About RMIT FactLab

factlab-logo-on-white-base2.jpg

RMIT FactLab is committed to fighting the viral spread of misinformation and disinformation that can harm people and undermine democratic processes.

We are a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network’s code of principles, which requires a commitment to fairness, transparency and non-partisanship. Find out more about the IFCN.

What we do

Tackling misinformation and disinformation

RMIT FactLab's researchers and journalists monitor and identify potential misinformation and disinformation in the form of text, images and videos. They then fact check and assess the veracity of online content, before publishing their work on this site.

  • RMIT FactLab’s fact-checking team works in partnership with Meta as third-party fact checkers (3PFC), debunking problematic posts on Facebook and Instagram to help slow the spread of harmful information. It is one of more than 90 third-party fact-checking organisations around the world that partner with Meta, which uses its technology to downrank and 'grey-out' false and misleading posts.
  • CrossCheck, our team of verification experts, works with partners and stakeholders to monitor and alert them to misinformation and disinformation narratives. It also conducts specialist training for media, civil society and the corporate and public sectors.

 

Research and Education

RMIT FactLab provides a platform for interdisciplinary research into online misinformation and disinformation, including the impact of new technologies such as artificial intelligence on the digital news ecosystem. 

We provide fact-checking education and training to school kids, university students, fact checkers, journalists, and civil society groups. If you would like to find out more about the training we provide, contact factlab@rmit.edu.au.

How we work

Our fact checking and verification of social media content relies on rigorous research that draws on multiple sources. All our work is produced in accordance with the requirements of our IFCN accreditation.

Who we are

Our team includes highly experienced journalists and researchers who are trained in traditional and digital fact-checking methods. Our work is supported by interns from RMIT University’s journalism and professional writing courses, as well as interns from other disciplines and universities.

Funding

RMIT FactLab’s work is primarily supported by RMIT University, research grants and philanthropic donations. We do not make a profit from our fact-checking activities or research. Funding goes directly towards operating costs, and any surplus goes back into research, fact checking or other social and philanthropic activities. Support our work with a tax-deductible donation. As third-party fact-checkers we also receive funding from Meta. Public donations cannot be used to fund fact checks produced under the Meta partnership.

Independence

RMIT FactLab is transparent, independent and fully accountable. We provide links to our sources and welcome discussion and feedback.

Our staff cannot be members of political parties or activist groups and are required to declare all previous affiliations.

Complaints and corrections

We are committed to accuracy, impartiality, and independence. If a mistake is made, we will correct it quickly and transparently.

Complaints and corrections about our fact check articles produced as part of our third-party fact-checking work should be made through the channel provided by Meta or by emailing factlab@rmit.edu.au.

Our partners

RMIT FactLab collaborated with the IFCN in 2021 to deliver fact-check training to journalists and civil society groups in seven Pacific countries.

We also work with Meta to deliver real-time fact-checking of misinformation posted on Facebook and Instagram.

From time to time, RMIT FactLab collaborates on special projects, such as Mosaic, a federal election monitoring project conducted in partnership with the Institute for Strategic Dialogue in 2022.

RMIT FactLab and RMIT ABC Fact Check are distinct projects, separately funded. The ABC is not a party to the partnership with Meta.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.