The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) is a forum for fact-checkers worldwide hosted by the Poynter Institute for Media Studies. These organizations fact-check statements by public figures, major institutions and other widely circulated claims of interest to society.
It launched in September 2015, in recognition of the fact that a booming crop of fact-checking initiatives could benefit from an organization that promotes best practices and exchanges in this field.
Among other things, the IFCN:
- Monitors trends and formats in fact-checking worldwide, publishing regular articles on the dedicated Poynter.org channel.
- Provides training resources for fact-checkers.
- Supports collaborative efforts in international fact-checking, including fellowships.
- Convenes a yearly conference (Global Fact).
- Is the home of the fact-checkers’ code of principles.
The IFCN is led by Alexios Mantzarlis, who joined Poynter after co-founding and editing Pagella Politica, an Italian political fact-checking website.
Poynter’s IFCN has received funding from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the Duke Reporters’ Lab, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Google, the National Endowment for Democracy, the Omidyar Network, the Open Society Foundations and the Park Foundation.