MCA Announces Framework For Independent Fact-Checking Units

In a move to combat misinformation and strengthen the credibility of fact-checking in India, the Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA) has unveiled a framework for an independent Fact-Checking Network (FCN). The FCN will establish self-governing standards and best practices for fact-checking organizations in India, ensuring that their work adheres to the highest levels of accuracy, professionalism, and transparency.

Robust Code of Principles

The FCN will be guided by a comprehensive Code of Principles, designed to provide Indian fact-checkers with clear guidelines for conducting high-quality fact-checking. The Code emphasizes non-partisanship, fairness, transparency of methodology, and transparency of funding to ensure that fact-checks are conducted without bias or external influences.

Fact-checking organizations in India will be able to apply for accreditation as "verified signatories" to the FCN Code of Principles. To be accredited, organizations must demonstrate that their processes and workflow are compliant with the Code.

"While such commitments can also be found in international best practices, the FCN Code of Principles goes further, with tailored provisions to ensure that the interests of India’s digital nagriks are firmly front and centre. Fact-checking organisations that sign up to the Code have to commit to ensuring that their checks are easily accessible and are not hidden behind a paywall and that their checks can be used for non-commercial purposes like awareness campaigns under a creative commons licence. They also have to demonstrate a commitment to privacy and safety, including considerations under Indian law for protecting the identities of children and victims of heinous crimes, as well as protecting personal data under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023," MCA said in a press release.

The accreditation process will be rigorous and transparent, ensuring that only organizations that meet the highest standards are recognized as verified signatories.

As per the framework, any fact-checking organisation with a demonstrable focus on India, and which publishes fact checks in English or any of the 22 languages recognised by the Indian Constitution, would be eligible to apply to become a verified signatory. The Board will obtain reports from expert assessors to determine whether an organisation should be accepted as a verified signatory.

Independent Oversight By Experts

Fact-checking in India will be overseen by an independent FCN board, chaired by a retired Supreme Court or high court judge. The board will comprise esteemed individuals from various fields, including media, broadcasting, journalism, human rights, and law. This ensures that the FCN operates with the highest level of integrity and objectivity.

The establishment of the FCN will play a crucial role in reinforcing trust in fact-checking organizations in India. By adhering to a robust Code of Principles, promoting transparency, and operating under independent oversight, the FCN will help to establish a culture of fact-based journalism and combat the spread of misinformation in the country.

The launch of the FCN framework is also a significant step towards achieving the MCA's vision of establishing an industry-supported self-regulatory organisation for fact-checking in India.