Workflow Used in Fatabyyano Investigations

Monitoring

Fatabyyano continuously receives and monitors claims through incoming messages on its social media accounts, emails sent via the website, and active monitoring of Arabic content circulated online. The team tracks rapidly spreading news, videos, and posts especially those gaining wide engagement or emerging during breaking events to identify claims that require fact-checking.

This monitoring relies on following social media platforms, analysing trending content, and reviewing audience reports, to enable early intervention against rumours and misinformation and to protect Arabic content from the spread of false news. The platform also encourages its audience to stay in contact and contribute by reporting suspicious claims through messages and comments.

Classification

Received items are classified according to Fatabyyano’s main categories: medical, social, scientific, political, and others, then forwarded to the next stage. This classification helps speed up verification by directing each type of content to the specialised team best equipped to handle it efficiently.

Claims are also prioritised using clear criteria based on:

• how fact-checkable the claim is,
• its potential harm to individuals and society, and
• how widely it has spread (or how likely it is to spread).

Fact-checking and Article Writing

The fact-checking process begins with a comprehensive and careful review of the claim, its details, and the context of its spread, while collecting relevant evidence and sources. Once fact-checking is complete and the claim’s accuracy is determined, the process moves to the writing stage. The responsible fact-checker drafts concise and expanded explanatory paragraphs based on the information and findings reached during the investigation.

Fatabyyano uses a multi-level verification methodology that includes a wide range of tools and techniques, including:

First: Image and Video fact-checking

The team uses advanced tools to detect misleading or fabricated images, including:

• Error Level Analysis (ELA) to detect digital alterations.
  Examples include:
  هذا التصميم المنسوب لقناة الجزيرة مفبرك، ولم تنشر الشبكة هذا الخبر حول مشاركة جنود مغاربة في الحرب في غزة
  هذه الصورة مفبركة، والصورة الأصلية لا تظهر السيستاني يضع صورة لصدام حسين على الجدار في إحدى مجالسه
• AI-generated or AI-edited content detection tools such as Reality Defender and Hive Moderation AI. When verifying AI-generated images, the team first applies critical thinking to look for visual distortions or errors, then uses AI-detection tools as supporting tools. 
  Examples include:
  هذه التصريحات المنسوبة لإيلون ماسك مفبركة باستخدام إحدى تقنيات الذكاء الاصطناعي، وتم تصميمها من مقطع قديم
  هذه الصورة مولدة بواسطة الذكاء الاصطناعي ولا تظهر جثث جنود إسرائيليين قصفهم الجيش الأمريكي عن طريق الخطأ في غزة
  هذه الصورة مولدة بواسطة نماذج الذكاء الاصطناعي، ولا تبين ظهور بايدن بالزي العسكري في اجتماع طارئ مؤخراً
• Reverse image search tools and Google search engines to identify original sources of images and information.
• AI-supported search tools to assist with investigation and analysis, such as Google AI, Claude Search, and Perplexity AI.

Important note: According to Fatabyyano’s policy (as last updated on 1 January 2026), fact-checkers are not allowed to rely on AI models or large language models (LLMs) to determine whether any claim is true, false, or misleading. These tools may only be used to support research and investigation in the same way search engines or other technical tools are used. AI outputs are not considered evidence of a claim’s truthfulness or falsity, they are used only to help locate sources, gather information, and support evidence-based verification using reliable, verifiable sources.

• Satellite imagery platforms such as Sentinel/Planet, Google Street View, or using other videos and images of the same location to match them with the claim’s video/image. Examples include:
  هذا المقطع يصور عدة مساجد في ألمانيا، وتركيا، وكازاخستان، ولا يصور افتتاح مسجد تحت الماء في السعودية
  هذه المشاهد تصور عراكًا في محافظة كركوك، ولا تظهر شابّا يضرب فتاةً في ليبيا
• Flight or vessel tracking tools when needed to confirm supporting evidence held by the fact-checking team.
  Examples include:
  هذه الصورة متداولة منذ عام 2007 لاحتراق طائرة في الكونغو، ولا تصور استهداف الجيش لطائرة إمدادات تابعة للدعم السريع مؤخرًا
  هذا الفيديو يظهر سفينة تابعة لشركة صينية وليس سفينة إسرائيلية أعلن الحوثيون اختطافها
  هذا الفيديو يظهر سفينة تابعة لشركة هيونداي وليس للسفينة “جالاكسي ليدر” التي احتجزها الحوثيون مؤخرًا في اليمن

