5-Level Verification, Fact-Checking & Corrections Policy
How Defence Observer verifies primary sources, cross-checks factual claims, situates strategic context, and transparently corrects errors.
The 5-Level Credibility Verification Model
Credibility is the foundational asset of Defence Observer. Every research paper, policy brief, and reference entry is governed by a five-stage verification pipeline:
- Level 1 — Source (Primary Source Identification): Tracing claims to primary official records (Ministry of Defence, Press Information Bureau, parliamentary committees, official service releases, or on-the-record interviews).
- Level 2 — Cross-Check (Independent Confirmation): Verifying numerical figures, dates, and technical designations across at least two independent documentary sources.
- Level 3 — Context (Strategic & Historical Baseline): Ensuring figures and events are presented with multi-year budgetary, doctrinal, or historical context rather than sensational isolation.
- Level 4 — Editorial Review (Senior & Domain Review): Review by the Editorial Desk and relevant domain researchers for methodological rigor and neutrality.
- Level 5 — Publication (Final Fact-Check & Legal/Security Review): Final audit for accuracy, attribution completeness, and compliance with the Sensitive Defence Reporting Policy.
Transparent Corrections Protocol
When a factual inaccuracy is identified after publication:
- Minor typographical errors are corrected promptly without altering the meaning of the text.
- Substantive factual corrections are appended with a timestamped Correction Notice explaining what was amended and why.
- Readers and institutions may submit correction requests with documentary evidence to adg@defenceobserver.in.