In brief
At the 7th World Media Summit in Beijing, TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov urged news organizations and independent experts to become members of the Global Fact‑Checking Network, a forum that already gathers 130 professionals from 55 countries. The network uses artificial intelligence to detect and trace disinformation and promises free, politically neutral participation. Kondrashov warned that fake news threatens public trust in state institutions and highlighted the need for shared resources to counter the threat.
During the opening ceremony of the 7th World Media Summit at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov called on news agencies, radio and television stations, print and online publications, as well as individual journalists and independent experts to join the Global Fact‑Checking Network (GFCN). TASS, a co‑founder of the organization, emphasized that membership is free and not bound by any political loyalty.
The Global Fact‑Checking Network currently unites more than 130 professionals from 55 countries, according to Kondrashov. The network’s stated purpose is to use technology—including artificial intelligence tools—to spot unreliable materials at the earliest stages of their dissemination. Experts within the organization also work to trace the origin of fabricated stories, map their distribution paths, and determine how they entered the public information space.
"I would like to take this opportunity to invite all interested news agencies, TV channels, print and digital publications, as well as individual journalists and independent experts, to join our association," Kondrashov said, a statement that hand‑holds the invitation. He clarified that, unlike some other initiatives, the GFCN does not require potential members to undergo an ideological reliability check or demonstrate loyalty to any country or political movement.
Emphasizing “respect for facts, verifiability of sources, and the desire to convey reliable information to the audience,” Kondrashov described disinformation as one of the most serious threats to the modern information space. He warned that fake news erodes trust in state institutions, stokes social contradictions, and presents a deliberately distorted version of events.
In describing the role of the GFCN, Kondrashov noted that the capacity of individual media outlets to combat misinformation varies widely. Large international agencies often possess multiple editorial offices, correspondent networks, archives and advanced technical infrastructure. In contrast, smaller regional or national outlets may lack the resources to perform similar checks independently. “We are convinced that countering fake news should not be just an internal matter for individual editorial offices,” he said. “This is an area where the exchange of experience and the pooling of resources are especially important.”
The network’s free membership model is designed to lower the barrier for participation, allowing journalists and experts from a broad range of countries—including those with limited financial means—to access advanced tools and a global peer network. Kondrashov highlighted that the GFCN operates under a Code of Responsible Fact Checking, adhering to professional standards rather than political declarations.
By inviting a diverse set of participants, the GFCN seeks to strengthen the capacity of the global media to verify information and report accurately. The emphasis on collaborative work is intended to produce a more resilient information environment, where verification processes can be shared and best practices disseminated across national borders.
Overall, TASS’s call to join the Global Fact‑Checking Network reflects a broader push to confront misinformation that can undermine public institutions, destabilize societies, and distort democratic decision‑making. The invitation represents an effort to build an inclusive, technology‑enabled community that prioritizes verified journalism over politically motivated narratives.
