International Fact-Checking Day 2023: International Fact-Checking Day is observed on April 2 and focuses on setting the record straight and protecting the public from misinformation or ‘fake news.’ While the name may seem self-explanatory, fact-checkers help protect the reputation of a publication by verifying facts and preventing misinformation or journalistic fraud. Errors in reporting can unfortunately lead to litigation and defamation cases; thus, it is clear that the fact-checker also plays a significant role here. In a world where news originates from various social media platforms (including Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram), information and media can be readily manipulated to mislead or influence public opinion. In this sense, fact-checkers are the modern-day superheroes, serving the public interest.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL FACT-CHECKING DAY
On April 2, 2017, the first official International Fact-Checking Day was observed. However, the concept of such a day was first envisaged in 2014 at the London School of Economics during a conference for journalists and professional fact-checkers. The discussion was sparked by a recognition of the threat posed by political misinformation, especially on social media sites, which are consumed daily by the multitudes. In 2016, during U.S. elections, false news wreaked havoc and brought this issue back into the spotlight, which is why the observance was officially established in 2016 but celebrated the following year.
It is promoted by the International Fact-Checking Network (I.F.C.N. ), a consortium of media organisations from around the globe. The significance of the date, April 2, is enhanced by the fact that it follows April Fools’ Day, ingeniously highlighting the dichotomy of “fool versus fact.” On this day, numerous media organisations contribute to the growing number of tools that enable people to check facts and provide students and the general public with guidance on how to identify and combat the spread of misinformation and false news.
In terms of history, fact-checking is a relatively new phenomenon that has existed for less than a century. It has its origins in the era of ‘yellow journalism’ in the United States, when sensationalism trumped truth in headlines for the sake of profit. With the establishment of “TIME” magazine in the 1920s, fact-checking began to acquire legitimacy as a profession, having previously been dominated by women and considered a feminine occupation. Now that false news has exploded on social media sites, its significance has increased by a factor of two.
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HOW TO CELEBRATE WORLD FACT-CHECKING DAY
Check facts on your own.
On the next piece of news you encounter on your preferred social media platform, consider using Google’s recommended methods to verify the information. Welcome to the first stage of your journey towards consciousness!
Support fact-checking agencies
There are numerous online organisations that offer fact-checking resources to the public. These include FactCheck.org and PolitiFact.com, among others. Getting their identity out there and raising awareness would go a long way towards aiding their cause.
Learn more about fact-checking
Pick up a copy of “The Lifespan of a Fact” by Jim Fingal and John D’Agata or “The Fact Checker’s Bible” by Sarah Harrison Smith for some fact-sinating reading material.
Five Facts Concerning Google and Fact-Checking
Google images to clarify
Perform an image search by using the right-click menu on any image.
Comparative analysis with other sources
Checking trusted and reputable publications is a good method to verify the information.
Use an instrument for fact-checking
Google has developed a new tool, Fact Check Explorer, to facilitate the procedure.
Close in on locations
There are resources such as Google Earth that can provide actual evidence to compare with a suspicious image.
Check under the category ‘news’
In this category, search engines such as Google frequently list trustworthy sources.
WHY WORLD FACT-CHECKING DAY IS IMPORTANT
To prevent the dissemination of falsehoods
It is essential to be cognizant of how influential news articles can be. Checking the veracity of information ensures that everyone is accountable for what they ingest and choose to believe, eradicating corruption and potentially harmful propaganda.
To promote public-professional partnership
Because the Internet is so vast and there are so many methods to disseminate information today, fact-checking professionals require the assistance and collaboration of the public. It would be easier to prevent the spread of corrupted information if individuals were more sceptical and critical of the information they ingest.
To increase interest in the news
Raise your hand if you no longer purchase newspapers or watch the evening news on television. Regardless of your motivations (such as protecting the environment or averting propaganda), you will be exposed to news via social media. Therefore, this day highlights the significance of engaging with news in the proper manner.
INTERNATIONAL FACT-CHECKING DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 2 | Sunday |
| 2024 | April 2 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | April 2 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | April 2 | Thursday |
| 2027 | April 2 | Friday |
