FACT-CHECKERS AROUND THE WORLD ARE UNDER THREAT.
We help fact-checkers with legal defence, so they can keep doing their important work. The Fact-Checkers Legal Support Initiative (FLSI) connects fact-checkers with pro bono lawyers, helps to pay legal fees and produces guides on legal and non-legal issues fact-checkers need to know.
IF YOU NEED LEGAL SUPPORT BECAUSE OF YOUR FACT-CHECKING WORK, APPLY USING OUR SECURE PORTAL.
THE EXPERTISE OF THREE LEADING MEDIA LAW AND JOURNALISM ORGANIZATIONS
In recent years non-partisan fact-checking has emerged as a vital tool to address the spread of misinformation. However, the individuals and organizations who check facts are being targeted with online harassment, physical threats and legal action. The majority of fact-checkers around the world are small, independent, not-for-profit organizations. When threatened with lawsuits many do not have the resources to defend themselves. The Fact-checkers Legal Support Initiative (FLSI) is a collaboration between three leading media law and journalism organizations, designed to meet this need. Read more.
MEDIA DEFENCE
Media Defence provide legal help to journalists, citizen journalists, bloggers, photojournalists, cartoonists, fact-checkers and other media workers around the world. They do this through emergency defence, strategic litigation and local capacity building.
IFCN @POYNTER
The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) is a unit of the Poynter Institute dedicated to bringing together fact-checkers worldwide. The IFCN promotes basic standards through the fact-checkers’ code of principles and projects to track the impact of fact-checking.
REPORTERS COMMITTEE
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) provides pro bono legal representation, amicus curiae support, and other legal resources to protect First Amendment freedoms and the newsgathering rights of journalists in the USA.
LATEST NEWS
11 Practical Pointers to Help U.S. Fact-Checkers Avoid Libel Suits
Fact-checkers around the world are constantly facing legal threats as a result of their work. In the U.S., some have faced libel suits. Although defamation law varies from state to state, libel generally occurs when a false and defamatory statement about an...
Announcement: Refresh of the Fact-Checkers Legal Support Initiative (FLSI) Visual Identity
Today, we are launching a brand refresh for the Fact-Checkers Legal Support Initiative (FLSI). Fact-checking work has played a vital role in the Covid-19 pandemic, tackling online disinformation and helping debunk untruths. During last month’s U.S. presidential...
FACT-CHECKERS: SEEKING LEGAL SUPPORT AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
The Fact-Checkers Legal Support Initiative (FLSI) provides legal defence to fact-checkers. We connect fact-checkers with pro bono lawyers, pay legal fees, provide support to lawyers and produce guides on relevant legal and non-legal issues. Fact-checkers are commonly...