Our approach
How we check a claim.
Every 251Check fact-check follows the same steps, so readers can see how we reached our verdict and check our work for themselves.
From viral claim to verdict
Spot the claim
We monitor social media, news and messaging apps for claims that could mislead people or cause harm, including tips sent in by readers.
Research
We trace where the claim came from, who shared it first, and whether it has been checked before.
Verify
We check it against official records, expert sources and original photos or videos. Every finding is checked against at least one independent source.
Publish a verdict
We rate the claim and publish our findings with every source linked, so you can check our work yourself.
What our verdicts mean
The claim is accurate and supported by evidence.
The claim is inaccurate. The evidence shows otherwise.
The claim contains some truth but leaves out key context or twists the facts.
There isn't enough evidence yet to confirm or deny the claim.
The image, video or audio was created or altered using artificial intelligence and does not show a real event.
Our standards
Sources you can check
Every fact-check lists and links the sources we used, so readers can see the evidence for themselves.
Corrections
If we get something wrong, we correct it and note the change at the end of the article. You can request a correction at any time.
Independence
251Check is run by Positive Peace Ethiopia in collaboration with Life & Peace Institute and the Embassy of Sweden. Our partners do not decide what we check or what our verdicts are.
Seen something suspicious?Send it to us and we'll take a look.
Send a claim