The IFCN welcomes new applications to its Code of Principles beginning Jan. 16, 2024. Our website is currently under renovation, so new signatories should begin the application process by emailing their interest to info@ifcn.org with "New Signatory" in the subject line.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia

Organization: Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
Applicant: Holger Roonemaa
Assessor: Martins Kaprans

Background

The applicant represents the largest Estonian media company. Thus its fact checks has a potential to reach a wide and diverse audience. It should be noted that the applicant also focuses on Russian-speaking audience in Estonia that in current geopolitical situation is particularly relevant.

Assessment Conclusion

The applicant's previous activity provides sound evidence that it fully complies with the IFCN guidelines.

on 29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago)

Martins Kaprans assesses application as Compliant

A short summary in native publishing language

NA

Section 1: Eligibility to be a signatory

To be eligible to be a signatory, applicants must meet these six criteria

  • 1.1 The applicant is a legally registered organization, or a distinct team or unit within a legally registered organization, and details of this are easily found on its website.
  • 1.2 The team, unit or organization is set up exclusively for the purpose of fact-checking.
  • 1.3 The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application. For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track. Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.
  • 1.4 On average, at least 75% of the applicant’s fact checks focus on claims related to issues that, in the view of the IFCN, relate to or could have an impact on the welfare or well-being of individuals, the general public or society.
  • 1.5 The applicant’s editorial output is not, in the view of the IFCN, controlled by the state, a political party or politician.
  • 1.6 If the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, it provides a statement on its site setting out to the satisfaction of the IFCN, how it ensures its funders do not influence the findings of its reports.

Criteria 1.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain where on your website you set out information about your organization’s legal status and how this complies with criteria. Attach a link to the relevant page of your website.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

We explain on this link https://epl.delfi.ee/faktikontrollid/meie-pohimotted?id=91897223 that Eesti Päevalehe Faktikontroll is operated by the investigative desk (4 people) of Ekspress Meedia. The investigative team is completely independent at its work.

https://epl.delfi.ee/faktikontrollid/kontaktid-ja-vaidlustused?id=91899111

We explain here that Ekspress Meedia is part of a publicly listed media group Ekspress Grupp. We link to publicly available financial statements that are published every quarter and say that Ekspress Meedia receives a vast majority of its revenue from a) selling digital and print subscriptions to readers, b) selling ads.

Also bios of the team members are published on the above link.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago)

The applicant has provided sufficient information about its status.


done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please answer the following questions – (see notes in Guidelines for Application on how to answer)

 1. When and why was your fact-checking operation started?
 2. How many people work or volunteer in the organization and what are their roles?
 3. What different activities does your organization carry out?
 4. What are the goals of your fact-checking operation over the coming year?

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

1. Eesti Päevaleht’s Faktikontroll was started in October 2017 with the aim to factcheck statements made by candidates of the upcoming elections. The Faktikontroll unit remained active after the elections and has continued to mainly factcheck claims made by politicians. In April 2020 we added a new dimension to the factchecking section and started actively factchecking claims made about public health issues such as COVID.

2. The factchecking team consists of five people. One of the five is a designated fact-checker stationed in the investigative team of Ekspress Meedia. Besides fact-checks, she is also running a disinformation podcast. Three other members of the team carry out fact-checking, debunking, disinformation analyses and investigations. The fifth person is working in the team as a data editor. Additional five people are contributing on honorariums through the Estonian Debating Society (non-profit) that we partner with. Please note that while any original reporting in Ekspress Meedia’s publication is published behind a paywall, our policy is that fact-checks are 100% free and accessible for everyone.

3. Ekspress Meedia is a media house that publishes the online news site Delfi.ee, daily Eesti Päevaleht, weeklies Eesti Ekspress and Maaleht and several magazines. These publications are news-driven and serve to inform the Estonian society. Ekspress Meedia is a company focusing 100% on journalism. The fact-checking team is operating as part of a separate cross-publication investigative team.

