FactCheck.org

FactCheck.org is a non-partisan, non-profit "consumer advocate" for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. Launched in 2003 by veteran journalist Brooks Jackson, the site is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. It monitors the factual accuracy of statements made by major political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, and news releases. The staff applies the best practices of both journalism and scholarship to provide original research that rebuts inaccurate or misleading claims. Beyond political rhetoric, the organization has expanded its efforts through SciCheck, which focuses on checking science-based claims, particularly those related to health and climate change. FactCheck.org does not accept funding from corporations, unions, or political parties, relying instead on individual donations and foundation grants to maintain its independence. Over the years, it has become a vital resource for media literacy, helping citizens navigate a media landscape often filled with viral rumors and "spun" information.