Digital Forensics, Research and Analytics Centre (D-FRAC) is a non-partisan and independent media organisation which focuses on fact-checking and identifying hate speech. With the popularisation of the internet came the challenge of information overload and often times, our feeds are overpopulated with conflicting, incendiary and false information which is increasingly becoming difficult to ignore and not believe in.
In the era of deep fakes, disinformation and misinformation, we believe in the importance of fact-checking claims that often pose harm to communities and individuals in one way or another. Online hate speech is a type of speech that takes place on the internet with the purpose of attacking a person or a group based on their race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or gender.
Online hate speech is the expression of conflicts between different groups within and across societies. Online hate speech is a vivid example of how the Internet brings both opportunities and challenges regarding the freedom of expression and speech while also defending human dignity.
While it is very difficult to decipher what is hate speech and what is not, through our opinion pieces we aim to bring to light glaring instances of hate speech which can and do cause serious harm to certain groups of people or individuals.
Editorial Policy:
- Transparent Approach to Fact-Checking: DFRAC aims to be extremely transparent about the methods and approaches used when it comes to fact-checking. It shall always attempt to explain in detail why something is false or misleading. The organisation aims to create media literacy and encourage its readers to evaluate the claims on their own as well.
- Nonpartisan Approach: DFRAC maintains a strict non-partisanship policy, which is publicly available on our website. Our staff are required to refrain from advocacy or expressing personal views on policy issues that the organization fact-checks, ensuring that our work remains unbiased. Employees must adhere to a code of conduct that prohibits political endorsements or participation in activities that could compromise our neutrality. Regular training and internal audits reinforce our commitment to impartiality, and any violations are addressed through a structured review process. This policy ensures that DFRAC’s fact-checking remains objective, transparent, and free from external influence.
- Evidence-Based Analysis: DFRAC uses all available data in the public domain to fact-check a claim. We use tools such as reverse image searches and data analysis along with reaching out to verified resources to make sure that we leave no stone unturned. We always provide links to sources in our fact-checks so that the readers too can read the information for themselves.
- Funding :DFRAC’s operations are sustained through a combination of funding sources. Our primary sources of revenue (accounting for 5% or more) include.
- IFCN & Project-Based Grants: DFRAC has received funding through a one-time grant from IFCN and a project-based grant in partnership with WhatsApp.
- Donations & High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs): We receive contributions from private donors and high-net-worth individuals who support our mission of independent fact-checking.
- Crowdfunding : A portion of our revenue is generated through crowdfunding initiatives, where we receive financial support from the public.
- DFRAC does not accept funding from government entities, political organizations, corporate conglomerates, or foundations that could compromise our editorial independence. Our commitment to transparency ensures that all funding sources are publicly disclosed, and we remain independent in our fact-checking efforts.
Methodology:
- Finding a Claim to Fact-Check: Our fact-checkers track social media posts, news articles, and public statements from political figures and other influential personalities. We assess the claims based on:
- How viral or popular the claim is.
- Its potential to cause harm or misinformation.
- Whether it originates from a prominent or verified source.
- Verification and Sourcing:
- Primary Sources: We prioritize information from direct sources such as government reports, public records, and firsthand accounts.
- Direct Communication: Whenever possible, we contact relevant individuals or organizations to verify claims directly.
- Subject Matter Experts: When necessary, we seek expert opinions to validate technical or specialized information.
- Secondary Sources: In cases where primary sources are unavailable, we use reputable secondary sources. When doing so, we explicitly disclose this in our fact-check reports and outline our efforts to obtain primary evidence.
- Writing and Updating Fact-Checks: Fact-checks are presented in a clear and concise manner with supporting images, links, and references. We update fact-checks as new information becomes available.
- Tools we use: We use open and free tools such as Google’s reverse image search to verify fake/doctored images. We also use search engine filters to sort the results into date,time and location. Additionally, we reach out to organisations and people who have made the statement and ask for additional information to verify the claim.We contact relevant government bodies for primary data to verify the claims. We also engage with subject matter experts on the same.
