Fact checks by SWI swissinfo.ch: How we work

Ever seen a newspaper headline or a campaign poster and wondered, "Is that true?" Our goal is to verify factual statements public figures and others make about Switzerland, and come to a conclusion about their accuracy.

We examine the facts and provide context using publicly available information and on-the-record interviews. 

Our fact checks are objective and our choice of claims to verify is impartial.

Choosing statements to fact check

We select statements made by public figures that may lead people to ask, “Is that true?” We focus on statements made during vote campaigns but will also check claims by prominent figures in other contexts and on issues of importance to the Swiss public. Occasionally we also debunk popular claims about Switzerland.

When deciding which claims to check, we also ask:

·         Is the statement based on a fact that is verifiable?

·         Is the statement newsworthy or significant?

·         Is the statement being shared or repeated, or likely to be shared and repeated?

Remaining transparent and objective

We follow the same process for researching, writing and reviewing every fact check. We use only publicly available information and on-the-record expert assessments, and provide weblinks whenever possible. Our conclusions are based on the evidence available at that time.

Giving a verdict

We use the following standard to reach a verdict on the accuracy of the claims.

True – The statement is accurate.

Misleading – Omissions, exaggerations, contradictions or elements presented in a certain way, whether intentional or not, create a misleading impression.

False – The statement is not accurate.

Unproven – The evidence available does not prove or disprove the claim.

Correcting errors

A fact check’s accuracy stands at the time of publication. If there is an error in a fact check, we will correct it as quickly as possible and include a note at the foot of the article to indicate it has been changed.

Write to us if you spot an error at the time of publication, including links to any sources, and we will review the article.