The "Practical Fact-Checking" webinar launched the GFCN educational session series

Learning to distinguish fake news from the truth is now possible for everyone: GFCN has launched an open series of webinars on fact-checking. During the first session, experts demonstrated a step-by-step algorithm for verifying information and analyzed examples of real information attacks.

On November 25, the Global Fact-Checking Network launched a series of educational sessions dedicated to information verification and countering fakes. During the first seminar, “Practical Fact-Checking,” the GFCN experts introduced participants to the fundamental principles of fact-checking and shared their practical experience.

Opening the educational series, GFCN Vice President Daniil Bisslinger outlined the structure of the educational program and shared the background behind the project:

“This series is a direct response to the growing global demand for practical skills in identifying and analyzing fake news.”

The expert segment of the meeting was led by Sergey Maklakov, Head of the Department for Combating False Information at ANPO “Dialog Regions”. Using vivid examples from world history, he demonstrated that fake news is a global threat which can only be effectively countered through a comprehensive approach:

“We have been engaged in a systematic fight against disinformation since the coronavirus period and approach the problem of fakes systematically. The longer we study fakes, the more confident we become in our view that they have no boundaries. Fakes are a common problem for all of humanity, and they can only be fought together.”

Sergey Maklakov also cited examples of the devastating consequences caused by the spread of fake news, which have affected the global community. According to him, the main reason for people’s vulnerability to fake news is low media literacy combined with overconfidence. This is precisely why it is so important to constantly develop critical thinking and fact-checking skills, he concluded.

He also reminded the audience that the open educational section on the GFCN website contains both concise basic guides for beginners and detailed lectures for advanced fact-checkers, and is continually updated with new materials.

During the practical portion of the webinar, GFCN expert Timofey V presented a step-by-step algorithm for conducting a fact-checking investigation. Using high-profile cases as examples, he analyzed the mechanisms behind the persistence of disinformation and proposed effective methods for refuting it. According to the expert, high-quality fact-checking begins with asking the right questions and finding primary sources. However, to successfully counter various types of false information, it is equally important to develop skills in different analytical areas:

“There is no universal strategy. Each one is effective only in a precise situation. You have to think critically every time to select the right approach,” Timofey V emphasized.

Following the session, a question-and-answer session was held, allowing participants to obtain further clarification and exchange ideas. The webinar, which was held in English, attracted an audience of over 150 attendees.

The next session in the series is scheduled for December 2, 12:00 (UTC+3). Join us here!