Vision:

At Fareq, we aspire to be the leading reference in and about Syria for verifying news and information and contributing to building an informed society capable of discerning truth from misinformation. We believe that reliable journalism, based on accuracy, transparency, and independence, is the foundation for raising public awareness and combating disinformation  Our platform seeks to enhance public understanding of disinformation by providing accurate investigations, exposing misleading news, and correcting inaccurate media content.

Working Mechanism:

Our methodology aims to monitor cases of disinformation and misinformation in and about Syria and track their impact and spread. It focuses on content of public interest, widely spread claims, and those potentially harmful to individuals, minorities, or marginalised groups.

The methodology includes the following stages:

Monitoring: Our specialised monitoring team tracks false and misleading information. The platform also monitors old images and videos reused in new contexts for disinformation, as well as fabricated or manipulated visual content by:

• Tracking statements by politicians and public figures, traditional media and social media content.
• Messages submitted via the online form or email.

Claim Selection:

Claims are selected based on clear criteria that prioritise highly influential and widely spread news and information. We focus on claims affecting public opinion in areas such as politics, security, and public health. We do not verify personal opinions, analyses, or predictions.

Claim Selection Criteria:

• Claim dissemination through users, media, or public figures. We track shares, views, and comments widely spread on platforms. Priority is given to fast-spreading claims that could affect large audiences, especially those shared by influential figures.
• Claim relevance to essential areas like security, health, education, politics, etc. Public interest claims are prioritised.
• Potential claim impacts on people’s health, finances, or public reputation, particularly if the claim causes harm when believed or spread.
• Balanced selection to avoid bias and ensure fairness across parties.

Analysis and Verification:

• Each item is handled based on its nature; the verification path depends on the type and context of the claim. A fact-checker conducts a thorough analysis to review the content, trace the original source, assess the claim’s reach, and identify verification elements. This process allows us to regulate the sources we will need to verify the claim.
• The fact-checker investigates through open sources and contacts parties involved in the claim, including the source when possible. We use digital verification tools (reverse image/video search, content manipulation detectors, geolocation, and open-source data analysis).
• We ensure transparency by disclosing all related sources in the verification report, using primary sources when possible, and documenting verification steps to help our audience understand and replicate them.

Classification:

Claims are categorised according to Fareq’s classifications (True, False, Misleading, Selective), based on our findings.

Fareq’s Classification Guide:

• True: Reliable and consistent evidence from trustworthy sources confirms the claim without distortion or ambiguity.
• False: The claim contradicts verified facts, lacks supporting evidence, or has been debunked by trusted sources.
• Misleading: Partially true, but mostly false, presented in a way that leads to misunderstanding or wrong conclusions.
• Selective: The claim relies on part of the truth or highlights specific info while omitting others, resulting in a biased or unbalanced presentation.
• Unproven: No primary sources were found to support the claim, and if secondary sources exist, they do not sufficiently confirm or deny the claim to classify or evaluate it.

Report Drafting:

The fact-checker drafts an initial verification report detailing the claim, its sources, documented evidence, and rating. The editor-in-chief reviews it for consistency with Fareq’s methodology and authorises publication.

Visual Design:

The reviews, screenshots, images, and links are sent to the designer, who compiles them according to Fareq’s template, adds the classification stamp and Fareq’s logo, and prepares the report for social media publication.

Publishing and Feedback:

The social media manager publishes the report on the website and Fareq’s social media accounts on Facebook, X, LinkedIn etc., monitors audience feedback and responses, and handles inquiries and suggestions, which the team reviews and benefits from.

Verification Requests:

To send a verification request to Fareq, follow these steps:

• Clearly specify the information for review: a published news item, social media post, video, image, etc.
• Submit the request via:

– Online form: https://fareq.net/request-verification 

– Email: [email protected] 

– Social media: https://www.facebook.com/fareqfc/  and https://x.com/fareqfc 

The team will verify and publish findings. We do not verify opinions or predictions but only claims meeting our published criteria.

Correction Policy:

Fareq operates with professionalism and accuracy. In case of errors:

1. If an error changes the verification result, we publish a correction with a clear apology.
2. If incorrect information appears but does not alter the result, we clarify in the report: “The information (X) was corrected to (Y) at (time) on (date).”
3. If new supporting data or sources are added, we note: “New information was added at (time) on (date).”
4. Language/spelling errors that do not affect content accuracy are corrected silently.

Fareq provides a clear correction request mechanism for individuals, institutions, and journalists who believe published information needs correcting or updating.

To request a correction:

• Submit via:

– Form: www.fareq.net/corrections 

– Email: [email protected] 

– Social: https://www.facebook.com/fareqfc/ 

– Include the nature of the error, the correct information, and supporting evidence.

Upon receipt, the team acknowledges within two working days, investigates using the provided and related sources, and if an error is confirmed, corrects it promptly according to our policy.

Complaint Policy:

Fareq values transparency, credibility, and accountability, and views audience feedback as essential to continuous improvement. Based on the Arab Fact-Checkers Network (AFCN) standards, we adhere to this policy:

Complaint Definition:

A complaint is a formal or informal expression of dissatisfaction with content or verification methodology, It must include one of the following criteria:

Objectives:

• Ensure transparency with the public and partners
• Promote accountability
• Improve platform performance

Types of Complaints:

• Content-related complaints (e.g., non-adherence to standards/methodology)
• Staff-related complaints
• Complaints regarding Fareq’s investigations

Fareq commits to addressing the above complaint types.

How to Submit a Complaint:

• Email: [email protected]
• Complaint form: https://fareq.net/report-a-violation
• Social media: Direct messages to our official accounts

Please provide:

• Full name and contact info (optional)
•  Detailed complaint with content reference
• Supporting documents or evidence

Response Process:

• Acknowledgment: Within two working days
• Assessment: Reviewed by relevant team
• Action: Appropriate steps taken based on findings
• Notification: Complainant updated within 15 business days

AFCN Code Violations:

If you believe Fareq violated the AFCN Code of Principles, you may file a complaint directly with AFCN via their website.

Confidentiality:

Fareq maintains the confidentiality of complainants unless legally required to disclose.