Transparency, Independence & Facts

1. About Mimikama

Mimikama is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about internet abuse. Since our founding in 2011, we have been committed to protecting internet users by exposing internet fraud, false reports, and disinformation on social media. We also actively promote media literacy to better equip people against manipulation and misinformation.

Our focus is on platforms like Facebook, X, Telegram, TikTok, and WhatsApp – central distribution points for misinformation. We answer questions, verify rumors, and specifically analyze the mechanisms behind the spread of disinformation.

Our Mission

• We expose false reports, label disinformation, point out manipulations, and offer people on social media a reliable source of information.
• We proactively protect people on social media, regardless of their age.
• In the German-speaking region, we uncover hoaxes, fake news, and false reports.
• Our work is particularly relevant in times of crisis, such as the refugee crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, or the Ukraine war.

Recognition & Awards

2. Our Fact-Check Methodology

How We Select Topics

We examine claims that meet the following criteria:

1. It is a claim circulating on the web
2. It can be judged as correct/true, false, or misleading
3. It can be assessed according to generally accessible and accepted standards of rationality
4. The claim contains concrete and verifiable facts, not merely opinions or speculative assumptions

Our Research Process

Step 1: Identification

We identify the origin of a statement and conduct a complete context analysis. We document the claim with screenshots, links, and dates.

Step 2: Source Research

We refer to as many primary sources as possible:

• Direct statements from experts, witnesses, affected persons, or authorities
• Scientific publications and research documents
• Reports from reputable, credible news agencies
• Data collected through Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) analysis

Step 3: Verification

For images and videos, we use:

• Reverse image search (Google, TinEye, Yandex)
• Metadata analysis
• Geolocation
• Comparison with archive material

Step 4: Editorial Review

• Fact-checkers must use at least two sources
• Each claim must be confirmed by at least one other person at Mimikama
• Articles are reviewed for editorial coherence before publication

Step 5: Publication

We publish our fact-check with:

• The original claim
• Our rating (with color coding)
• Detailed reasoning
• All sources used
• Date and author
• Updates when new information emerges

3. Our Rating System

Each verified claim is assigned to one of three main categories:

4. Corrections Policy

Mimikama stands for fact-based, carefully researched content. Nevertheless, errors can occur, or new information may require updates. That is why we have clear guidelines on how we handle corrections and updates.

Our Correction Principles

Corrections of Errors

When we identify factual errors in our articles, we correct them promptly and transparently:

• Minor errors (typos, grammatical mistakes): Corrected directly in the text without separate notation.
• Factual errors: Corrected with a clear note at the beginning or end of the article stating what was changed and when.
• Significant errors affecting the core message: The article is updated with a prominent correction notice.

Updates & Revisions

Facts can change. New information may emerge after publication. In such cases:

• We update articles with new findings
• Updates are clearly marked with date and description
• The original assessment may be revised if new evidence warrants it

Reader Tips & Community Feedback

We take reader feedback seriously:

• Readers can report errors via email
• Every report is reviewed by our editorial team
• If an error is confirmed, we correct it promptly
• We respond to correction requests, typically within 48 hours

5. Editorial Independence Guidelines

Mimikama is an independent fact-checking platform with the responsibility to objectively and impartially educate the public about misinformation. Our independence is the indispensable foundation of our reporting.

1. Independence from Political and Economic Interests: Mimikama is committed to not allowing any political or economic influences in its reporting. Our content is based on facts, not external interests.
2. Transparency in Research and Source Citation: Every piece of information is carefully verified and supported with clear sources. Readers can understand the basis on which our fact-checks are founded.
3. No Funding from Political Actors or Lobby Groups: Mimikama does not accept money from parties, political organizations, or lobby groups for editorial content, articles, or fact-checks.
4. Separation of Editorial and Advertising Content: Editorial content is clearly separated from advertising or sponsored posts. Advertising, when present, is always labeled as such.
5. No Dependence on Social Media Platforms: Our work is not dependent on the favor or algorithms of social networks. We use them as distribution channels but do not allow them to influence our reporting.
6. Nonpartisan Fact-Checks: Our fact-checks are conducted according to objective criteria, regardless of which political or social groups are affected.
7. Clear Labeling of Opinions: Opinion pieces or commentaries are clearly identifiable as such and are separated from fact-checks.
8. Regular Quality Controls: Our working methods are regularly reviewed to ensure the highest journalistic standards.
9. Correction Mechanisms for Errors: Should errors occur, they are transparently corrected. Readers can point out errors to us.
10. Protection Against Disinformation Campaigns: Mimikama resists any pressure from interest groups seeking to influence our reporting. Attempts at manipulation are disclosed.

6. Our Team

Mimikama is carried by a dedicated team, divided into two core areas: Online Editorial and Education.

Online Editorial

Responsible for: Fact-checks, research, articles, user inquiries

Education & Media

Responsible for: Workshops, lectures, press work, media appearances

7. Funding & Transparency

Mimikama has always fulfilled its mission as an association without subsidies from ministries or foundations. Funding has been provided since 2011 through small donations and supporters from internet users, including through platforms like Steady.

Our Revenue Sources

• Steady memberships: Regular contributions from supporters
• Individual donations: One-time donations from private individuals
• Workshops & Lectures: Educational offerings through mimikama.education
• Webshop: Merchandise products through partner

8. Contact

Our Platforms

• Website: www.mimikama.org
• Wikikama: www.wikikama.org
• Education: www.mimikama.education

Legal Information

Legal Form: Mimikama is a registered association (§ 1 Vereinsgesetz 2002, BGBl I Nr. 66/2002, Austria)

Imprint: www.mimikama.org/impressum