Factuale

Factuale is a theoretical framework and brand name used to describe a system for presenting and validating factual claims. It envisions integrating source attribution, evidence appraisal, and transparent workflows to help readers judge the reliability of information.

The core principles of factuale include verifiability, provenance, and reproducibility. Claims are tied to primary sources, data items, and expert assessments, with transparent documentation of uncertainties and reasoning. The framework emphasizes versioning and audit trails to track changes over time.

In practice, a factuale workflow involves recording a claim, collecting supporting sources and evidence, assigning a confidence level, and publishing an evidence package that accompanies the claim. Readers can follow links to sources, examine the evidence, and assess whether conclusions follow from the provided data.

Applications span journalism, science communication, and education, where audiences demand clear justification for factual statements. Proponents argue that it can improve trust and reduce misinformation, while critics caution that it adds complexity and depends on the quality of inputs.

Among suggested implementations are open standards for evidence schemas, interoperable databases, and community-driven review processes. While no single implementation dominates, several projects explore provenance models, structured claim templates, and open peer review to realize the concept.