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 Factnameh Least Biased based on its transparent methodology, nonpartisan framework, and focus on evidence-based fact-checking. We rate it High for factual reporting due to its reliance on documented data, publicly available methodology, correction policy, and IFCN Code of Principles adherence.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEAST BIASED (-1.8)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (0.5)
Country: Canada
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: EXCELLENT
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Factnameh was launched in 2017 by ASL19, a private company registered in Toronto, Canada. According to its About page, it operates as an independent, nonpartisan fact-checking organization focused on countering misinformation and disinformation related to Iran. The outlet produces over 200 fact-checks annually and has expanded into multimedia formats to reach audiences facing heavy censorship inside Iran.
Factnameh has been an official signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) Code of Principles since September 2023, as verified on its IFCN profile page. Its editorial standards and methodology are publicly outlined in its Principles page.
Read our profile on Canadian media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
Factnameh was founded by ASL19 (Toronto, Canada) and operates as a nonprofit fact-checking initiative. It publishes fact-checks both on its main website and through its Substack platform at Factnameh Substack. The organization publicly states that funders do not influence editorial decisions.
Analysis / Bias
Factnameh focuses primarily on fact-checking claims made by Iranian officials, state media, and viral social media content. Given Iran’s restricted press environment, its reporting often scrutinizes government narratives; however, its methodology emphasizes documentation, primary data, and transparent sourcing.
In Who Had Access to the Internet During the Shutdown?, Factnameh conducts a data-driven analysis of Telegram channel activity during Iran’s January 2026 internet blackout. The article relies on quantitative data, GitHub-hosted datasets, and methodological transparency rather than rhetorical framing.
Similarly, in Why Claims About “Protesters Attacking Mosques” in Iran Are Misleading, the outlet contextualizes government claims using documented Basij activity, prior investigative reporting, and statistical comparisons. The language remains analytical throughout.
Factnameh clearly discloses limitations when independent verification is not possible due to censorship. Its published rating system (True, Almost True, Misleading, No Data, False, Outrageous) is publicly defined and consistently applied.
No loaded or partisan rhetoric was observed in the reviewed materials. The outlet critiques Iranian state institutions, but within a fact-checking framework grounded in documentation and open methodology.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years. Factnameh is itself an IFCN signatory.
Overall, we rate Factnameh Least Biased based on its transparent methodology, nonpartisan framework, and focus on evidence-based fact-checking. We rate it High for factual reporting due to its reliance on documented data, publicly available methodology, correction policy, and IFCN Code of Principles adherence. (D. Van Zandt 02/17/2026)
Source: https://factnameh.com/
Last Updated on February 17, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check
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