How we verify and publish

A report is not a fact, an accusation or a finding of guilt. These labels tell you exactly how much has been established, and by whom.

Verification labels

Label	Means	Does not mean
Unreviewed	Received but not yet assessed by a reviewer.	That the information is true, authentic or endorsed.
Under review	A reviewer is assessing sources or seeking clarification.	That any allegation is proven.
Reported / alleged	A claim has been made by an identifiable source but not independently established.	That the claim is true or that anyone is guilty.
Corroborated	One or more specific details are supported by an independent source.	That every claim in the case is verified.
Officially stated	An identifiable public authority has made this statement.	Independent proof — it is attributed, not confirmed by us.
Verified for publication	Our published editorial standard is met for this specific statement.	A court finding, official determination or criminal guilt.
Formally established	A competent process or official record has established this specific finding.	Anything beyond the exact scope of that record.
Disputed	A material claim is challenged on an identifiable basis.	That either side is automatically right.
Insufficient evidence	Current evidence does not support publishing this as fact.	That the report was false or malicious.
Corrected	A published error or omission was corrected; the notice remains visible.	That the rest of the content is invalid.

Triage for urgency — while directing anyone in danger to official emergency channels.
Check completeness, duplicates and whether the report is in scope.
Scan and quarantine files. Originals are never altered; public images are redacted copies.
Separate first-hand observation, hearsay and interpretation.
Review personal data, exact locations, graphic content and legal risk.
Seek corroboration and, where a claim is adverse to someone, offer a right of reply.
Publish only after independent approval — two reviewers, including legal review, for high-risk cases.
Keep corrections visible. We never silently rewrite history.

Reports received: Submissions received in the last 12 months, excluding spam. Includes duplicates and reports that did not become cases.
Cases published: Case pages first published in the last 12 months. One case may combine several reports.
Response rate: Responses received ÷ requests with confirmed delivery. Undelivered requests are excluded and shown separately.
Small numbers: Counts below 3 are shown as “<3” so individuals and sensitive sites cannot be identified.