Our first project- Mindful Media

The idea of our project originates in a study which highlights that many young people struggle to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information, which makes them vulnerable to fake news and misinformation. This inability to critically evaluate sources hinders their decision-making and perpetuates false information.

To address this, organisations from Slovakia, Romania, Lithuania and Slovakia worked together and created “Mindful Media”, a youth exchange which aimed to enhance young people's skills in evaluating news sources, helping them navigate the information landscape more effectively. As technology and social media advance, the challenge of identifying accurate information becomes more pronounced.

The project goal was to educate 32 individuals aged 18-25 from participating communities about the risks of fake news and provide them with the tools to identify and counter misinformation, thereby fostering informed decision-making and reducing the spread of harmful ideas.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on fact-checking tools available in Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, and Slovakia. In an era of information overload and rampant misinformation, these tools are invaluable for verifying the authenticity of news and claims.      Below, you will find details about each tool and how they operate.

Debunk.org

Debunk.org is a Lithuanian fact-checking platform dedicated to debunking misinformation and disinformation online. It utilizes a combination of automated tools and expert analysis to scrutinize and verify the accuracy of various claims found in media and social networks. The platform focuses on educating the public about media literacy and the importance of critical thinking.

Observador

Observador is a Portuguese news outlet that includes a dedicated fact-checking section. The team investigates claims made by public figures, media outlets, and viral social media posts. Their methodology includes sourcing reliable information, consulting experts, and cross-referencing with official data to ensure accuracy. The results are published with clear explanations and evidence supporting their conclusions.

Poligrafo.sapo.pt

Polígrafo is another prominent fact-checking service in Portugal, hosted by the media company SAPO. It evaluates the truthfulness of statements made by politicians, media reports, and other public figures. Polígrafo employs a rigorous process involving thorough research, expert interviews, and verification against official records. Each fact-check is rated on a truthfulness scale and detailed findings are shared with the public.

Factual.ro

Factual.ro is Romania's first independent fact-checking platform. It focuses on verifying statements made by politicians and public figures, as well as debunking widespread myths and misinformation. The platform follows a transparent methodology, publishing sources and data used in their verification process. This approach ensures accountability and helps users understand how conclusions are reached.

Demagog.cz

Demagog.cz serves both Slovakia and the Czech Republic, specializing in fact-checking political statements and public discourse. The team meticulously analyzes claims by examining context, consulting relevant data, and referencing credible sources. The findings are categorized based on their accuracy, providing clear insights into the veracity of the statements. Demagog.cz is known for its detailed reports and commitment to factual accuracy.