Vetvete

Vetvete is a term used in discussions of information verification to describe a two-layer or enhanced vetting process applied to content before publication. The concept extends standard vetting by requiring an additional round of evaluation, often including independent source corroboration or cross-checking across multiple datasets. In practice, vetvete is not tied to a single industry; it appears in journalism, public administration, and academic research discussions as a general approach to improve reliability and traceability of information.

Etymology and usage: The word appears to be a neologism formed from "vet" and a reduplicated element "vete" to emphasize thoroughness. Its precise origin is unclear, and it has largely circulated in online discussions and professional forums rather than in formal standards. Because of its flexible meaning, different organizations may apply vetvete to different stages of the verification workflow, from initial sourcing to final corroboration.

Typical workflow: An implementation of vetvete may involve (1) explicit statement of verification criteria, (2) internal checks by editors or analysts, (3) external verification from independent sources or data sets, and (4) documentation of evidence and sources. In newsroom contexts, it aims to reduce errors and bias; in policy or corporate settings, it supports accountability and risk management.

Reception: Advocates describe vetvete as a practical heuristic that fosters transparency and reliability. Critics argue that without clear definitions, it can become a buzzword or add ambiguity to existing vetting processes. As a result, many organizations prefer to specify their verification standards and procedures rather than rely on the term alone.