At Scoopearth.in, we are committed to delivering trustworthy, accurate, and credible content to our readers. As a digital media platform covering startups, entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, and business, the foundation of our content lies in factual reporting. Our Fact-Checking Policy outlines the principles, procedures, and practices we follow to ensure that our content maintains the highest standards of truthfulness and journalistic integrity.

    1. Purpose of the Fact-Checking Policy

    The primary purpose of this policy is to ensure that all information published on Scoopearth.in is factually accurate and verifiable. Our goal is to prevent the spread of misinformation, protect the integrity of the stories we share, and maintain the trust of our readers and stakeholders.

    2. Scope of the Policy

    This Fact-Checking Policy applies to:

    • News stories and articles
    • Startup features and founder interviews
    • Opinion pieces and guest contributions
    • Sponsored or branded content
    • Infographics and data-driven visuals
    • Podcasts and video transcripts
    • Social media posts and campaign content

    Whether written by our internal editorial team or submitted by contributors, all content is subject to the same rigorous fact-checking protocols.

    3. Editorial Commitment to Accuracy

    Our editorial team is committed to:

    • Providing factually accurate and balanced information
    • Avoiding speculation, distortion, or omission of facts
    • Identifying and verifying sources
    • Ensuring transparency in sourcing and attribution
    • Making timely corrections when errors are identified

    Accuracy is not just a goal; it is a core value that defines the identity and credibility of Scoopearth.in.

    4. Our Fact-Checking Process

    Our fact-checking workflow is a multi-layered approach involving research, verification, editorial review, and transparency:

    Step 1: Research and Source Collection

    • We collect data and information from credible sources such as government portals, official startup websites, investor reports, academic journals, industry publications, and press releases.
    • We rely on primary sources over secondary ones whenever possible.

    Step 2: Verification

    • All claims, statistics, quotes, and assertions are verified through cross-checking with at least two independent and reliable sources.
    • Names, titles, company data, and factual timelines are thoroughly checked.

    Step 3: Editorial Review

    • Articles undergo a multi-level editorial review to ensure factual integrity.
    • Complex or controversial topics are reviewed by senior editors or subject matter experts.

    Step 4: Final Approval and Publishing

    • A final check is performed before publishing to validate that all facts are correctly stated, sources are appropriately credited, and no misleading information exists.

    5. Types of Claims We Fact-Check

    We verify all factual claims including but not limited to:

    • Startup funding rounds and valuation figures
    • Market share and business performance data
    • Government policies, schemes, and announcements
    • Founders’ credentials, achievements, and affiliations
    • Technological innovations and product details
    • Quotes from interviews or speeches

    6. Use of Reliable Sources

    We use the following sources to validate information:

    • Official websites and verified press releases
    • Government platforms (PIB, Startup India, MCA, DPIIT, etc.)
    • Financial databases (e.g., Crunchbase, Tracxn)
    • Industry research reports and whitepapers
    • Reputed media outlets and journals
    • Academic institutions and research think tanks
    • Verified social media handles (for quotes/statements)

    7. Handling of Anonymous Sources

    We occasionally use anonymous sources to protect whistleblowers, internal staff, or vulnerable individuals. In such cases:

    • We verify the information independently
    • The anonymity of the source is preserved
    • A disclaimer is added to the article indicating anonymous attribution

    8. Sponsored and Guest Content

    Fact-checking applies equally to sponsored content, guest posts, and brand collaborations. We:

    • Validate all data and claims presented in the content
    • Require contributors to submit credible sources
    • Reserve the right to reject or revise content that lacks proper validation

    9. Visual and Multimedia Fact-Checking

    We verify all visuals and multimedia content, including:

    • Infographics and charts: Checked against source data
    • Images and videos: Verified for authenticity and context
    • Podcast content: Cross-checked with interview transcripts and sources

    10. Tools and Technology Used

    We use a combination of manual research and digital tools such as:

    • Plagiarism checkers
    • Reverse image search engines
    • AI summarizers for reference cross-checks
    • Grammarly and readability tools
    • Fact-checking databases (e.g., Google Fact Check, BoomLive, AltNews)

    These tools assist but do not replace human judgment and editorial oversight.

    11. Correction of Factual Errors

    Despite our diligence, errors may occur. When they do:

    • We issue corrections promptly and transparently
    • A correction note is added at the end of the article
    • Major updates are time-stamped and publicly visible

    Readers can report potential errors via info@staging.scoopearth.in.

    12. Commitment to Impartiality and Fairness

    Our fact-checking is impartial. We do not:

    • Let political, personal, or commercial bias affect our verification process
    • Alter or withhold facts based on pressure from external entities
    • Publish unverified or speculative information as fact

    We believe that fair and balanced reporting serves the best interest of our readers and the startup ecosystem.

    13. Fact-Checking of Social Media and Virality Claims

    In the digital age, misinformation spreads fast on social media. We:

    • Fact-check viral posts or trending claims before reposting or referencing
    • Provide source links and disclaimers when needed
    • Avoid amplifying fake news or manipulated visuals

    14. Periodic Review of Published Content

    Content can become outdated over time. We:

    • Regularly review older content for relevancy and accuracy
    • Update articles as new information becomes available
    • Display “Last Updated” timestamps on updated content

    15. Reader Participation and Feedback

    We encourage our readers to be part of the fact-checking process. If you identify an error or misleading claim:

    Our editorial team will review and respond within 3–5 business days.

    16. Legal Compliance

    Scoopearth.in adheres to Indian laws and international best practices in digital journalism. We comply with:

    • Press Council of India’s ethical guidelines
    • Indian IT and Copyright Laws
    • International fact-checking standards

    We also support efforts against fake news, misinformation, and data misuse.

    17. Training and Internal Fact-Checking Culture

    We conduct regular editorial training workshops to:

    • Enhance fact-checking and research skills
    • Educate staff on emerging disinformation trends
    • Promote a culture of integrity and accuracy

    Fact-checking is a shared responsibility across the team.

    18. Conclusion

    At Scoopearth.in, we treat facts as sacred. Our Fact-Checking Policy is more than a guideline — it’s a commitment to the values that define us: trust, truth, and transparency. By following rigorous standards and involving our readers in the process, we ensure that our platform remains a credible source of business and startup insights.

    We thank our community for holding us accountable and helping us improve every day.

    Contact Information:
    For fact-checking queries or corrections:
    📧 Email: info@staging.scoopearth.in
    🌐 Website: staging.scoopearth.in