This methodology ensures that our fact-checking process remains rigorous, transparent, and aligned with international best practices.
Correction Policy:
- At DFRAC, our team tries to get as close to the truth as possible. But everyone is prone to mistakes once in a while. We encourage our readers to point out any mistakes in our fact-checks through emailing us at : dfracorg@gmail.com. All articles to which corrections have been made will always be marked with a sufficient explanation and updated information.
Privacy Policy:
DFRAC immensely values the privacy of our readers and we want to remain as transparent as possible about the kind of information we are using.
- Log Files: DFRAC uses your log files which include internet protocol ( IP ) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and the number of clicks to analyse trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. All of this is not personally identifiable.
- Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to help us understand our reader demographics and behaviours.
- Cookies: DFRAC’s website uses cookies to store information regarding user-specific functions. The web page’s appearance changes based on the visitor’s browser type. Users can disable cookies through their browser if they wish to do so.
- Tip Line: We have a contact form on our website for those who wish to contact us and wish to submit a claim they want fact-checked. The information you provide us with here is not used for anything else but to keep a track of the queries and help us respond to your query better.
The legal entity behind DFRAC is a not-for-profit (Section 8) company called REZAVI INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION (CIN: U85300DL2021NPL389131).
Reach Us:
There’s a lot of misinformation and fake news in both mainstream media and on social media including WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Although we try to cover as many fake news possible but there are some which goes unnoticed from our eyes.
Thus, we request you to interact with us and send us claims which can be further investigated by our team to find out the actual reality behind. We will look at the news which are manipulated or shown with missing facts to debunk it and present you the authentic news with the valid facts. The claims which are true or have insufficient data or sources will be informed back to the inquirer.
If you wish to contribute in fact-check, send claims to clarify or have any queries, please contact us at any of our details below:
- Contact Us Page
- Email ID: dfracorg@gmail.com
- Twitter & Facebook
IFCN Signatory
We are a verified signatory of IFCN since August 2022.
This badge confirms Digital Forensics, Research and Analytics Centre (D-FRAC) was deemed compliant with the IFCN principles when subjected to the established vetting process and evaluated by external assessors. Through this process, an organization must exhibit a commitment to nonpartisanship and fairness, transparency of sources, transparency of funding and organization, transparency of methodology, and a commitment to open and honest corrections.
If you found us violating the IFCN code, you may complain the IFCN for the same.
Donate Us:
At Digital Forensics, Research, and Analytics Center (DFRAC), our mission is clear: to stand as guardians of truth in the ever-evolving landscape of information. As a dedicated fact-checking organization, we’ve been tirelessly debunking false narratives, exposing misinformation, and promoting transparency in media.
We reach out to you, our valued community, to be a crucial part of our mission through our crowdfunding donation campaign. Your support will play a pivotal role in strengthening our efforts against the spread of misinformation and fostering a more informed society.
Why Support DFRAC:
- Guardians of Truth: We are committed to upholding the integrity of information. Your contribution will empower us to continue debunking fake news and promoting accurate, unbiased reporting.
- Community Impact: By supporting DFRAC, you become an integral part of a community-driven initiative that actively combats misinformation. Your donation directly contributes to a more informed and aware society.
- Technological Advancements: The landscape of misinformation is dynamic, and we need cutting-edge tools and technologies to stay ahead. Your support will enable us to invest in advanced forensic tools and technologies.
How You Can Contribute:
- Donate: Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Your financial support will go directly toward sustaining and enhancing our fact-checking initiatives.
- Spread the Word: Share our campaign within your circles. Awareness is key, and your voice can amplify our mission to combat misinformation.
- Join Our Community: Stay engaged with our work. Join our community to receive updates on our fact-checking efforts, educational programs, and the impact of your support.
Together, Let’s Strengthen the Guardians of Truth!
Donate today and be a driving force behind accurate information and media literacy.
