Meta and the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) have teamed up to offer an introductory fact-checking course for journalists in the Asia Pacific region, including Pakistan. The course is available for free and is self-paced, taking 2-3 hours to complete. It is divided into three sections that focus on fact-checking, verification and debunking, and health mis- and misinformation. The aim is to prepare journalists on how to locate fact-checkable statements, the methodology for fact-checking, and tools and strategies to aid them in their work.
The course is available in 15 languages, including English and Urdu, and is open to journalists, scholars, and aspiring fact-checkers in the region. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a certificate in recognition of their commitment to improving the world’s information environment.
“Fact checking is a crucial pillar of our work at Meta to fight disinformation, and we believe upskilling individuals in Asia Pacific with courses like this is critical to help improve and enhance the overall system,” said Aya Lowe, Meta’s Integrity Partnerships Manager for the Asia Pacific region. “By working with Meta and providing this free fact-checking training to journalists, the IFCN is taking a key step in equipping people with the essential skills to battle disinformation and improve journalistic quality in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Ferdi zsoy, interim director of the IFCN.
Meta and the IFCN collaborate as important partners to support the information ecosystem under Meta’s Third Party Fact-Checking Program. These programs assist journalists and develop and increase the credibility of fact-checkers in the fight against false information in the Asia-Pacific region.
AFP and Soch Fact Check are both independently confirmed by IFCN and are Meta’s fact-checking partners in Pakistan. They will work closely with Meta and the IFCN to ensure the accuracy of news and information in the region.
The collaboration between Meta and the IFCN highlights the importance of fact-checking in the fight against disinformation. It underscores the need to upskill individuals with essential skills to battle disinformation and improve the overall quality of journalism in the Asia Pacific region. By working together, Meta and the IFCN can ensure the credibility of news and information, helping to create a more informed and engaged citizenry.
