Rumor Scanner, a fact-checking initiative affiliated with RSB Media & Research has become the second verified signatory in Bangladesh by International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). The International Fact-Checking Network, a unit of the Poynter Institute of Journalism has awarded this recognition to Rumor Scanner on 28th July 2021.

Fact-checking became recognised as a highly valued form of journalism when PolitiFact was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2009. The IFCN was established in 2015 to promote higher standards in fact-checking and to advocate reliability and accuracy of information across all mediums.

It has been officially nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize this year, just after 6 years of its establishment. The International Fact-Checking Network is dedicated to bringing fact-checkers around the world together.

Rumor Scanner is the second Bangladeshi organization to be recognized as the 101st active IFCN signatories around the world. After becoming a verified IFCN signatory, Rumor Scanner joins with renowned journalism powerhouses such as AP, AFP, Reuters.

Sumon Ahmed, the founder of Rumor Scanner said, "The covid-19 pandemic had its first phase in Bangladesh in the month of March. We started our journey at the same time. During the lockdown period, people started engaging more in social media platforms. False information and misinformation started spreading rapidly since people were more active in social media than ever. During the first two months of establishment, we detected 25 rumours regarding Covid-19."

 
"Since our establishment, Rumor Scanner team has identified 200 rumours and our fact-checking contents have been viewed more than 8 million times on the internet. This international recognition will encourage us to speed up our activities. A rumour-free Bangladesh can be established only by the active efforts of Rumor Scanner and other fact-checking organisations in Bangladesh," he added.