At Veredicto, we classify claims and media using a rigorous, transparent methodology. Our rating system reflects the strength of evidence and the degree to which claims are supported by verified facts. Each rating is determined through careful research, source verification, and consultation with our network of legitimate partner fact-checking organizations.
This stylebook explains how we categorize the claims and content we verify. Understanding these categories helps readers evaluate information quality and recognize common patterns of misinformation.
✅
Accurate
claim_true
The claim is correct according to the best available evidence and does not leave out important details. All major assertions are supported by verified facts and authoritative sources.
⚠️
Misleading
claim_misleading
The claim mixes real facts with a skewed presentation—missing context, false framing, or selective omission that leads to an incorrect takeaway. The fundamental claim may contain true elements but the overall presentation distorts reality.
❌
False
claim_false
The claim is wrong—it is not supported by evidence and is contradicted by verified facts. This rating applies to claims that are demonstrably inaccurate based on reliable sources and expert analysis.
🟢
Authentic Image/Video
media_authentic
The visual content is real, unedited, and shown with accurate context. The image or video has not been digitally manipulated and is presented in a way that truthfully represents what occurred.
🔴
Doctored Media
media_doctored
The visual content is based on real material but has been digitally modified to add, remove, or change elements. Digital manipulation alters the factual content of the original image or video.
🟠
Misattributed Media
media_misattributed
The visual content is genuine but falsely associated with a different event, location, or time period. The content itself is real, but the attribution or context is incorrect.
🤖
AI-Generated
media_aigenerated
The visual content was entirely produced by artificial intelligence and does not depict real events or real people. This category applies to synthetic media created without authentic source material.