Method: how we rate claims

Factum covers stories that are often called conspiracy theories. We don't dismiss them and we don't endorse them. Each story becomes a case: we list the specific claims being made and check each one against the evidence.

How a case is built

1. Collect. We follow mainstream outlets, fact-checkers, independent and alternative media, official sources and online communities, in English and Portuguese.
2. Compare. When several sources cover the same story, AI software helps us compare them: which claims each source makes, where they agree and where they contradict each other.
3. Review. A person reviews every case before it's published and can change any label.

Claim labels

• Verified: backed by primary evidence or by reliable, independent reporting.
• Disputed: credible sources disagree, or the evidence points both ways.
• Unsupported: asserted without evidence in the sources we found.
• False: contradicted by solid evidence.
• Unclear: there isn't enough information to judge yet.

The count next to each claim ("6 / 9 sources") shows how many of the case's sources address that claim.

Open and closed cases

A case stays open while the story is still developing or the evidence is contested. We close it when the main claims are settled. Closed cases can be reopened if new evidence appears.

Source types

• Mainstream outlets: established news organizations and fact-checkers.
• Independent / alternative: independent and alternative media, and online communities. Posts from forums and social networks count as discussion, not evidence.
• Official / primary documents: government records, court filings, declassified files, scientific papers and other original documents.

Sources and corrections

Every case links its sources, so you can read them yourself. We summarize in our own words and never republish other outlets' articles. If we got something wrong, write to privacidade@munninlabs.com and we'll fix it.