PolitiFact Launches Health Fact-Checking Service

PolitiFact and the Poynter Institute launched Well Informed, a new service providing reliable health information to consumers and news organizations. Recognizing increasing misinformation on social media, Well Informed will deliver credible, science-backed reporting through engaging videos and articles. The service aims to reach audiences beyond traditional political news consumers, focusing on everyday health decisions.

News organizations can currently publish Well Informed content at no charge, with plans to eventually offer a paid newsletter for healthcare providers seeking patient resources. PolitiFact built Well Informed on its existing fact-checking expertise, but adapted the presentation for a broader audience interested in personal wellness. The initiative responds to data showing people who frequently get health advice on social media are more likely to believe false claims.

The project will address topics ranging from vitamin recommendations to emerging health trends, and aims to provide clarity amid a confusing landscape of online health information.