Fact-Checking Policy Tamil Desk (hereinafter referred to as “Tamil Desk” / “We” / “Us” / “Our”) would like to inform you about the care and caution that We take in order to ensure due accuracy of Our content, which is addressed by Our Fact-Checking Policy.

Due accuracy in all Our content For any journalistic platform, trust of its audience is the most important aspect. Trust can only be gained and sustained on the basis of accurate, fair and balanced reporting.

It is essential that We remain committed to attaining due accuracy in all Our content to the extent possible. Our understanding of ‘due accuracy’ is that accuracy is not just of the requisite standard but also satisfactory in essence. Factors such as subject and nature of the information being provided, the expectations of the audience etc. are also taken into consideration by Us in pursuit of due accuracy.

We strive to give most accurate account which is corroborated by the direct stakeholders of the news in every single news report. We investigate claims with skepticism, question assumptions, and challenge conventional wisdom.

We acknowledge areas of uncertainty, which will always exist despite Our best efforts to resolve them. However, the stringency required to fact-check the information on soft and hard stories differ. For example, sources required for a positive story on an NGO work would differently from an investigative story.

We adhere to the guidance hereinbelow to ensure due accuracy in Our content: We ensure that any broadcast by Us is derived from a reliable source, based on concrete and corroborated evidence. In case of lack of direct sources, We are mandated to attribute the stories to the platform from where it is sourced. We endeavor to verify any claims or allegations or information attributed to public authorities or from someone, who We believe, has a cause beyond just giving an account of the truthfulness of the event.

Therefore, We qualify and call-out such information, including claims or allegations, which we are unable to corroborate. We stand by the information We publish and deem it be accurate. If proven otherwise, We change the news item/information as swiftly as reasonably possible and We ensure that We duly inform Our readers of the changes made in such news item/information.

We understand that Our audiences’ trust in Us is of utmost significance. Therefore, it is Our endeavor that We do not consciously misinform anyone, and that We do not tweak any information or present any made-up information as factual content. Further, where serious factual errors come to the fore, We publicly accept them and ensure that they are rectified in the shortest time possible in a clear and an appropriate manner.

It needs to be specified that the seniority of editors who undertake review of the stories preceding their publication on the Website differs and depends on various factors such as complexity and sensitivity of the issue, and the pressure of time. In case of an allegation, We ensure to reach out to all the concerned parties. We then independently verify the information in question and the one being provided so as to achieve the most accurate result.

Sourcing Information for Our content We source information in the most accurate way by following the given guidelines: Verify each and every information with at least two sources. In case of a single source, the credibility of the source is ensured through corroboration with what the person is saying.

Look for documentary evidence in every case possible, instead of solely relying on a human source. In case of a survey, it is Our duty that We provide the way the information was collected and how the data was interpreted. If there are chances of Our data not leading to accurate information, We convey the inconsistencies to the audience at the earliest possible time. Aim and intent is to get accurate information at the first instance instead of making it public first and then subsequently addressing any doubts whatsoever. Always put efforts to take and talk on record with the stakeholders of the information/news.