1. Claim decomposition

Split viral posts into atomic claims (who, where, when, what). Verify each independently.

2. Source-first ordering

1. Find earliest credible publication (reverse image / keyframe).
2. Compare full context vs. crop.
3. Only then use metadata or detectors as supporting signals.

3. Multi-signal corroboration

Combine landmarks, language on signs, weather, shadows, and independent witnesses when available. No single signal is usually enough for high-stakes conclusions.

4. Archival minimum

URL, capture time, tool, hash (when feasible). Note paywall or geo-block limitations.

5. Publication ethics

Label synthetic or uncertain clearly. Avoid identifying private individuals from images unless strong public-interest test is met.

Related skills

media-verification-specialist, geolocation-verification-specialist