In a context of widespread disinformation, fact-checking forms the first line of response through its focus on restoring the facts. Fact-checking involves verifying content that has already been published, particularly on social media, and establishing what is known—or not—about a subject.
 

The work of fact-checkers involves:

• Selecting the most sensitive and viral topics;

• Conducting thorough verification;

• Publishing for the widest possible audience;

• Being transparent about the methods used.
   

This publication often takes place on the platforms themselves, directly confronting the fact-check with the original false information.
 

Fact-checking requires a solid understanding of social media as well as mastery of key open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools to aid in verification or image geolocation. At AFP, this discipline falls under the broader umbrella of digital investigation.

For several years, AFP has been offering training in digital investigation. Its journalists share their expertise and tools during workshops and training sessions, either in-person or online, tailored to specific needs.

The team has also created a series of online courses aimed at journalists and journalism students, available on digitalcourses.afp.com.