4. During the last two years the main topic for fact-checks has been C19. With Russia invading Ukraine, we are witnessing a lot of disinformation around Russian, Ukrainian, security issues. This has already become the main line of work for us and along with C19 will need our full attention and concentration throughout the year. We are pursuing additional resources to build Russian language fact-checking capabilities. We piloted with a Russian language project last year and are hopeful in building on the experience now. At the same time we are also working on tighter cooperation between fact-checking organizations in the Baltic countries as well as across Europe.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago)

The provided information shows that the applicant fully meets the IFCN criteria.


done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.3
Proof you meet criteria
- The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application.
- For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track.
- Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 1 year ago

All fact-checks can be found here.
Below is a list as well:
1) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/96028397/faktikontroll-kas-tanel-kiigel-on-oigus-et-lati-suurem-vaktsineerimistase-on-rangemate-piirangute-tagajarg

2) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95954765/faktikontroll-kas-eesti-haiglate-koormus-covid-19-patsientide-osas-on-toesti-kaks-korda-madalam-kui-latis-ja-leedus-nagu-vaidab-jaanus-karilaid

3) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95949593/faktikontroll-vaktsiinivastased-ei-soovi-endale-vaktsineeritute-doonorverd-sellist-tapmise-meetodit-kasutatakse-rotimurgis

4) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95930743/faktikontroll-puuduv-lugemisoskus-statistiline-jareldus-et-vaktsiini-mojul-on-kasvanud-raskete-haiguste-podemine-ei-vasta-toele

5) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95889141/faktikontroll-kas-leedu-lati-ja-saksamaa-on-toesti-keelanud-vene-propagandajaama-edastamise-nagu-vaidab-anti-poolamets

6) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95872311/jarelvaadatav-kas-elektrihindades-on-suudi-riik-voi-tarbija-faktikontroll-uuris-ekspertidelt-energiakriisi-ja-tuleviku-kohta

7) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95863567/faktikontroll-vaktsiinivastased-eksitavad-numbritega-uk-lapsed-pole-hakanud-vaktsiini-tottu-kordades-rohkem-surema

8) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95725117/faktikontroll-uk-s-pole-algatatud-kriminaaluurimist-koroonavaktsiinide-osas-vaktsineerimispunktid-pole-kuriteopaigad

9) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95704475/faktikontroll-kas-kaja-kallasel-on-oigus-et-tuuleenergia-on-polevkivist-oluliselt-odavam

10) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95700443/faktikontroll-kas-karud-soovad-ara-aina-rohkem-soome-tervisesportlasi

11) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95661593/faktikontroll-kas-kaja-kallas-on-peaministrina-seotud-tuuleenergia-ettevotetega

12) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95600431/faktikontroll-grafeenoksiidi-sisaldus-vaktsiinides-on-ulemaailmse-levikuga-vale-mis-ka-eestis-vaibuda-ei-taha

13) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95576681/faktikontroll-saksa-vanaema-koerakesega-ei-arreteeritud-maski-puudumise-tottu

14) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95537567/faktikontroll-c-vitamiin-tsink-ja-manniokkatee-ei-aita-koroonavaktsiini-kehast-valja-uhtuda

15) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95501735/faktikontroll-lastele-moeldud-koroonavaktsiin-ei-sisalda-sudameinfarktiks-moeldud-ravimit

16) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95484459/faktikontroll-kas-toesti-votab-seaduse-vastu-votmine-kolm-kuud-aega

17) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95365215/faktikontroll-kas-reinsalul-on-oigus-et-euroopa-liit-saadab-tagasi-vaid-kolmandiku-tagasilukatud-asuulitaotlejatest

18) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95300165/faktikontroll-internetis-valetatakse-et-perh-is-on-vaktsiini-tottu-rekordarv-vahihaigeid-lapsi-tegelikult-seal-vahihaigeid-lapsi-ei-ravitagi

19) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95274367/kehakaamera-video-politseinik-vottis-mem-cafe-juures-valja-nuia-keegi-peksa-ei-saanud

20) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95264955/faktikontroll-kas-rootsi-parem-koroonaolukord-tahendab-et-eesti-piirangud-pole-pohjendatud-nagu-vaidab-varro-vooglaid

21) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95233273/faktikontroll-ratastoolis-mees-ei-ole-koroonaprotesti-marter-vaid-blm-protesti-ajal-politseinikku-nakku-loonud-meeleavaldaja

22) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95179449/faktikontroll-kas-kaja-kallase-arvamus-vaktsineerimata-inimeste-plaanilise-ravi-kohta-jai-samaks-nagu-ta-ise-vaidab

23) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95138719/faktikontroll-perh-i-esindaja-lukkas-umber-anonuumse-tootaja-valevaited-koroonaoed-saavad-korgemat-palka-oositi-keegi-patsiente-uksinda-ei-jalgi

24) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95079609/faktikontroll-kapo-ei-tegele-vaktsiinivalede-varjamisega-ja-meditsiiniodede-vaigistamisega

25) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95061217/faktikontroll-kas-solmanil-on-oigus-et-koroonavaktsiini-efektiivsus-langeb-poole-aastaga-poole-peale

26) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95011789/faktikontroll-voodikohast-koroonahaige-raviks-ei-piisa-internetimeedikud-valetavad-nagu-haiglad-koroonakoormuse-all-ei-agagi

27) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/94992513/faktikontroll-tallinna-kooliopetaja-surm-polnud-tingitud-koroonavaktsiinist

28) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/94981431/faktikontroll-kas-reinsalul-on-oigus-et-tallinn-on-uks-euroopa-segregeeritumaid-linnu

29) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/94874859/faktikontroll-kas-sotsid-on-toesti-vastu-elektrijaamades-hakkpuidu-poletamisele


Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The applicant has consistently published fact-checks that make more than one fact check a week.


done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous three months. No additional information required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

Fact checks published by the applicant over the three previous months have broad thematic coverage. Fact-checking is commenced in a balanced way.


done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain any commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship your organization has to the state, politicians or political parties in the country or countries you cover. Also explain funding or support received from foreign as well as local state or political actors over the previous financial year.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago)

We don't have any financial obligations to the state, political parties or individuals.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The applicant's status fully complies with the understanding of non-partisan organization. Its activity demonstrates an independent editorial policy in producing content, including fact checks.


done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 1.6
Proof you meet criteria
If you confirmed the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, provide a link to where on your website you set out how you ensure the editorial independence of your work.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

We don't receive any such funding as indicated in the criteria. 

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The applicant does not receive funding local or foreign state or political sources.


done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 2: A commitment to Non-partisanship and Fairness

To be compliant on nonpartisanship and fairness, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 2.1 The applicant fact-checks using the same high standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims regardless of who made the claim.
  • 2.2 The applicant does not unduly concentrate its fact-checking on any one side, considers the reach and importance of claims it selects to check and publishes a short statement on its website to set out how it selects claims to check.
  • 2.3 The applicant discloses in its fact checks relevant interests of the sources it quotes where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided. It also discloses in its fact checks any commercial or other such relationships it has that a member of the public might reasonably conclude could influence the findings of the fact check.
  • 2.4 The applicant is not as an organization affiliated with nor declares or shows support for any party, any politician or political candidate, nor does it advocate for or against any policy positions on any issues save for transparency and accuracy in public debate.
  • 2.5 The applicant sets out its policy on non-partisanship for staff on its site. Save for the issues of accuracy and transparency, the applicant’s staff do not get involved in advocacy or publicise their views on policy issues the organization might fact check in such a way as might lead a reasonable member of the public to see the organization’s work as biased.

Criteria 2.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please share links to 10 fact checks published over the past year that you believe demonstrate your non-partisanship.
Please briefly explain how the fact checks selected show that (I) you use the same high standards of evidence for equivalent claims, (II) follow the same essential process for every fact check and (III) let the evidence dictate your conclusions.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

These factchecks show that we check a wide variety of claims and pay a special attention to claims that carry a high risk to public health issues. Besides factchecking claims made by public figures in the traditional media, we have paid special attention to what is being circulated on social media. That is because claims made on social media have often an extra high virality rate. To indicate the virality level, we also report on the reach of such posts where possible.

When conducting factchecks we look scientific and firsthand evidence. Our first preference is always to find scientific proof to the claims or to debunk the claim. We also use official and trusted documents, reports and data, be it national or international. We give links to used evidence, making our factchecks easy to reconstruct. Besides scientific articles, reports and official data, we look for expert comments to use as evidence. On some occasions we support the evidence list with references to fact checks made on the same topic by international well-recognized factchecking organizations.

Instead of plainly debunking a claim we always attempt to analyse the genesis of the claim. It means analysing from which moment a specific and originally potentially true claim developed into a misleading or a false claim. This is especially important when factchecking viral posts on social media.

