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