The Factual

The Factual

Website
The Factual

Founded in 2016

The Factual is a mobile app and browser extension that scores news content based on "the extent and quality of its sources," "the expertise of the journalist," "the opinionated nature of the language used," and "the historical reputation of the sight." It ranks the content on a 0-100 scale to measure the quality of the content. It is mainly automated. The tool rates news quality based on diversity of sources, author expertise, language used, etc. It also identifies higher quality sources and sources from the other side of the political spectrum.

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

Tool type
Credibility scoring, Verification
Status
Fully operational
Intended users
General public
Cost
Free
Tool focus
This tool is process-focused. It evaluates how information is produced and disseminated.
Method or technology
Machine learning and AI
Is the tool automated?
Yes
Founding organization
Owl Factor
Founder/primary contact
Arjun Moorthy

How is this tool working to address disinformation?

This tool uses assessments and scoring of source quality (based on accuracy, objectivity, etc.) to guide readers toward higher-quality information rather than low-quality information.

Is there a connection with tech platforms?

None found

Who is funding the tool?

Matrix Partners, Self-funding (private; for-profit)

Are there external evaluations?

None found

Search for tools that fight disinformation by name, type, or keyword:

examples: Hamilton 2.0, bot detection, fact-checking