Due to their different nature, the process to fact check "regular" claims by politicians is slightly different. When factchecking social media posts on public health issues, we often need to check several claims in one post. In case of politicians' statements, as a general rule we will fact check one specific claim. But the burden of proof is still the same.

Our factchecks go through an editing process which ensures that the texts are in high professional standard. The editing process guarantees that no single fact check is dependant on one person's personal belief or misjudgment. Our conclusions are always based on the evidence that we gather during the factchecking process.

1) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95725117/faktikontroll-uk-s-pole-algatatud-kriminaaluurimist-koroonavaktsiinide-osas-vaktsineerimispunktid-pole-kuriteopaigad

2) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95889141/faktikontroll-kas-leedu-lati-ja-saksamaa-on-toesti-keelanud-vene-propagandajaama-edastamise-nagu-vaidab-anti-poolamets

3) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95704475/faktikontroll-kas-kaja-kallasel-on-oigus-et-tuuleenergia-on-polevkivist-oluliselt-odavam

4) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95600431/faktikontroll-grafeenoksiidi-sisaldus-vaktsiinides-on-ulemaailmse-levikuga-vale-mis-ka-eestis-vaibuda-ei-taha

5) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95537567/faktikontroll-c-vitamiin-tsink-ja-manniokkatee-ei-aita-koroonavaktsiini-kehast-valja-uhtuda

6) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95501735/faktikontroll-lastele-moeldud-koroonavaktsiin-ei-sisalda-sudameinfarktiks-moeldud-ravimit

7) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95300165/faktikontroll-internetis-valetatakse-et-perh-is-on-vaktsiini-tottu-rekordarv-vahihaigeid-lapsi-tegelikult-seal-vahihaigeid-lapsi-ei-ravitagi

8) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/95274367/kehakaamera-video-politseinik-vottis-mem-cafe-juures-valja-nuia-keegi-peksa-ei-saanud

9) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/94732659/faktikontroll-vene-vaktsiinivaled-eesti-sotsiaalmeedias-koroonavaktsiin-ei-tee-inimesi-kaks-korda-haigemaks

10) https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/94860385/faktikontroll-kas-vastab-toele-martin-helme-vaide-et-eesti-on-koige-madalama-vaktsineeritusega-riik-euroopas

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The provided links demonstrate that the applicant consistently followed to the rules of non-partisanship.


done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 2.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you explain how you select claims to check, explaining how you ensure you do not unduly concentrate your fact-checking on any one side, and how you consider the reach and importance of the claims you select to check.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The provided information explain how the applicant ensures a balanced approach to fact-checking and how they consider the reach and relevance of claims.


done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 2.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The selected fact checks published in 2021/2022 fully comply with the IFCN criteria. The applicant discloses in its fact checks relevant interests of the sources it quotes where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.


done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 2.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The applicant is not as an organization affiliated with nor declares or shows support for any party, any politician or political candidate.


done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 2.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you publish a statement setting out your policy on non-partisanship for staff and how it ensures the organization meets this criteria.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The applicant has provided a link where its policy on non-partisanship is clearly explained.


done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 3: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Sources

To be compliant on sources, applicants must meet these four criteria

  • 3.1 The applicant identifies the source of all significant evidence used in their fact checks, providing relevant links where the source is available online, in such a way that users can replicate their work if they wish. In cases where identifying the source would compromise the source’s personal security, the applicant provides as much detail as compatible with the source’s safety.
  • 3.2 The applicant uses the best available primary, not secondary, sources of evidence wherever suitable primary sources are available. Where suitable primary sources are not available, the applicant explains the use of a secondary source.
  • 3.3 The applicant checks all key elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence save where the one source is the only source relevant on the topic.
  • 3.4 The applicant identifies in its fact checks the relevant interests of the sources it uses where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.

Criteria 3.1
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The randomized sample of fact checks suggests that the applicant provides relevant links where the source is available online thereby ensuring that users can replicate their fact-checking.


done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 3.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The randomized sample demonstrates that the applicant tends to use reliable primary and secondary sources.


done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 3.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

Randomly selected sample of fact checks indicates that the applicant controls all key elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence.


done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 3.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

A randomized sample of fact checks suggests that the applicant identifies the relevant interests of sources where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.


done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 4: A commitment to Transparency of Funding & Organization

To be compliant on funding and organization, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 4.1 Applicants that are independent organizations have a page on their website detailing each source of funding accounting for 5% or more of total revenue for its previous financial year. This page also sets out the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
  • 4.2 Applicants that are the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization make a statement on ownership.
  • 4.3 A statement on the applicant’s website sets out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.
  • 4.4 A page on the applicant’s website details the professional biography of all those who, according to the organizational structure and play a significant part in its editorial output.
  • 4.5 The applicant provides easy means on its website and/or via social media for users to communicate with the editorial team.

