PolitiFact

Website

PolitiFact

Founded in 2007

Politifact is a website that fact-checks "newsworthy and significant" statements and rates these statements as "True," "Mostly True," "Half True," "Mostly False," "False," and "Pants on Fire." The process involves reviewing other fact-checking sources, Google searches, online database seraches, expert consultation, and other literature reviews.

PolitiFact is not affiliated with RAND. It was selected for this database because it fits our researchers' inclusion criteria.

Tool type

Verification

Status

Fully operational

Intended users

General public

Cost

Free

Tool focus

This tool is content-focused. It directly evaluates information, such as the authenticity of a photo.

Method or technology

Human implementation

Is the tool automated?

No

Founding organization

Poynter

Founder/primary contact

Aaron Sharockman

How is this tool working to address disinformation?

This tool aims to fight disinformation by identifying, exploring, and correcting false information, giving people a resource for locating fact-based information.

Is there a connection with tech platforms?

None found

Who is funding the tool?

Politifact is funded by Poynter Institute, Democracy Fund, and the Craig Newmark Foundation. It also receives support from revenue generated through content partnerships, online advertising and grants.

Are there external evaluations?

None found