Cross-cultural fact-checking: how to avoid mistakes when checking information from another country

In the era of global information flow, one mistake in fact-checking can cost a media outlet its reputation and audience trust. This problem is especially acute for journalists working with international materials, where language barriers, cultural codes and political narratives stand in the way of truth. How to work with foreign data to verify it professionally?

The digital age that has arrived has covered many areas of human and social life, including journalism. The arsenal of a modern journalist and fact-checker must include tools and knowledge that allow them to verify information both domestically and internationally, since the reputation of a publication and the audience’s trust in a news source depend on the quality of verification of the information being disseminated. However, modern technologies that have opened up unprecedented opportunities for journalists to collect and analyze data have simultaneously given rise to a key problem — the need to separate reliable information from false information in a huge flow of information.

International journalism faces special challenges when conducting fact-checking. Differences in languages, cultural characteristics, political systems and legal norms create additional difficulties for journalists and fact-checkers working on international materials. In such conditions, the ability to analyze the situation comprehensively, considering the specifics of the region and the characteristics of local media, is of particular importance. Effective fact-checking in an international context requires intercultural communication skills, knowledge of foreign languages ​​and the ability to work with large volumes of heterogeneous information. The main criteria for international fact-checking are that a specialist has the following knowledge:

• About linguistic forms and thinking: The basis for any interaction with information is its understanding and perception. Within one language there is a variety of interpretations of meanings and interpretations that are often lost during a cursory translation or due to the lack of knowledge of the contexts by the native speaker of another language.
• About cultural differences and mentality: Different cultural norms and ways of thinking can influence the perception of the same facts by different audiences in different ways.
• About political and historical factors: The process of geopolitical development of the state is reflected in social reality, modeling the life guidelines and interests of its citizens.
• About legal forms: Civil society lives and acts within the framework of established legal norms that have been formed under the influence of history and tradition. Understanding the differences in what is permitted helps to see the world through the eyes of other cultures.
• About technical limitations: The state’s information field is burdened by technical development and the limits of possibilities for accessibility and transmission of information.

• Limited access to primary sources: the lack of direct contact with the participants in the events makes it difficult to obtain accurate information.
• Poor quality of source data: incomplete information can lead to incorrect conclusions.
• Lack of context: ignoring the circumstances in which an event occurred can lead to a distortion of the meaning of the news.
• Hasty conclusions: insufficient time for thorough verification can lead to hasty decisions and errors.
• Author bias: the personal beliefs and preferences of the author can negatively affect the objectivity of the material.
• Use of outdated verification methods: modern technologies allow information to be verified faster and more accurately than traditional approaches.
• Inadequate use of technology: improper use of software and analytical tools reduces the effectiveness of verification.
• Underestimation of the risks of disinformation: the spread of false information on social media and online resources makes constant monitoring and double-checking of facts necessary.

• Use reliable sources: give preference to official statements, government data and reputable international organizations.
• Cross-check: compare information from several independent sources.
• Consult local experts: involve experts who are familiar with the situation in a particular country or region.
• Consider cultural and political nuances: understand the influence of national traditions and politics on public opinion.
• Be attentive to translations: ensure high-quality translation of materials into your native language.
• Apply the latest technologies: use specialized programs and services to identify fake news and manipulation.
• Regularly improve your skills: take advanced training courses and participate in professional events.
• Keep in touch with colleagues: share experiences and knowledge with other journalists working in similar fields.
• Monitor ethical standards: adhere to the principles of professional ethics and avoid bias.

Thus, international fact-checking is not just a technical procedure for verifying data. It is a complex approach that requires a journalist to have cultural acumen, linguistic sensitivity, and technological savvy. Ignoring any of these components inevitably leads to errors, each of which undermines the most valuable asset of any author and publication — reputation.