What is VidCheck?

VidCheck is an open source web platform that makes video fact-checking more standardized for fact-checkers, easy to read and understand for audiences, and scalable for platforms & fact-checkers. The application can be used in cases where claims being fact-checked are part of the video such as political speeches, news content, documentaries, any other type of commentary, manipulated content etc. VidCheck is written in Go & React

How does it benefit Fact-Checkers?

Fact-checkers need to identify the timestamps (from & to) where claims are made in the video that is to be fact-checked. They enter these timelines in VidCheck and the specific claim being made at that specific time. VidCheck then enables them to write their research, fact-check for these claims. In the case of manipulated videos or out-of-context videos, fact-checkers will identify & enter the time frames used for the purpose of evidence or clues. The relevant clip or the GIF will automatically be a part of the fact-check without having to manually embed or take screenshots. We also plan to integrate all this into the original videos so that reading the fact-check becomes a seamless exercise. Claim Review schema is populated automatically for published fact checks.

How does it benefit Audience?

For the audience, this will be a completely new & refreshing experience. If it's a political speech, especially the ones made during election campaigns, the reader will be able to watch the specific clip where the claim is made, read the claim, and the fact-check, all at one place without having to go back & forth in the video. The audiences can read the fact-check claim by claim where they can watch the clip, read the fact-check in a refreshingly new UI. They don't need to watch lengthy videos just to see where the claim is made. In the case of manipulated or out-of-context videos, the audience can watch the clip where relevant evidence or clues are identified by the fact-checker. They can also watch GIFs generated with the identified evidence or clue used for fact-checking. Audience can jump to a certain claim in the video by clicking through the list of claims & also get a graphical view of all the ratings for the claims. Readers can also send URLs to the videos to fact-checkers specifying the timings of the claims they would like to fact-check. Fact-checkers will receive the submissions in their queue and can choose to publish a fact check for the same.

How does it benefit Platforms?

VidCheck solves an important problem for platforms as far as misinformation with videos is concerned. It is immensely useful for a platform like YouTube because all the information entered in VidCheck is exposed as an API which can be used to add additional context and information in the videos presented on the platform. All in all, VidCheck makes this entire process a part of the fact-checking workflow. Hence without any additional efforts, the entire ecosystem will benefit.