Editor, Community at The GuardianA definitive guide to verifying digital content for emergency coverage

Core values

- **Verification in Crisis Situations**: The handbook provides essential guidelines for verifying user-generated content during emergencies, which can be life-saving and crucial for accurate reporting and relief efforts[1][5].
- **Combatting Misinformation**: It offers tools and techniques to distinguish real from fake information, a critical skill in the age of social media and viral news, helping to reduce the spread of misinformation and its harmful effects[1][3].
- **Promoting News Literacy**: The handbook cultivates a mindset of skepticism and questioning, which is essential for news literacy and critical thinking in the general public[1].
- **Global Collaboration**: It involves a global effort with contributions from leading organizations, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive approach to verification, which can enhance the quality of information globally[1].
- **Ethical and Accurate Reporting**: The handbook helps journalists and other stakeholders maintain ethical standards in reporting, which is vital for public trust and democratic engagement[5].