We categorized hoax, our umbrella term for the whole spectrum of mis/disinformation, into 7 (seven) categories, as first developed by FirstDraft :
Fact-checking Method
Selection method : Severity & Urgency : We will prioritize debunking hoaxes which are severe, which impact is considered great, and urgent, which need to be debunked as soon as possible to minimize its impact.
Verification of Claim : We will find the source of the claim, and understand its context. If the source can not be found after extensive research for it, for example a viral message in WhatsApp, then we will list the platform where the content was found.
Fact-checking : Research on the claim will be done comprehensively. Cross-checking with various sources, authoritative sources, and so on, until a conclusion can be drawn. All sources will be listed.
Sometimes a content can contain multiple claims, in some cases can be as many as 50 claims or more. This is a usual MO to confuse the public, by mixing truth and falsehoods; usually by beginning the content with a few facts, but later switching to false claims.
In this case, we will check one or two claims – then if found to be false, will label the whole content as hoax, to save the public from confusion.
Publication : an Editor in Chief will oversee the whole process, including publication of a fact-check. They will be responsible for the quality of the content, including its accuracy, and will directly be involved in any complaint related to the contents.