Mistakes happen in every newsroom. What matters is how quickly they are fixed and how openly. This page explains how we check facts before publication and what we do when something slips through.
Fact-checking is built into our editing process rather than added at the end. Every article passes through these stages before it appears on the site:
The editor confirms that each factual claim is supported by a named source, document or credited report, and that links point to the right material.
Figures are recalculated, currencies and units are checked, and the spelling of every name and title is confirmed.
Quotations are compared with the original statement or recording, and checked to make sure they are not presented out of context.
The headline, summary and photograph are reviewed to make sure they reflect what the article actually says.
We use three clear labels so that readers always know why an article has changed:
Used when we publish something factually wrong, such as an incorrect figure, name, date or quotation. The note states what was wrong and what is now correct.
Used when the facts were right but the wording could mislead, or when important context was missing. The note explains what has been added or reworded.
Used when a story develops after publication, for example new figures or official responses. The note gives the time of the update and what is new.
We do not delete articles because they are unwelcome to the people in them. Removal is considered only for serious legal or personal-safety reasons, and is noted publicly.
Email our editors and include as much of the following as you can. Clear, specific requests are resolved fastest.
An editor acknowledges your message, normally within two working days, and reviews the article against the original sources. If we agree there is an error, we correct it and add a note at the foot of the article. If we do not agree, we explain why. Serious errors are corrected as soon as they are confirmed, at any hour.
Found an error in one of our articles? Send the details to the editors and we will look into it.
