About

The Code of Principles is for organizations that regularly publish nonpartisan reports on the accuracy of statements by public figures, major institutions, and other widely circulated claims of interest to society.

The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) at Poynter is committed to promoting excellence in fact-checking. We believe nonpartisan and transparent fact-checking can be a powerful instrument of accountability journalism. Conversely, unsourced or biased fact-checking can increase distrust in the media and experts while polluting public understanding.

The Code of Principles is for organizations that regularly publish nonpartisan reports on the accuracy of statements by public figures, major institutions, and other widely circulated claims of interest to society. It is the result of consultations among fact-checkers from around the world and offers conscientious practitioners principles to aspire to in their everyday work. Becoming a Signatory to the IFCN Code of Principles comes with benefits that help and expand the work of fact-checking organizations around the world.

The commitments of the Code of Principles

See what it takes to become a member.

Become a signatory
Advisory Board

The Advisory Board helps oversee the verification process of the Code of Principles.

See the members
Assessors

The pool of assessors is a group of journalism and media experts who know the fact-checking context in their countries and act as the first filter for each application received.

See the assessors
IFCN Transparency

The IFCN does not publish fact checks and is therefore not eligible to be a signatory of its own Code of Principles. However, we publish a transparency report.

Read the report