Sachindex (sachindex.de) is committed to accuracy and transparency in every article we publish. This Fact-Checking Policy explains how we verify information, who is responsible for the process, and how readers can report potential errors. The publication is owned and operated by Sachindex Media Ltd., a private company registered in Gibraltar (company number C 92009, Malta Business Registry). The fact-checking function is led by Christina Jung, our Ansvarig för faktagranskning (Head of Fact‑Checking).
Who is responsible for fact‑checking at Sachindex?
Christina Jung (emma.sandberg@sachindex.de, +46 8 525 030 66) leads our fact‑checking team and oversees source verification, correction procedures, and the training of editors. She reports to Chefredaktör Daniel Winter, who retains final responsibility for editorial standards. Sachindex Media Ltd. provides the organisational framework and ensures that our fact‑checking resources remain independent from commercial pressures.
Every article is reviewed by at least one editor and one fact‑checker before publication. For sensitive or high‑risk stories – such as those involving public health, criminal allegations, or financial markets – the review includes input from the Standards Lead, a senior editor appointed by the Chefredaktör. The fact‑checking team works closely with the newsroom and has the authority to delay publication until all claims are verified.
What do we verify and how?
We verify all factual claims that are central to the article’s argument, including statistics, dates, names, quotes, legal references, and statements attributed to individuals or organisations. Verification follows a documented process that prioritises primary sources: official documents, court records, government data, peer‑reviewed studies, and direct interviews with named sources. Secondary sources – such as reputable news agencies or academic databases – are used only when primary material is unavailable, and their reliability is cross‑checked.
Our editorial team maintains a source hierarchy that is published on our Sources & Standards page. That hierarchy ranks sources by credibility (e.g., official government publications at Tier 1; industry reports at Tier 2; anonymous tips at Tier 4). Fact‑checkers must assign every claim to at least a Tier 2 source; any claim that relies solely on Tier 3 or Tier 4 material is flagged for additional scrutiny and, where possible, replaced with stronger evidence before publication.
When external experts are consulted, their credentials and any potential conflicts of interest are disclosed in the article or in a separate note on our Editorial Policy page.
How do we handle rumours and unverified claims?
We do not publish rumours or unverified claims as fact. Any piece of information that cannot be confirmed by at least two independent, reliable sources is labelled clearly – for example, “this claim has not been independently verified” or “Sachindex has not been able to confirm this report”. If the story is important enough to report despite uncertainty, the article will explain the limitations of the evidence and link to our Corrections Policy so that readers understand how we will proceed if new information emerges.
Speculation from political actors or social‑media posts is attributed explicitly (e.g., “the minister said, without providing evidence, that…”) and never presented as established fact. Our fact‑checking team monitors such claims and, where appropriate, publishes a dedicated analysis or update on our Our Team page when the claim gains significant traction.
How can readers report a potential error?
Readers who believe they have identified a factual error in any Sachindex article are encouraged to contact our fact‑checking team directly at factcheck@sachindex.de. Please include the article URL, a clear description of the error, and – if possible – a link to the correct source. We aim to acknowledge every report within 24 hours and to investigate within five working days.
All reader‑submitted reports are logged and reviewed by Christina Jung or a designated deputy. If the error is confirmed, a correction is published in accordance with our Corrections Policy. Anonymous tips are accepted but given lower priority unless they are accompanied by verifiable evidence. We also accept complaints through our formal Complaints Procedure if a reader is dissatisfied with how their report was handled.
How does the Standards Lead review sensitive articles?
Articles that involve high‑stakes topics – such as criminal accusations, public‑health risks, financial market movements, or allegations against public figures – are flagged by the editor or the fact‑checker for review by the Standards Lead. The Standards Lead is a senior editor who does not otherwise work on the story, ensuring an independent assessment. That review confirms that all claims are supported by the highest‑tier sources, that any uncertainties are disclosed, and that the article’s framing does not mislead readers.
The Standards Lead may request additional source verification, a second opinion from an external expert, or a delay in publication until missing evidence is obtained. The final decision to publish remains with Chefredaktör Daniel Winter, who may overrule the Standards Lead only in exceptional circumstances, which are then documented internally.
Our commitments
- Every factual claim published by Sachindex is supported by a source that meets at least Tier 2 of our source hierarchy, with Tier 1 preferred for all critical assertions.
- All rumours and unverified claims are clearly labelled as such, and readers are directed to our corrections and fact‑checking policies for context.
- Reader reports of errors are acknowledged within 24 hours and investigated within five working days; confirmed errors are corrected promptly and transparently.
- Sensitive articles are reviewed by an independent Standards Lead before publication to ensure accuracy and fairness.
- Our fact‑checking team operates independently from commercial relationships; no advertiser or partner can influence verification decisions or delay corrections.