LEAST BIASED
These sources have minimal bias and use very few loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes). The reporting is factual and usually sourced. These are the most credible media sources. See all Least Biased Sources.
- Overall, we rate ACLED as Least Biased based on its impartial, data-driven monitoring of conflict and protests worldwide. We rate factual reporting as High due to transparency, reliability, and the absence of failed fact checks.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED (-1.8)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.0)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) was founded in 2005 by Clionadh Raleigh, a political scientist, to provide detailed, real-time data on political violence and protests worldwide. ACLED tracks thousands of conflict-related events across more than 150 countries and territories, covering battles, violence against civilians, riots, protests, and strategic developments. They are based in Washington, DC.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
ACLED is a registered nonprofit 501(c)(3) based in the United States. It receives financial support from multilateral organizations, including the United Nations Complex Risk Analytics Fund (CRAF’d).
Analysis / Bias
ACLED positions itself as an independent and impartial data provider. Its work emphasizes evidence-based conflict tracking, such as the ACLED Conflict Index, Conflict Watchlist, and Election Watch. These projects track and analyze violence trends in global conflict zones, using open-source media, NGO reports, and local partner networks.
ACLED’s focus is empirical rather than narrative, avoiding partisan framing. Reports are primarily data-driven, with graphics, maps, and statistical breakdowns of violent events. While findings can have political implications (e.g., identifying government or rebel violence), ACLED does not promote partisan conclusions. For example, its Conflict Data is openly available for research and verification.
Given its transparency, reliance on verifiable data, and consistent methodology, ACLED is rated Least Biased. The content is analytical, objective, and research-focused.
Failed Fact Checks
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None found. ACLED’s data is widely cited by governments, NGOs, academic researchers, and reputable media.
Overall, we rate ACLED as Least Biased based on its impartial, data-driven monitoring of conflict and protests worldwide. We rate factual reporting as High due to transparency, reliability, and the absence of failed fact checks. (D. Van Zandt 09/29/2025)
Source: https://acleddata.com/
Last Updated on September 29, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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