Our published standard
What we fact-check
INA News may examine claims that are specific, verifiable and relevant to public understanding. Priority is given to claims circulating widely, statements by public authorities, manipulated media, safety-related misinformation and assertions that could materially affect communities. Pure opinion, prediction or satire is not rated as a factual claim unless it is being misrepresented as fact.
Claim selection and neutrality
A claim is selected because of its reach, consequence and verifiability—not because of the identity, party, religion or viewpoint of the person making it. The same evidence standard applies whether a claim supports or criticises a government, institution, business, campaign or public figure.
Evidence hierarchy
Verification begins with the original statement, image, video or document whenever available. The desk then checks primary records, official data, court or government documents, direct witnesses, subject specialists and reputable independent reporting. Search results, anonymous forwards and screenshots without provenance are treated as leads, not proof.
Images, video and digital material
Visual claims may be checked through source tracing, publication history, location and date clues, frame comparison and available metadata. Reverse-image or technical tools can support a finding but do not replace editorial judgement. When origin or authenticity cannot be established reliably, INA News states that limitation.
Contacting relevant parties
Where practical, the person or organisation responsible for a material claim is asked for evidence or comment. A missing response does not itself prove a claim false. Replies received after publication are evaluated and added when they introduce relevant, verifiable information.
Conclusions and language
A fact check explains the claim, evidence, context and reasoning in language readers can follow. Conclusions should match the strength of the evidence and avoid absolute labels when facts remain incomplete. Sources and limitations are identified so readers can understand how the assessment was reached.
Corrections and review
Fact checks can be reviewed when credible new evidence becomes available. A material error in a fact check is corrected transparently under the INA News Corrections Policy. Disagreement alone does not change a finding, but documented evidence is considered regardless of who submits it.