COUNTERING MISINFORMATION

Misinformation leads to ill-informed policies, fuels hate and shapes public perceptions. Our team of fact checkers work to counter the spread and impact of misinformation through fact checking. In Iran, not only has misinformation permeated social media and messaging platforms, but it is often spread and fueled by state-controlled media infrastructure, censorship and limited press freedom.

From false beliefs to conspiracy theories backed by powerful public officials, mis- and disinformation in Iran has devastating consequences as shown in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of false “evidence” to prosecute dissidents. During critical political moments, as seen in the Zhina (Mahsa) Amini protests in 2022, disinformation serves as a key strategy for powerful actors to divert attention and sway public opinion.

To hold those in power accountable and counter the impact of false narratives, ASL19’s Factnameh platform fact-checks popular social media content, media coverage, and statements by public figures in Iran using publicly accessible reputable data sources and evidence. Fighting against a highly restrictive information environment, we introduce audiences to the work of fact-checking through our accessible articles, short videos, documentaries, and a weekly podcast that gives a behind-the-scenes look at our editorial process. We also work with diaspora media organizations to reach millions of audiences inside the country and ensure that facts remain at the center of public debates.

Countering misinformation requires nimble, proactive solutions. That’s why besides fact-checking, we develop Persian materials for building media literacy, conduct research into disinformation campaigns and the fast-changing misinformation landscape, and develop technologies to enable more effective, timely fact-checking across the board.