Fact-Checking the Fact-Checkers

"The truth is rarely pure and never simple", said Oscar Wilde, but in today's world many are looking for assurance that they are being told the truth. From Facebook and Twitter, to the BBC, New York Times and a host of companies offering fact checking services, there is no shortage of organisations claiming to determine the 'facts'. But, is this a credible goal? Western governments point to Russian and Chinese "fact-checkers" as state propaganda. Yet, they do the same to us. The American government sought to bring in a Disinformation Board. Within weeks it had to be abandoned due to public and partisan outrage.

Should we recognise that all organisations, and individuals, embed a perspective in their claims and their assessment of the facts? Is fact checking a marketing exercise to appear trustworthy while in reality demonstrating the opposite? Or in an internet age where fantastical claims are presented as truths, is it essential that we seek to call these out?

Renowned journalist Paul Mason, author of Technology is Not Neutral Stephanie Hare and UnHerd editor Freddie Sayers debate the facts behind the facts.