Last Updated: May 12, 2026
Misinformation spreads faster than ever in 2026. At Hindu LIVE, fact-checking is not an afterthought – it is integrated into every stage of our news production. This policy explains how we verify information before publication and how we respond to false claims circulating online.
1. Pre-Publication Fact-Checking Process
Every news article, opinion piece, or social media embed must pass through a multi-stage verification process:
- Initial gathering: Reporter collects information from at least two independent, verifiable sources (documents, official statements, on-record interviews).
- Cross-verification: A second editor – not the original reporter – checks all names, dates, numbers, titles, and quotes against primary sources or official databases.
- Specialized review: For technical, legal, or health claims, we consult subject matter experts (e.g., a lawyer for court stories, a doctor for health claims).
- Source rating: We internally rate sources as Tier 1 (government/court), Tier 2 (expert/primary witness), or Tier 3 (media reports). Tier 3 sources require additional confirmation.
2. The “3-Source Rule” for Controversial Claims
Any claim that could harm a person’s reputation, incite public unrest, or contradict official statements requires:
- At least three independent sources, OR
- One official documented source (government order, court judgment, FIR copy).
We do not rely on anonymous sources alone for high-stakes claims.
3. Handling User-Generated Content & Viral Rumors
When readers send us videos, images, or screenshots via email or WhatsApp:
- We verify metadata (timestamp, location) using reverse image search and forensic tools.
- We attempt to contact the original uploader.
- We never publish unverified viral content as news. We may publish a fact-check article debunking or confirming the claim.
- All fact-check articles follow International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) principles.
4. Fact-Check Labels (2026 Standard)
We use clear labels on all content:
- ✅ VERIFIED: The claim has been confirmed by our team using primary sources.
- ⚠️ UNVERIFIED: The claim is circulating but lacks sufficient evidence. We explain what is known and what is missing.
- ❌ FALSE: The claim has been debunked with clear evidence.
- 🔄 MISLEADING: The claim contains elements of truth but omits critical context.
5. Corrections After Publication
If we discover a fact-checking error after publication:
- We immediately correct the article.
- A “Correction Notice” is appended, explaining the error and the correct fact.
- For major false claims, we publish a new article and link to the correction from our homepage for 72 hours.
6. Use of Automated Fact-Checking Tools (2026)
We supplement human verification with AI tools (e.g., ClaimBuster, RevEye, Deepfake detectors). However, no automated tool alone determines whether a claim is published. All AI alerts are reviewed by a human fact-checker.
7. Fact-Checking Team & Independence
Our fact-checking desk operates independently from the advertising and affiliate teams. No advertiser, political party, or sponsor can influence a fact-check rating.
Lead Fact-Checker: [Name], with 8 years of verification experience.
Contact: factcheck@hindulive.com – for readers to submit claims for review.
8. Request a Fact-Check (Reader Submissions)
Did you see a suspicious claim on social media or WhatsApp? Forward it to us:
- WhatsApp tip line: [Your WhatsApp number – optional]
- Email: factcheck@hindulive.com
- Twitter: @HinduLIVE_fact (tag us)
We prioritize claims that have gone viral (1000+ shares) or involve public safety.
9. Partnerships & External Standards
Hindu LIVE adheres to the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) Code of Principles and participates in the Google Fact Check Explorer and Meta Third-Party Fact-Checking Program (India 2026).
10. Annual Audit
We publish an annual fact-checking transparency report (every January) detailing:
- Number of claims verified.
- Percentage rated false/misleading/true.
- Correction rate and response times.
- Most common topics of misinformation.
This policy is reviewed every six months to adapt to new disinformation techniques.