Data verification in Europe. Analysis of 5 European initiatives: <i>Maldita.es, Newtral, Pagella Politica, Les Décodeurs</i> and <i>BBC Reality Check</i>

Abstract

This text aims to take a picture of the current situation of verification in Europe by studying several European fact-checkers. With the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, it has also been studied how it has affected the work of verifiers. To do this, a content analysis of the information they publish is carried out, trying to find similarities between the initiatives and seeking to understand the nature and characteristics of the misinformation with which they work. In addition, interviews with professional verifiers and fact-checking specialists will allow us to understand their routines, methodologies, and business structures, trying again to establish convergences in the European scenario. An attempt will also be made to see how the disinformation crisis caused by the coronavirus has affected these media. In the end we find constant activity and similarities in the contents and methodologies. Social networks (58% of content) and politics (68% of pieces) as the main routes and themes for disinformation in Europe. Fact-checking as a feasible outlet for journalists, although it does not bring great benefits for companies. Finally, the coronavirus health crisis has led to an increase in the work of these initiatives (In most cases it has meant a double increase in published pieces).