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| Corrections Policy explaining how 21st Century Verified identifies, reviews and corrects significant factual errors. |
At 21st Century Verified, we are committed to accuracy, transparency and responsible journalism.
We recognize that mistakes can happen, particularly when reporting breaking or rapidly developing news. When we identify a significant factual error, we take reasonable steps to correct it and ensure that readers are not left with materially inaccurate information.
1. Our Commitment to Accuracy
We make reasonable efforts to verify information before publication.
This includes checking important details such as:
- Names and identities
- Dates
- Locations
- Numbers and statistics
- Quotes
- Official statements
- Significant claims
- Events and timelines
However, information can change, new evidence can emerge, and errors can occasionally occur.
When a significant error is identified, we aim to address it promptly.
2. What Qualifies as a Correction?
A correction may be appropriate when an article contains a material factual error that could mislead readers.
Examples include an incorrect:
- Name
- Date
- Location
- Statistic
- Number
- Quote
- Identification of an individual or organization
- Description of a significant event
- Statement presented as fact that is subsequently established to be inaccurate
The appropriate response depends on the nature and significance of the error.
3. Corrections vs. Updates
Not every change to an article is a correction.
Correction
A correction addresses information that was incorrect when published.
Update
An update adds new, verified information or reflects developments that occurred after the original publication.
For example, if a developing conflict changes after an article is published, adding the latest verified development is generally an update rather than a correction.
Where appropriate, we may use both a correction and an update.
4. Minor Errors
Minor spelling, grammar, punctuation or formatting errors that do not materially affect the meaning of an article may be corrected without a formal correction notice.
This allows us to maintain readability and accuracy without unnecessarily distracting readers from the substance of a story.
5. Significant Corrections
When a significant factual error is identified, we may:
- Correct the relevant information in the article
- Add a correction note where appropriate
- Update the article's information
- Clarify misleading wording
- Remove unsupported information
- Correct headlines or summaries when necessary
Our response depends on the seriousness and nature of the error.
6. Corrections to Headlines
Headlines are an important part of a news story.
If a headline materially misrepresents the article or contains a significant factual error, we may correct the headline as well as the article itself.
We do not believe that search optimization or attracting clicks should take priority over accuracy.
7. Corrections to Images and Captions
If an image, image caption, label or attribution is found to be materially inaccurate or misleading, we may:
- Replace the image
- Correct the caption
- Correct the image attribution
- Add clarification
- Remove the image where necessary
Visual accuracy is an important part of responsible reporting.
8. Reader Correction Requests
Readers are encouraged to report potential errors.
If you believe an article contains inaccurate information, please contact us with:
- The article title
- The article URL, if available
- The specific statement you believe is incorrect
- An explanation of the problem
- Supporting evidence or a credible source, where available
Please send correction requests to:
21stcenturyverified@gmail.com
Using “Correction Request” as the subject line can help us identify the purpose of the message quickly.
9. How We Review Correction Requests
A correction request does not automatically mean that an article is incorrect.
We review the information provided and, where appropriate, compare it with:
- Primary sources
- Official documents
- Court records
- Government statements
- Credible reporting
- Research and other reliable evidence
If the available evidence supports the correction, we will make the appropriate change.
10. Disputed Information
Some news stories contain information that cannot be conclusively established at the time of publication.
In such cases, we may attribute the information to its source and explain that it remains disputed or unverified.
A disagreement with an article's interpretation or opinion is not necessarily a factual error.
However, we take credible evidence of factual inaccuracies seriously.
11. Developing News
Breaking news presents special challenges because information can change rapidly.
An initial report may be based on limited information that later becomes clearer.
When reliable new information contradicts an earlier factual statement, we may update or correct the article as appropriate.
We aim to avoid silently changing significant factual information in a way that could prevent readers from understanding what happened.
12. Corrections and Archived Content
Where technically and editorially appropriate, corrections may also be reflected in archived versions, summaries, search descriptions or other associated content.
Older copies of an article may continue to exist elsewhere on the internet, including through third-party services, caches or social media.
We cannot control copies maintained by external services.
13. Transparency
Our goal is not to appear infallible.
Trustworthy journalism requires acknowledging mistakes when they occur.
We believe transparent corrections are preferable to leaving readers with inaccurate information.
14. No Retaliation for Good-Faith Corrections
We welcome good-faith feedback from readers, sources and organizations that identify potential factual errors.
A correction request should be based on factual information rather than an attempt to suppress accurate reporting simply because someone disagrees with it.
15. Editorial Independence
Correction decisions are based on the available evidence and our editorial standards.
Advertising relationships, commercial interests, political pressure or other external considerations should not determine whether a legitimate factual correction is made.
16. Contact Us
To report a potential factual error or request a correction, contact:
21stcenturyverified@gmail.com
Please include the article title, the specific information in question and supporting evidence where available.
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Our Corrections Promise
We verify.
We listen.
We investigate credible concerns.
We correct significant errors.
We distinguish corrections from ordinary updates.
We believe transparency strengthens trust.
At 21st Century Verified, accuracy is an ongoing responsibility—not something that ends when an article is published.