Criteria 4.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please confirm whether you are an ‘independent organization’
or ‘the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization’ and share proof of this organizational status.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

We are a fact-checking unit of a media house (AS Ekspress Meedia). As explained earlier we are working at the investigative desk. Proof can be found at contact's page https://www.ekspressmeedia.ee/kontakt/toimetus/uuriv-toimetus/ (Uuriv toimetus). The bios of our team members are listed on Faktikontroll's site at https://epl.delfi.ee/faktikontrollid/kontaktid-ja-vaidlustused?id=91899111.

The team operates and delivers fact-checks separately from the news and opinion desks and other editorials.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The applicant applicant has provided sufficient information on its webpage funding for the previous financial year.


done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 4.2
Proof you meet criteria
If your organization is an “independent organization”, please share a link to the page on your website where you detail your funding and indicate the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
If your organization is “the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization”, please share a link to the statement on your website about your ownership.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

https://epl.delfi.ee/faktikontroll-faktikontrollid/kontaktid-ja-vaidlustused?id=91899111

In Estonian language: "Ekspress Meedia on osa börsiettevõttest AS Ekspress Grupp. Ekspress Meedia peamised tuluallikad on ajakirjanduslike väljaannete tellimuste- ja reklaamimüük."

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The applicant demonstrates transparency as regards its ownership.


done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 4.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out your organizational structure, making clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The provided link sets out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.


done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 4.4
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out the professional biographies of those who play a significant part in your organization’s editorial output.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The provided link details the professional biography of all those who are involved in producing the editorial output.


done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 4.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you encourage users to communicate with your editorial team.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The applicant provides users with convenient means to communicate with the "Faktikontrolli" editorial team.


done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 5: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Methodology

To be compliant on methodology, applicants must meet these six criteria

  • 5.1 The applicant publishes on its website a statement about the methodology it uses to select, research, write and publish its fact checks.
  • 5.2 The applicant selects claims to check based primarily on the reach and importance of the claims, and where possible explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.
  • 5.3 The applicant sets out in its fact checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.
  • 5.4 The applicant in its fact checks assesses the merits of the evidence found using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.
  • 5.5 The applicant seeks where possible to contact those who made the claim to seek supporting evidence, noting that (I) this is often not possible with online claims, (II) if the person who makes the claim fails to reply in a timely way this should not impede the fact check, (III) if a speaker adds caveats to the claim, the fact-checker should be free to continue with checking the original claim, (IV) fact-checkers may not wish to contact the person who made the claim for safety or other legitimate reasons.
  • 5.6 The applicant encourages users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable.

Criteria 5.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to the statement on your website that explains the methodology you use to select, research, write and publish your fact checks.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The applicant has published on its website a statement about the methodology it uses to select, research, write and publish fact checks.


done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

A random sample shows that the applicant selects claims taking into account their reach and relevance, and where possible explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.


done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The randomly selected sample suggests that the applicant sets out in its fact checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.


done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The randomly selected sample shows that the applicant assesses the merits of the evidence found using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.


done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.5
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The randomly selected sample suggests that the applicant seeks to contact those who made the claim in order support the evidence. If the person who makes the claim fails to reply this does not impede the fact check. If a speaker adds caveats to the claim, the fact-checker continues checking the original claim.


done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 5.6
Proof you meet criteria
Please describe how you encourage users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable. Include links where appropriate. If you do not allow this, explain why.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

By today, Eesti Päevalehe Faktikontroll has become a well-known (and still the only Estonian) fact-checking entity. It means that people are regularly sending in hints and suggestions. In some instances (such as right now tracking disinformation about the war in Ukraine) we all ask publicly for our readers to send suggestions.

We explain our feedback and corrections policy on the "Contacts and Corrections" section of the site. https://epl.delfi.ee/faktikontroll-faktikontrollid/kontaktid-ja-vaidlustused?id=91899111 We ask people to send in their ideas and correction applications by email.

