Fact-Checking Policy

Purpose of this policy

Accuracy is central to CoreSignal’s journalism. This policy explains how we verify information before publication, how we handle claims that cannot yet be confirmed, and how we respond when readers identify possible factual errors.

It should be read alongside our Editorial Policy, which sets out the broader editorial standards that guide CoreSignal’s reporting.

Our commitment to accuracy

CoreSignal prioritises factual accuracy over speed. We make reasonable efforts to verify material information before publication and to present facts in their proper context. Where sufficient evidence is not available, we may delay publication, qualify the information, or refrain from publishing it until it can be adequately verified.

No fact-checking system can eliminate every possibility of error, particularly in rapidly developing situations. Our objective is to apply a consistent, evidence-based process and to correct verified inaccuracies when they are identified.

What we verify

Verification standards apply across our coverage, with the depth of checking depending on the nature and significance of the content.

News and developing stories

Breaking and developing stories are checked against available primary sources, official statements, public records, or credible reporting. Where facts are still emerging, we make that clear and update the story as reliable information becomes available.

Government schemes and public services

Government scheme, recruitment, examination, certificate, and public-service information receives particular attention because incorrect information can directly affect readers. Wherever possible, we check details such as:

• Eligibility requirements
• Application procedures
• Important dates and deadlines
• Fees and charges
• Required documents
• Official forms and portals
• Government orders and notifications

Information is checked against the relevant official government portal, department website, notification, or other authoritative source available at the time of publication.

Statistics and data

Where we publish statistics, figures, percentages, survey findings, or other data, we aim to check them against the original dataset, report, official publication, or primary source rather than relying solely on a secondary summary.

Quotes and public statements

Statements attributed to public figures, government officials, organisations, or other identifiable sources are checked against an official statement, press release, transcript, recording, court document, or other reliable source where available.

Our verification process

Before publication, material factual claims are reviewed against identifiable and reasonably reliable sources. The source used depends on the nature of the claim — we generally give greater weight to primary sources, including official documents, government notifications, court records, original datasets, direct statements, and first-hand evidence.

For significant or sensitive claims, we seek confirmation from more than one credible source where reasonably possible. When a claim is based on a single source, we consider the source’s authority, the nature of the information, and the potential public impact before publication.

We do not treat the number of sources alone as proof of accuracy. Multiple reports repeating the same unverified claim do not necessarily constitute independent confirmation.

Primary and secondary sources

CoreSignal prefers primary sources whenever they are available and appropriate. These may include:

• Official government websites and notifications
• Court judgments, filings, and records
• Public records
• Official statements and press releases
• Original research and datasets
• Academic or institutional publications
• Direct statements from relevant individuals or organisations

We may also use reputable news organisations and news agencies as secondary sources. When information comes from another news organisation and CoreSignal has not independently verified the underlying claim, we attribute it to that organisation rather than presenting it as independently confirmed reporting.

Handling unverified or disputed claims

Not every claim circulating publicly can be immediately established as true or false. Where appropriate, CoreSignal distinguishes between:

• Confirmed: information supported by an authoritative source, direct documentation, or sufficiently reliable evidence.
• Reported: information attributed to another credible source or organisation that CoreSignal has not independently confirmed.
• Unverified or disputed: information for which reliable evidence is currently insufficient, or where credible sources disagree.

We do not knowingly present an unverified allegation, rumour, or disputed claim as an established fact. When evidence remains inconclusive, we say so clearly rather than forcing a definitive conclusion.

Images, videos, screenshots and documents

Visual material can be misleading even when the underlying image or video is genuine. When images, videos, screenshots, documents, or social-media material are important to a story, we make reasonable efforts to examine:

• The original or earliest identifiable source
• Date and location
• Context in which the material was produced
• Whether the material has been altered or manipulated
• Whether an old image or video is being presented as a recent event
• Whether a document or screenshot is genuine and relevant to the claim

Where the original source can reasonably be identified, we aim to name or link to it. We do not knowingly present manipulated or misleading visual material as authentic evidence.

Context and misleading claims

A statement can be technically true while creating a misleading impression when important context is omitted. Our verification process therefore considers not only whether an individual statement is factually correct, but also whether the overall presentation gives readers a fair understanding of the underlying issue.

For viral claims, statistics, quotations, photographs, and social-media posts, we consider the surrounding context before reaching a conclusion.

Use of artificial intelligence in verification

CoreSignal may use AI-powered tools to assist with research, translation, transcription, summarisation, language refinement, or other editorial workflows. AI tools are not treated as the final authority for factual claims.

AI-generated information is checked against the underlying source, particularly when it concerns government rules, dates, figures, eligibility requirements, examination information, legal matters, or other information where accuracy is important. Human editorial judgment remains responsible for the final published content.

Corrections and updates

Fact-checking continues after publication. If new, reliable information changes the understanding of a story, we may update the article to reflect the latest verified information.

When a factual error is identified and verified, we correct it as soon as reasonably possible. Depending on the nature and significance of the error, this may involve updating the affected passage, adding a clarification or correction note, or making another appropriate editorial change. We do not knowingly retain a factual error simply because an article has already been published.

Reporting a possible error

Readers are encouraged to contact CoreSignal if they believe an article contains a factual error or materially misleading information. To help us investigate a claim efficiently, please provide:

• The link to the relevant article or page
• The specific statement or information you believe is incorrect
• A reliable source, document, or other evidence supporting the correction, where available

We review credible correction requests and determine whether the published information requires correction, clarification, or no change. Not every correction request will result in an amendment — where our published information is adequately supported by reliable evidence, we may retain it and, where appropriate, explain the basis for the reporting.

What we do not do

CoreSignal does not knowingly:

• Publish fabricated information as fact
• Alter evidence to support a predetermined conclusion
• Misrepresent quotations or official statements
• Remove material context in a way that changes the meaning of a claim
• Present rumours or allegations as established facts
• Treat AI-generated information as a substitute for source verification

Our fact-checking process is designed to support accurate, transparent, and responsible journalism.

Our standard

Fact-checking is not limited to articles specifically labelled as “fact-checks.” The same commitment to accuracy applies across CoreSignal’s news reports, explainers, public-service guides, and other editorial content.