The State of Fact-Checking: A Slower Pace Amidst Persistent Challenges

In an era characterized by rampant misinformation and the spread of hoaxes and rumors, fact-checking has emerged as a crucial tool for combating falsehoods and ensuring the accuracy of information. Over the past decade, the number of fact-checking outlets around the world has grown significantly. However, the momentum of this growth has slowed in recent years, despite increasing concerns about manipulated media and political lies.

According to the Duke Reporters’ Lab's 10th annual fact-checking census, there are currently 417 active fact-checkers in 2023, verifying and debunking misinformation in more than 100 countries and 69 languages. While the number of fact-checkers has been relatively stable since 2021, the growth rate has significantly decreased compared to previous years. Since 2018, the number of fact-checking sites has increased by 47 percent, a far slower growth compared to earlier periods.

Different regions exhibit distinct patterns in the growth of fact-checking initiatives. Prior to 2020, there was a notable surge in fact-checking projects in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America, while North America experienced a slowdown. However, growth in the fact-checking movement has plateaued in most parts of the world since then.

One encouraging aspect is the sustainability and longevity of many established fact-checking organizations. Almost half of the fact-checking organizations have been active for five years or more, with around 50 of them operating for a decade or longer. However, the rate of new fact-checking initiatives has declined since 2019, indicating a slowdown in the establishment of new sites.

Several factors contribute to the slower pace of growth in fact-checking initiatives. The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly played a role, disrupting the media landscape and diverting resources away from new projects. Additionally, the widespread adoption of fact-checking by journalists and researchers from nonpartisan think tanks and good-government groups has broadened the number of individuals involved in fact-checking but reduced the need for dedicated fact-checking organizations.

Furthermore, launching new fact-checking projects can be particularly challenging in countries with repressive governments, limited press freedom, and safety concerns for journalists. These are often the places where fact-checking is most needed, but the hostile environment makes it difficult to establish and sustain such initiatives.

The World Press Freedom Index highlights the severity of press conditions in 31 countries, 15 of which lack any fact-checking sites. These countries include Russia, North Korea, Yemen, and others where reliable information is scarce. In contrast, some countries with serious press freedom concerns have a significant number of fact-checking services, albeit with journalists often working anonymously or from abroad.

In regions with numerous fact-checkers, such as India and Southeast Asia, the audience for fact-checks may be saturated, leading to slower growth. Additionally, fact-checking organizations have established operations in challenging places to provide accurate information, even if they face logistical obstacles or safety risks.

While the growth of fact-checking initiatives has slowed in recent years, the fact-checking community remains a critical force in combating misinformation worldwide. The persistence and longevity of established fact-checking organizations provide hope for the future. However, the challenges faced by fact-checkers, such as limited resources, hostile environments, and regional disparities, underscore the need for continued support and investment in this essential field. As the fight against misinformation intensifies, fact-checking must adapt and evolve to meet the ever-changing landscape of falsehoods and hoaxes.