Not sure whether a social media post or news story about the 2024 presidential and vice-presidential candidates is true?
Using critical thinking and media literacy skills can help you decide how much to trust a source. However, professional fact checkers can help you draw more informed conclusions with background information, research, and context.
But as AllSides.com points out, “There’s no such thing as unbiased news,” and that also applies to fact-checking websites. In fact, everyone is biased—even you.
AllSides, a public benefit corporation, believes it’s “hidden media bias”—as opposed to when a media outlet states their political viewpoint—that “misleads, manipulates, and divides us.”
AllSides rates the political bias of popular news media and fact-checking websites so that you can better understand their perspectives. Plus, reading from across the political spectrum helps prevent getting stuck in an information silo, where you hear only one side of an issue.
The following fact-checking websites have been rated by AllSides.com as having a center bias.
The Dispatch Fact Check
AllSides rates The Dispatch political news with a lean-right bias but rates their fact-checking division with a center bias.
A member of the International Fact-Checking Network, The Dispatch partners with Meta “to review and rate the accuracy of stories through original reporting.”
The site’s newest articles fact-check viral social media posts, mostly about the upcoming election.
Newsweek Fact Check
AllSides rates both Newsweek’s political news and fact checks with a center bias. Recent articles fact-checked campaign videos, candidate statements, and social media posts, mostly about the upcoming election.
Articles describe the source; break down the claim; explain the facts; and present the ruling alongside a visual that rates the statements from false to true.
Poynter Fact-Checking
AllSides gives both Poynter’s political news and fact checks center bias ratings. Poynter is a nonprofit that trains journalists, supports fact checkers through the International Fact-Checking Network, and more.
Most of the recent articles published on their fact-checking site address social media posts about politics and political candidates. They are often credited to PolitiFact, which Poynter publishes and which AllSides rates with a lean-left bias.
Reuters Fact Check
AllSides rates both Reuters’ political news and fact checks with a center bias. This Meta partner and member of the International Fact-Checking Network aims “to fact-check visual material and claims posted on social media.”
Recent articles fact-check posts about political candidates, celebrities, and world news items. The articles offer verdicts after describing the original post and presenting evidence.