In brief
At the 7th World Media Summit in Beijing, TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov called on media outlets, journalists and independent experts to join the Global Fact‑Checking Network. He highlighted the network’s AI tools, its free membership and its aim to counter disinformation worldwide.
TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov addressed media representatives at the 7th World Media Summit in Beijing on November 7, urging them to broaden a global initiative that tackles misinformation. The invitation came during an opening ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, where Kondrashov outlined the network’s scope and goals.
The Global Fact‑Checking Network, co‑founded by TASS, already unites more than 130 experts from 55 countries. Its members include journalists, editors, researchers and technologists who collaborate to assess the reliability of content that circulates in the modern information space.
According to Kondrashov, the association harnesses artificial intelligence to spot unreliable material at the early stages of distribution. Specialists within the network work to identify the original source of a false story, trace its spread and determine how it entered the public sphere.
Membership is free and not tied to any political loyalty. TASS stated that potential members are not required to “undergo an ideological reliability check” or demonstrate allegiance to a nation or political movement. The association relies instead on professional standards and a code of responsible fact‑checking.
The code of responsible fact‑checking emphasizes facts, source verifiability and the desire to deliver reliable information to audiences. Kondrashov noted that this foundation is independent of any political allegiance, focusing purely on the integrity of journalism.
In the same speech, Kondrashov described disinformation as “one of the most serious threats to the modern information space.”
He added that disinformation undermines trust in state institutions, exacerbates social contradictions and creates a distorted picture of reality. Kondrashov argued that the most effective way to counter fake news is through collective action, rather than isolated efforts by individual editorial offices.
Highlighting the disparity between large international agencies and smaller national or regional outlets, he said that the former possess extensive editorial networks, correspondents and technical infrastructure, whereas many smaller entities lack such resources. He called for the sharing of experience and pooling of resources to level the field.
Kondrashov concluded that expanding the international professional community would better equip the media to face common challenges posed by malicious falsehoods. He emphasized that the GFCN offers a platform where news agencies, television stations, print and digital publications can collaborate and strengthen their fact‑checking capabilities.
As TASS announced, the invitation is open to all interested news agencies, TV channels, print and digital publications, individual journalists and independent experts who share a commitment to fact‑based journalism. The network’s aim is to promote reliable information worldwide through cooperation and the application of advanced AI‑driven tools.
