comprova

Comprova is a Brazilian collaborative fact-checking initiative created to verify information circulating online and to combat misinformation, particularly in the political arena. It was launched in 2014 during the Brazilian presidential elections as a coalition of major media outlets and journalism organizations that coordinated rapid verification of claims spreading on social media and messaging platforms.

The project operates by collecting claims reported or circulated online and assigning verification to a team of journalists who check statements against official records, public data, and credible sources. Each check presents a concise verdict—such as true, false, or misleading—and includes a clear explanation and links to the evidence. Comprova emphasizes transparency in its methodology and sources and issues corrections if new information arises.

Participants and reach: Comprova brings together a network of participating outlets across Brazil that share content through a centralized portal and distribution channels. The initiative aims to standardize fact-checking practices, increase visibility of verified information, and encourage media literacy among the public.

Impact and legacy: Comprova is regarded as a pioneering model of cross-outlet fact-checking in Brazil and has influenced subsequent efforts in digital verification and journalism ethics. The project contributed to shaping the country’s approach to misinformation, particularly in high-stakes political moments, and provided a framework that other initiatives have emulated.