Source labeled journalism - an editorial service using blockchain technology for fact checking

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project was to explore if blockchain technology can be used in a newly developed digital tool for factchecking. We wanted to develop and evaluate how digital media content can be traced with the help of blockchain technology. After having developed, tested and evaluated such a solution, we draw the conclusion that blockchain technology is not ready for this type of factchecking services, but needs to be developed further. The technology itself is not mature enough to work well for these kinds of services.

Expected effects and result

There are some important conclusions that can be drawn from this project, for example that the technology is still in its development phase, and it will take time for it to mature. The technical side is very complex and it changes constantly. Blockchain technology does not have viability among the public yet. The term “blockchain” does not send good vibes, as it reminds people of bitcoin. However, the end result might be useful, as it could create an ecosystem with new technologies that help verify and trace facts to its origin.

Planned approach and implementation

All in all, this has been a successful project. We built a prototype of a functional tool which we tested. We evaluated the process and came to interesting and relevant conclusions. Theoretically, blockchain technology could work for fact-checking within journalism, but not yet in practice, for the different reasons described above. We have come a step on the way in this process by developing a possible case and let practitioners evaluate it. The learning outcomes of this developmental work are thus valuable in further research and projects to come.

External links

Presentation av projektet. Demo-visning av prototypen. Introduktion till prototypen.