of the above so readers can replicate their work. Signatories of the IFCN Code of Principles are subjected to the established vetting process and evaluated by external assessors. Through this process, an organization must exhibit a commitment to nonpartisanship and fairness, transparency of sources, transparency of funding and organization, transparency of methodology, and a commitment to open and honest corrections.)

OUR SECONDARY (sometimes helpful) SOURCES: 

https://www.opensecrets.org/

https://www.verifythis.com

https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/

https://www.allsides.com/unbiased-balanced-news

The new BBC Verify

Wonder who fact-checks the fact-checkers? Please read this:

Yes, the Clergy Coaching Network post you shared is largely accurate in its recommendations and descriptions regarding fact-checking resources. Here's a breakdown:

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✅ Accurate Aspects:

• The Sites Listed:
  All of the primary fact-checking websites listed (AP Fact Check, FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, Reuters, etc.) are real, active, and recognized for their fact-checking efforts.
  Most of them are signatories to the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), as claimed.

• IFCN Requirements:
  The post correctly summarizes the IFCN's Code of Principles, including requirements like nonpartisanship, transparency, and rigorous sourcing.

• Secondary Resources:

  • OpenSecrets: A respected site that tracks money in U.S. politics.

  • VerifyThis.com: A project by Tegna with fact-check videos.

  • MediaBiasFactCheck and AllSides: While not IFCN-accredited, they’re often used for media bias awareness, and it's correctly stated they are secondary and sometimes helpful, not primary fact-checkers.

• BBC Verify: A new, real BBC unit launched in 2023 for fact-checking and verifying sources across global news stories.

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⚠️ Minor Clarifications:

• PBS fact-checking is not always centralized; it depends on individual segments or series like NewsHour, but it's still a reliable source.

• USA Today does have fact-check content, but it's not as comprehensive as some of the others.

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Yes, this post is credible and useful. It's a solid summary of reliable fact-checking tools, emphasizing using multiple sources and media literacy, which is good advice in today’s information climate.

In a world where truth is often the first casualty of outrage and algorithms, having reliable fact-checking tools isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Janis’s nudge was a timely reminder that we all have a role to play in promoting honesty and clarity, especially online. So bookmark these sites, use them regularly, and don’t be afraid to pause before sharing. Truth still matters—and the more of us who insist on it, the harder it becomes for misinformation to thrive.

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT