Fact-Checking Beyond the Internet: A Guide to Verifying Information Offline

Fake changing to fact with wooden cubes. ( 3d render )

In today’s heavily dominated digital realm, fact-checking often revolves around online tools, search engines, and digital archives. However, not all misinformation or questionable claims can be verified with a simple Google search. Some narratives require offline verification methods, traditional yet powerful techniques that journalists, researchers, and fact-checkers have relied on for long. Here’s how you can fact-check beyond the internet and ensure accuracy in an increasingly complex information ecosystem.

Edgar Karuhanga, a Fact Checker with Debunk Media Initiative shares tips on how to verify information beyond internet sources

The Debunk · Tips on how to fact check and verify information beyond the internet.

1. Consult Experts and Firsthand Sources

Not all truths are stored in databases or websites. If you encounter a claim that needs verification, speaking directly to experts in the field can provide clarity. Scholars, industry professionals, and eyewitnesses often have firsthand knowledge that is more reliable than an online rumor. Whether it’s a medical claim, historical event, or legal issue, reaching out to a credible expert can provide nuanced insights that the internet might lack.

2. Verify with Official Records and Documents

Many critical pieces of information such as court rulings, birth certificates, business registrations, and land titles are not always accessible online. A visit to a government office, library, or relevant institution can help you verify facts that may be misrepresented or unavailable digitally. When investigating public figures, for instance, electoral commission records or parliamentary proceedings can provide verifiable data.

3. Cross-Check with Print Media Archives

While the internet houses vast amounts of information, some of the most credible archives still reside in print. Libraries, newspaper archives, and specialized journals offer historical records that may not be digitized. When verifying older events or tracing the evolution of a narrative, consulting these sources can provide a broader perspective that online sources might not capture.

4. Use Field Verification for Location-Based Claims

If a claim revolves around a specific location such as a protest, infrastructure project, or natural disaster, it’s best to visit the site when possible. Physical verification allows for firsthand observation, interviews with local residents, and assessment of the context that may not be evident through digital sources. In cases where travel isn’t feasible, connecting with people in that location through phone calls or verified contacts can also provide clarity.

5. Corroborate Information Through Multiple Independent Sources

One golden rule in fact-checking is never to rely on a single source. Whether online or offline, verifying a claim through multiple independent and credible sources strengthens accuracy. If three unrelated sources confirm the same detail, the claim is more likely to be valid. If sources contradict each other, it warrants deeper investigation.

6. Pay Attention to Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues in Interviews

Fact-checking extends to assessing the credibility of individuals providing information. When conducting in-person interviews, consider not just what the person says, but also their consistency, body language, and potential biases. Cross-referencing their statements with documented facts can help detect inconsistencies or misinformation.

Tumwine Edward

Edward Tumwine is a Digital Communications Consultant, Lecturer, and Media Viability Expert with over nine years of experience in media relations, content strategy, and digital communications. He has advised organizations and journalists on media sustainability, new media skills, and leveraging digital tools for impact. Edward currently serves as the Communications Officer at Debunk Media Initiative, where he leads strategic communications to combat misinformation. He also lectures in Multimedia Production at Uganda Christian University’s School of Journalism and Communication.