What do Unverified, Single source, Corroborated and Confirmed mean?
Verification describes the available evidence, not certainty that an event occurred. From weakest to strongest the four states are Unverified, Single source, Corroborated and Confirmed. Rules set each one from the independent origins behind a report and how much each weighs.
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The four states
- Unverified
No credible origin has reported this yet. That is usual for a fresh report; it does not mean the event did not happen.
- Single source
One origin has reported this. That is not a sign it is wrong; nobody else has reported it yet.
- Corroborated
Two or more independent origins report the same event. That is agreement between reports, not proof of every detail.
- Confirmed
Independent origins agree and an official record, a neutral body or an admission against interest backs it. That is strong evidence, not certainty; it can still change.
Two more words
- Disputed
Sources contradict each other about whether it happened, where, or what it was. That does not make it false, and it does not mean either side is right.
- Debunked
The reports point to this being false or misattributed, so it is kept for the record. It is a judgement from the available evidence and can be revised.
How a state is set
Rules set it from the number of independent origins and any official confirmation. A credible origin is an official, wire, established or OSINT source. For example, one wire report is Single source, two independent OSINT accounts are Corroborated, and two partisan channels from one side stay Unverified. An automated review can lower a state (that is what marks an event Disputed or Debunked) or add a warning; it never raises one.
Questions
Why do fresh reports say Unverified?
Most reports start there: no credible or independent source has carried them yet. A state moves up as independent origins agree and down when sources contradict each other. Changes are listed on Corrections and audit log.
What counts as an independent origin?
The outlet or channel where a claim first appeared. Reposts, forwards and outlets relaying one wire story or one party's statement count as one origin.
Are casualty figures verified?
No. A casualty figure is always shown as reported by someone, never as verified.
How to read the conflict mapSiren alert or confirmed strike?How sources are weighedMethodology
Unofficial, built from public posts; verify before acting.