We also have an automatic feedback form under every fact-check that we publish but the moment of filing this application the form is not there due to a technical glitch. Our developers are tracking the glitch and it should be working again in a few days.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The applicant encourages users to send in claims for fact-checking via its webpage.


done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Section 6: A commitment to an Open & Honest Corrections Policy

To be compliant on corrections policy, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 6.1 The applicant has a corrections or complaints policy that is easily visible and accessible on the organization’s website or frequently referenced in broadcasts.
  • 6.2 The policy sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled, and the fact that some complaints may justify no response. This policy is adhered to scrupulously.
  • 6.3 Where credible evidence is provided that the applicant has made a mistake worthy of correction, the applicant makes a correction openly and transparently, seeking as far as possible to ensure that users of the original see the correction and the corrected version.
  • 6.4 The applicant, if an existing signatory, should either on its corrections/complaints page or on the page where it declares itself an IFCN signatory inform users that if they believe the signatory is violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN, with a link to the IFCN site.
  • 6.5 If the applicant is the fact-checking unit of a media company, it is a requirement of signatory status that the parent media company has and adheres to an open and honest corrections policy.

Criteria 6.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to where you publish on your website your corrections or complaints policy. If you are primarily a broadcaster, please provide evidence you frequently reference your corrections policy in broadcasts.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The applicant has a coherent corrections and complaints policy. This policy and the code of conduct is available on the applicant's website.


done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The applicant's webpage sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled.


done_all 6.2 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 6.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a short statement about how the policy was adhered to over the previous year (or six months if this is the first application) including evidence of two examples of the responses provided by the applicant to a correction request over the previous year. Where no correction request has been made in the previous year, you must state this in your application, which will be publicly available in the assessment if your application is successful.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

According to our policy, we add a title comment "Corrected" under the headline. This makes the correction visible to people who see the headlines but don't click on the story itself. In addition we add a visible paragraph with the date of the correction and explanation right under the lede in the article.

One of the best examples of our behaviour regarding correction requests is about the so-called lab leak theory. Early summer last year the WSJ reported with references to US intelligence that Wuhan lab had detected people with C19 symptoms already earlier than previously stated. Over the year before, we had published several fact-checks regarding various lab-leak related claims. 

How we behavad:

1) We ran a completely new story explaining the details and relevance regarding the US intel's new claims and describing if and how it affects earlier claims about the virus not being made in the lab. We also wrote how fact-checking entities across the world have reacted to the new claims.

2) We updated our earlier fact-checks describing how and why the new claims matter and why not. An example can be seen here, here, here and here

The second example was about a claim that the police had decided to fire everyone who wouldn't present a vaccination certificate within a month. The same claim added that his had already caused a wave of policemen handing over their leave notices. After initial fact-check, it emerged that the police had indeed ordered an analysis of such a possibility and sent out an internal notice about it. We updated the fact-check with this notification. The news desk made a specific news story about this analysis and we linked to it in the fact-check. It is important to notice that the two initial claims (decided to fire + policemen filing notices to quit) were still false.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The provided example shows that the applicant has made a mistake worthy of correction.


done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 6.4
Proof you meet criteria
If you are an existing signatory, please provide a link to show where on your site you inform users that if they believe you are violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN of this, with a link to the complaints page on the IFCN site.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago
Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

This applicant has provided a link where it inform about users' rights to make a claim to IFCN.


done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.

Criteria 6.5
Proof you meet criteria
If you are the fact-checking unit of a media company, please provide a link to the parent media company’s honest and open corrections policy and provide evidence that it adheres to this.

Eesti Päevaleht / Ekspress Meedia
08-Mar-2022 (2 years ago) Updated: 2 years ago

https://www.ekspressmeedia.ee/andmed/uldtingimused/

In Estonian:

Ekspress Meedia paranduste poliitika

Ekspress Meedia lähtub artiklites esinevate vigade parandamisel Eesti Meediaettevõtete Liidu hea tava leppest.

Martins Kaprans Assessor
29-Apr-2022 (1 year ago) Updated: 1 year ago

The applicant has provided sufficient information that that the parent media company has and adheres to an open and honest corrections policy.


done_all 6.5 marked as Compliant by Martins Kaprans.