> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/osint-tools/fact-check.md). # Fact Check | **Fact Check** | **Quick Overview** | | ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | URL | | | What it does | Checks the accuracy of claims made by politicians, public figures, campaigns and media sources. | | How to use it | Search a claim, topic or person to find published fact checks and supporting evidence. | | Cost | Free. | | Account required | No. | | Cookies | Mainly Google Analytics, Google advertising and language preference cookies. | | Ownership | Operated by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. | | Use in Reporting | Useful for verifying political claims, identifying misinformation and supporting evidence-based reporting. | ### What does Fact Check do? Fact Check is a non-partisan fact-checking website that examines the accuracy of statements made by politicians, government officials, candidates, advocacy groups and public figures. It does so by analysing claims by reviewing public records, government data, academic research, expert opinions and primary sources. Each fact check explains the claim being assessed, the evidence reviewed and whether the statement is accurate, misleading or false. **The lowdown:** The site focuses primarily on US politics and public policy, but its methodology is relevant to broader OSINT verification workflows. ### How to Use: **1. Search for a claim, topic, politician or event using the website search function.** **You can also browse topics like so:** **2. Review the fact check, including the evidence, sources consulted and explanation of the conclusion.** **3. Follow the linked sources and verify the original evidence before using findings in reporting or analysis.** ### Cost * [x] Free * [ ] Partially Free * [ ] Paid ## Data Processing ### Account Required: * [ ] Yes * [x] No ### Cookies: The site uses standard Google Analytics and advertising cookies to measure website usage, track performance and support analytics, alongside a language preference cookie. ### Use in Reporting Fact Check is used to: * Verify claims made by politicians, public figures and organisations. * Identify misinformation, misleading statements and inaccurate statistics. * Locate primary sources and supporting evidence behind public claims. * Provide additional context when reporting on controversial topics. * Support verification of viral claims circulating online. * Compare public statements against official records, research and data. * Provide transparent sourcing for fact-checking articles and investigations. FactCheck.org’s SciCheck COVID-19/Vaccination Project has been used extensively by journalists and researchers investigating false claims about vaccines, public health measures and COVID-19 science. The project ([which can be found here](https://www.factcheck.org/covid-misconceptions/)) maintains a large archive of investigations into viral misinformation narratives, including claims about vaccines, treatments and conspiracy theories.
CapabilitiesLimitations
Reviews claims using evidence-based research methods.Focuses primarily on US politics and public policy.
Provides transparent explanations of how conclusions are reached.Doesn’t fact check every claim or online source.
Links to supporting documents, datasets, and primary sources.Conclusions may involve interpretation where evidence is complex/incomplete.
Covers political statements, policy issues, and public misinformation. Updates may not immediately reflect new information or changing circumstances.
Provides a searchable archive of previous fact-checks. Fact checks represent the organisation’s methodology and assessment rather than absolute proof.
### Summary Fact Check fits within the verification and analysis stages of the OSINT workflow, particularly valuable for political research, misinformation investigations and media verification. However, findings should be strengthened by reviewing the original sources referenced in each fact check. ### Ownership Operated by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) at the University of Pennsylvania. The organisation describes itself as a non-partisan project focused on reducing misinformation and increasing public understanding of political claims. ### Ethical Considerations * Understand that fact-checking involves evaluating evidence and context, not simply identifying falsehoods. * Review the original sources cited before relying on conclusions. * Avoid presenting a fact-check rating without explaining the supporting evidence. * Consider whether claims have changed over time or lack relevant context. * Maintain neutrality when assessing politically sensitive topics. * Avoid using fact-checking tools as a substitute for independent verification. ### Related Tools: * PolitiFact * Full Fact * Snopes * Reuters Fact Check * [Google Fact Check Tools](/osint-tools/google-fact-check-tools.md) #### Sources