Fact checking policy

ABOUT ZEEPT

Zeept is a International Business Magazine & website covering start-ups, business, money & finance, technology trends, innovation, leadership, business trends. We also carry some very important aspects of internal & external trade, international affairs which directly or indirectly affects the global economy. In a nutshell we cover almost everything that influences Business, Economy, Finance, Money, Technology, Inventions, GDP, Growth & Development of World. 

ZEEPT AND FACT CHECKING

Zeept has a fact-checking unit within its editorial department. The principal aim of this unit is to fact-check visual material and claims posted on social media. The fact checking producers in this unit report their findings on a section of the https://www.Zeept.com/ website.

SOURCE OF INFORMATION

Anywhere and everywhere! From WhatsApp forwards to Prime-Time debates, we have many sources. We go through social media, messaging platforms and mainstream print and audio-visual media to get our stories. Some of the most prominent sources are WhatsApp forwards, profiles of trolls and politicians as well as trending hashtags. We are also active on Facebook and Twitter from where we get many of our stories.

METHODOLOGY FOR FACT-CHECKING

The content writers of Zeept work unbiasedly on the principles of integrity, independence, and freedom. We approach social media fact-checking work in the same manner. Zeept Fact Check monitors digital platforms for misinformation that is linked to news events and to subjects that are being discussed by the communities we serve. We actively seek out groups and accounts that represent opposing viewpoints and apply the same standards of assessment to all content. Our choice of material to fact check is broad, and is based on the following criteria:

Editorial value: is the topic timely and of public interest? Could the material potentially cause real-world harm, if it is inaccurate?

Reach: how far has the claim travelled? We examine the level of interactions on individual posts, as well as the visibility of the claim across different platforms.

Potential reach: is the information likely to be shared further? We examine how quickly the post is generating interaction and consider whether it may be repeated by others.

Balance of fact vs opinion: is it possible to isolate certain claims from the material?

After we have identified the content we aim to fact-check, we will first identify and summarize the key claims made in the content. We then aim to fully uncover the foundations of those claims, firstly by attempting to identify the origin of the information. In many cases, the original source of a given claim cannot be established, but in cases where a potential source is identified, Zeept Fact Check will ask that source for additional information and comment as required. We look for evidence relevant to the claim – both supportive or otherwise – and consult experts. Zeept Fact Check names its sources and gathers links to publicly viewable material wherever possible.

When writing checks, we provide links to the supporting evidence so that readers may see the material we reference in its full form and context.

CORRECTIONS POLICY

Information is often dynamic, as a result of which stories have to be constantly updated. Zeept keeps an eye out for relevant news and updates its articles so as to provide readers with the latest and the most accurate information. In the event of an error on our part, we are prompt in acknowledging and correcting it.

POLITICAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITY POLICY

Zeept does not give support – directly or indirectly – to any political party or group nor does it take sides in national or international conflicts or disputes in accordance with our Code of Conduct. In keeping with this policy, you must not identify the Zeept name with any political party or group or any one side in such conflicts or disputes. Displays of political affiliation or support for partisan causes have no place in our newsrooms. No member of editorial, whether a journalist or support worker, may wear campaign buttons, badges or items of clothing bearing political slogans on the job, nor bring posters, pamphlets, and other political material to the workplace to distribute or display. Outside work, Zeept respects the right (and in some countries the obligation) of staff to vote in elections and referendums and does not seek to interfere with that right. The company also recognises that staff enjoy certain fundamental freedoms as a result of their nationality or where they live. Zeept, however, expects writers in all branches of editorial to be keenly sensitive to the risk that their activities outside work may open their impartiality to questioning or create a perception of bias.

Such perceptions can undermine the integrity not only of the individual but of all content writers at Zeept and damage the company’s reputation. A policy designed to protect our standing as a news service free from bias cannot be policed. It relies on trust and an expectation that staff will refrain from activities that might, whatever the intention, raise perceptions of a conflict and that they will consult their manager in any case of doubt. Where such perceptions of a conflict do arise, Zeept may in some cases ultimately require the content writers to move to other duties.

Also, some individuals sign petitions with the political party may be monitored by the authorities and evidence could be used to damage the reputation of the company or restrict ours news gathering operations. Contribution to the political campaign funds by the individuals is sometimes registered in the public record. This evidence can be used to undermine the reputed name of Zeept. Nevertheless, the company follows its policy that the news service is free from bias and cannot be policed. The company has trust on the staff that they will not indulge in such activities. Moreover, the individuals should make an informed decision between the trust principles and the values of unbiased journalism in deciding whether to donate to certain charitable causes or be active in the affairs of their community. In case a conflict arises, the same principles apply, the staff in any doubt should consult their manager even if there is a possible perception of conflict that may arise from the activities of a close family member and eventually the writer will be asked to move to other duties of the company.

CONTACT

You may contact the fact-checking unit at Zeept if you have suggestions of content to fact-check, if you have any disputes over our fact-checking work or if you wish to give general feedback.