“TheChecker” Platform for Fact-Checking and Digital Media Literacy
TheChecker is an Iraqi platform dedicated to uncovering and correcting misleading news circulated in Iraq’s digital space. It focuses on promoting digital media literacy principles with the goal of creating a safer, freer, and fairer Iraqi internet environment—free from hate speech and disinformation.
Iraq is witnessing a significant rise in the spread of information disorder, where misleading news can reach thousands of users within minutes. This has led to numerous negative consequences in Iraq’s digital space, most notably: hate speech, offensive comments, and the uncritical belief and resharing of unverified content. This has placed greater responsibility on our platform as one that specializes in fact-checking both before and after publication.
Despite the considerable efforts made by Iraqi media outlets, journalistic efforts alone are not sufficient to combat the flood of misinformation. Even the most well-known and trusted media institutions in Iraq occasionally make mistakes—either unintentionally or deliberately to boost engagement or serve political agendas.
TheChecker’s Commitment
The TheChecker team adheres to the highest journalistic standards and employs various techniques to fight disinformation. The platform monitors and collects news from local and international sources to provide a unique perspective that helps the public stay informed about the issues that matter to them.
How Did TheChecker Start?
TheChecker is one of the flagship projects of the INSM Foundation for Digital Rights in Iraq. It was launched in October 2021, coinciding with the early parliamentary elections in Iraq—a period marked by a sharp increase in the spread of disinformation. The platform was established as part of INSM’s vision to promote media and digital literacy and to confront all forms of hate speech and fabricated content shared on Iraqi social media platforms.
The damage caused by such content has escalated to serious consequences like forced disappearances, physical assassinations, and displacement of individuals, particularly in conflict zones, all triggered by information disorder. TheChecker acts as an auxiliary arm of its parent organization, INSM, in pursuit of its higher goal: a safe, free, transparent, and just internet.
Editorial Independence and Ethics
TheChecker is managed by an editor-in-chief, editorial staff, journalists, and independent fact-checkers.
No one tells us what to write or how to assess claims. We operate independently, following best practices in fact-checking.
The platform does not accept donations or support from anonymous sources, political parties, elected officials, candidates seeking public office, or any other source that may pose a conflict of interest.