Trust

Our labels

Every story shows exactly one label at the top, plus a "How we know" line. Here is what each label means and what evidence it takes.

When labels change

  • Verified to Reported: the operator withdraws or can't re-confirm, or the artefact is over 12 months old with no reconfirmation.
  • Reported to Vendor claim: the only remaining source is the vendor.
  • Any label to Disputed: credible contrary evidence surfaces.
  • Auto re-check: a Verified story older than 12 months is re-checked. If not reconfirmed within 30 days it drops to Reported, marked "(as of [date])".
  • Upgrades need the full evidence for the higher label.

Where changes show

  • A dated note at the top of the story.
  • An entry in the corrections log with the old label, new label and reason.
  • A line in the next newsletter if the story ran there.

Health or safety outcome claims need Verified or Reported to run as a headline. Sponsored items are never labeled Verified by default.