Second: Geolocation and Time Verification

The team uses geolocation tools and satellite imagery, including Google Maps and Street View, alongside tools for matching shadows, sun direction, and timing such as SunCalc and ShadowExplorer and satellite services such as Sentinel and Planet. The team makes use of every available visual or location-based clue to reach relevant sources and confirm the authenticity of content. Examples include:
مشاهد هذا المقطع تعود إلى الصين، ولا تظهر فتح السدود في تركيا باتجاه نهر الخابور في سوريا
هذا المقطع قديم، ويعود لعرض عسكري في صنعاء في سبتمبر 2023، ولا يصور إنزال جوي يمني في الأراضي الفلسطينية مؤخرًا

Third: Source Verification, Direct Contact, and Consulting Experts

If a claim is attributed to a person or institution, the team seeks to contact them directly to confirm the information or obtain an official comment. Any clarifications provided are included in the article to ensure the audience receives the full picture.

When dealing with videos, the team always aims to reach the original version and verify whether it conveys the same message being circulated. When possible, they also try to contact individuals appearing in the video for direct comment.

Fatabyyano bases its conclusions on multiple reliable sources and avoids relying on a single source especially if it is weak or unconfirmed. Identifying the primary, original source is a core step in the methodology, strengthening credibility and ensuring accurate information for the public.

All sources used are attached in a dedicated section at the end of the article. The article is written in a way that explains the steps taken to reach the truth, allowing readers to understand the investigation process and retrace the steps, within full transparency and audience engagement.

In scientific and medical cases, the team consults specialists and experts due to the sensitivity of these topics and their direct impact on the public, ensuring accuracy and responsible communication. For claims related to institutions or official bodies, the team relies on official statements and sources, while also seeking direct contact with relevant authorities or decision-makers to confirm or deny the information.

If a claim is attributed to, or relates to, a person or institution, Fatabyyano contacts them directly to clarify the truth and include their comment clearly in the article and in the designed visual used across social media platforms. The platform also communicates with colleagues in the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) when helpful, to strengthen verification and gain broader context and higher accuracy regarding sources or events under investigation.

Example of contacting Deutsche Welle
هذا المقطع يصور مسيرة لجماهير نادي هامبورغ لكرة القدم باتجاه ملعب الفريق لحضور مباراة فريقها في الدوري الألماني، ولا يصور مظاهرات في ألمانيا مطالبة بطرد اللاجئين العرب

Example of contacting the Qatari government
لا، لم تعفي دولة قطر مواطني الجزائر من تأشيرة الدخول لأراضيها

Example of contacting the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
لا صحة لخبر إتاحة الحكومة السعودية فرص مجانية للحج والعمرة، ولم يصدر ولي العهد السعودي أي قرار يفيد ذلك

Example of contacting the Syrian Civil Defence
هذا المقطع قديم، ويعود لحرق مركز سيريتل في اللاذقية عام 2011، ولا يصور حرق المركز مؤخرًا بعد رفع أسعار باقات الإنترنت

Example of contacting Turkey’s Teyit
هذا المقطع قديم، ولا يصور شحنة آليات عسكرية تركية متجهة إلى سوريا مؤخرّا، بل يعود لعملية شحن مدرعات تركية إلى أوروبا عبر خط مرمراي في يونيو 2025

Example of contacting Japan’s Litmus
هذا المقطع يصور مظاهرة ضد سياسة الهجرة في اليابان عام 2023، وليس مسيرة مناهضة للمسلمين

Example of contacting Brazilian platform Luba
هذا المقطع يصور جريمة قتل في البرازيل، ولا يصور قتل عامل سوري في تركيا أو جريمة قتل في العراق

Fatabyyano also consults specialists especially for scientific claims due to their sensitivity and to ensure accuracy in the response section, while keeping the explanation clear for everyone. Example:

