The Fact-Check Channel is Medcom.id’s effort to take part in combating hoaxes, disinformation, and hate speech through the distortion of information commonly found on social media.
Medcom.id Fact-Check implements a measurable workflow aligned with fact-checking standards. We also utilize a variety of tools and claim detection systems to verify and measure the validity of news or information.
We base our work on claims from information suspected to be hoaxes circulating on social media platforms and messaging applications. We also accept claim reports submitted by readers via email: cekfakta@medcom.id.
We prioritize fact-checking on public-interest issues and urgent matters. In addition to regularly publishing fact-checking results, we also produce educational articles related to the fact-checking world and publish weekly summaries of fact-check reports.
Specifically, there are seven types of false information that can be identified by their various forms and characteristics. Referring to First Draft, a nonprofit organization supporting journalists, academics, and technologists in the fight against hoaxes in the digital age, these seven types fall into two major categories: disinformation and misinformation.
Here are the 7 types of misinformation and disinformation:
1. Satire or Parody
This content typically carries no harmful intent but may mislead.
Satire is created to mock or criticize specific individuals or groups. It may be packaged with parody, irony, or sarcasm. Generally, satire is a form of critique on current issues.
Although satire is not inherently dangerous, many people still take the content seriously and believe it to be true.
2. Misleading Content
This occurs when content is twisted to damage someone’s or a group’s reputation. It is deliberately made to steer opinions in favor of the content creator.
It often uses real information—such as images, official statements, or statistics—but distorts them out of their original context.
3. Imposter Content
This type of content falsely attributes statements to famous or influential figures. It can also include content that mimics the popularity or authority of individuals or institutions.
4. Fabricated Content
This is considered the most dangerous type of fake content. It contains 100% falsehoods with no factual basis. Often appears as fake job offers or other completely fictional stories.
5. False Connection
This type is easily identified by a mismatch between the headline and the article content. It is typically used to gain attention and generate profits or excessive publicity from sensational content.
6. False Context
This refers to the presentation of content (statements, photos, videos) in a false or misleading context. For example, an old event being presented as if it occurred recently or under a different narrative.
7. Manipulated Content
This involves edited or altered content that originally came from credible and well-known media sources. It’s designed to deceive the public by changing the original meaning or facts.
Medcom.id’s Fact-Check team is also part of the CekFakta.com alliance, a collaborative project among media outlets with the specific mission of combating the spread of hoaxes.
CekFakta.com was launched on World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2018, by 22 online media outlets and Masyarakat Antifitnah Indonesia (Mafindo). The project is supported by the Indonesian Cyber Media Association (AMSI), the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), Google News Initiative (GNI), Internews, and First Draft.
Fact-Check Report Format
1. Background
-
Contains a narrative on how the suspected hoax was spread, including who first spread it, when, and through which medium (social media, blogs, websites, chain messages, public reports, etc.).
-
If the claim was spread via social media, the name of the source is printed in bold.
-
Includes the hoax claim as-is (do not correct the wording to preserve authenticity).
-
The claim is written in italics and placed in quotation marks.
-
A screenshot of the hoax and an archive link must be attached.
2. Verification
-
Validates the truth of the claim.
-
Preferably sourced from primary sources (official websites), particularly from media outlets affiliated with cekfakta.com.
-
May include independent verification.
3. Conclusion
-
Summarizes the results of the fact-check.
-
Includes the category of the hoax (see: https://www.medcom.id/telusur/cek-fakta/4KZ6rAqK-mengenal-7-jenis-hoaks).
4. References
-
A collection of counter-links.
FACT-CHECK TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Whisnu Mardiansyah
A graduate of International Relations from UIN Jakarta, Whisnu serves as an editor for Medcom.id’s Fact-Check team. He has been a journalist since 2015, covering national issues such as politics, law, and disasters for the past five years. He joined the fact-checking team in 2020.
M. Rodhi Aulia
Rodhi began his journalism career in early 2014 at Metrotvnews.com. He has covered major events in Indonesia, focusing on politics, law, and security. He also worked in the in-depth channel, conducting semi-investigative assignments on sensitive issues. Now, he is part of the Fact-Check team, investigating hoax-related claims and publishing them as fact-check articles on Medcom.id.
Wanda Indana
Wanda leads the Fact-Check channel at Medcom.id. She is certified by the Press Council’s Journalist Competency Test and has participated in various trainings, including anti-hoax programs by Google News Initiative. Starting her media career in 2014, she has covered diverse issues and has experience in investigative reporting. Wanda is also a member of the Investigative Journalists Club (KJI).