أطباء إيطاليا يفجرون المفاجأة، ويتهمون منظمة الصحة العالمية باعتماد الخديعة في التعاطي مع كورونا – زائف
هذا المقطع يصور أنثى دبور تجلب فريسة وليس لأنثى دبور تدفن زوجها

Fourth: Archiving and Tracking

The team archives the main claim and all key sources (including sources that may later be deleted or edited) using digital archiving services such as Perma.cc, Ghostarchive, and Archive Today, to preserve original materials and prevent loss. The Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine is also used to gather as much related information as possible, including archived versions and content that may have been removed or changed over time.

The team verifies all related images and videos and does not rely on a single sample. Special attention is given to the context in which the claim spreads particularly in trend-driven or global-event cases by tracking developments, analysing why the claim spread, and explaining background and updates to the audience. Example:
الادعاء بأن الاتحاد الياباني للأمراض يوصي بشرب الماء الساخن للشفاء من الأمراض هو ادعاء غير صحيح
هذه الصورة ليست لعملاق في قندهار، وإنما مصممة بالذكاء الاصطناعي
مشاهد هذا المقطع مولدة باستخدام أحد برامج الذكاء الصناعي، ولا يصور تخلص إحدى السفن السياحية من مخلفاتها في مياه المحيط

Fifth: Accuracy in Quoting and Covering All Aspects

When quoting official statements or attributed remarks, they are moved without alteration and placed within quotation marks to ensure maximum objectivity, accuracy, and credibility. The team also ensures all relevant aspects of the claim are covered without missing any element that affects understanding.

Double Fact-checking (Review)

After drafting, another fact-checker reviews the work and provides notes to improve the report and correct any errors. Review is a crucial stage to ensure high precision and present the report in the best possible form.

Fatabyyano applies multiple layers of review before publishing any fact-checking article, ensuring consistent, high standards of evidence-based reasoning especially when handling similar claims. The core process depends primarily on double fact-checking, which is a cornerstone of the platform’s work. Fatabyyano has never relied on a single fact-checker for any claim, even if it appears simple every fact-check is reviewed by at least two fact-checkers.

This independent review system conducted by independent fact-checkers helps ensure accurate and reliable publications with strict quality control. In addition, the team consults experts in certain cases, as noted above, to further confirm the accuracy of information shared on the website or social media.

All team members participate through the team’s working group, and everyone is encouraged to point out errors or weaknesses. All notes are considered, as nothing is published until the team confirms there are no flaws and that the fact-checking is sound and supported by sufficient sources. The platform treats its mission with full seriousness.

Proofreading

This step is highly important due to the precision of the Arabic language and the need to refine language gaps after translating information from foreign sources, ensuring faithful, accurate transfer of information. The team ensures the final draft is linguistically correct and does not unintentionally convey incorrect or misleading information. The Editor-in-Chief reviews the final draft, and it may also be shared with the wider team to flag any issues.

When needed, the team may consult an expert to confirm the wording is correct, welcomes feedback, and incorporates it into the final version. Review does not stop after publication the team monitors published material, responds to audience enquiries, and ensures the correct message reaches followers by engaging in comments. Accordingly, published materials may be updated to ensure they remain accurate and do not cause misinformation.

For scientific information, materials are updated in line with the latest research developments, as evidence evolves over time and may conflict with or strengthen earlier sources. The platform ensures this is presented clearly on the website and republishes updates.

Graphic Design

After completing the above steps, the final investigation draft and screenshots showing how the false claim spread are sent to a graphic designer. All posts are designed using a consistent template that includes the team’s logo, as seen across Fatabyyano’s Facebook posts.

Publishing

Findings are published across all social media accounts and on the website. Fatabyyano started on Facebook, then expanded to other platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and WhatsApp Channel. The goal is to reach all Arabic-speaking internet users. The team works hard to ensure a clear and reliable methodology for that reason, the platform has recently started linking suspicious content sources within the “Rumours” section on the website.

Audience Engagement (Feedback)

As a final step, the team follows up on posts and engages with the audience through comments, and also receives complaints and enquiries through page messages and the website.