Fact Hub Myanmar exists to combat misinformation in the Burmese-language information environment — through rigorous fact-checking, science communication, and transparent journalism. These editorial standards define what that commitment looks like in practice: how we verify claims, how we write, what sources we trust, and where we draw the line.
Core Editorial Principles
Every claim must be verified through primary sources and conform to scientific standards before publication.
We show our work. Sources are cited properly; limitations are acknowledged openly.
No political, commercial, or ideological bias influences our editorial decisions.
We write for general audiences without sacrificing scientific rigor.
We respond quickly to viral misinformation — but never at the cost of accuracy.
We adhere to international standards for measurements, notation, and methodology.
Our Approach to Truth
How we think about what is true
- Science evolves through evidence accumulation, not absolute certainty — we reflect that in our language.
- Uncertainty should be quantified and communicated, not hidden from readers.
- Scientific consensus represents the weight of evidence — not groupthink.
- Reproducibility and peer review are foundations of reliable knowledge.
- Traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge can coexist when properly contextualized.
Writing Standards
These standards apply to all content published on Fact Hub Myanmar, including staff articles and accepted external contributions.
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Active Voice & Clear Language
Use active voice ("Researchers measured") over passive ("Measurements were taken"). Average sentences should be 15–20 words, maximum 35. Front-load key information.
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Precise Quantification
Replace vague qualifiers with data: "increased by 23%" not "increased significantly." Uncertainty language ("may," "might," "could") should be used to accurately signal what is not yet established.
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Burmese Scientific Terminology
Prioritize established Myanmar scientific terms from the Myanmar Language Commission and Myanmar Academy of Medical Science. Provide English terms in parentheses on first use for internationally standardized terms.
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Technical Term Introduction
On first use: write the full term, then provide the abbreviation or shorthand in parentheses. Use only the shortened form thereafter. All specialized vocabulary must be understandable to a general reader.
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Sensitive & Inclusive Language
Use people-first language. Avoid stigmatizing terms. Use gender-neutral language where possible. Respect ethnic and religious diversity — use community-preferred terminology and consult the Myanmar Language Commission for ethnic group naming.
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SI Units & Scientific Notation
The International System of Units (SI) is our primary measurement standard. Always include a space between value and unit (25 °C, 10 km). Never pluralize units. Use proper Unicode mathematical symbols, not ASCII substitutes.
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Statistical Reporting
Always state sample size, effect size with confidence intervals, and the statistical test used. Never report "p = 0.00" — use "p < 0.001." Distinguish statistical significance from practical significance.
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Citations (APA 7th Edition)
All factual claims must be sourced. We use the APA 7th Edition author-date system adapted for our context. In-text: (Author, Year). Reference lists follow full APA format. DOIs preferred over journal URLs.
Source Hierarchy
Not all sources carry equal weight. We apply the following hierarchy when evaluating and citing evidence:
- Peer-reviewed research in reputable journals
- Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
- Reports from WHO, CDC, IPCC, MOHS
- Government statistical agencies
- Pre-prints (peer-review pending — must be noted)
- Conference proceedings
- Technical reports from research institutions
- Credentialed subject-matter experts
- News articles (verify claims independently)
- Industry white papers (note conflicts of interest)
- Crowdsourced data (verify methodology)
- Blogs without clear expertise
- Social media posts (except as claims to fact-check)
- Sites without clear authorship or funding
Editorial Independence
Fact Hub Myanmar is a 100% volunteer-run, nonprofit organization. Our editorial decisions are made free from funder, advertiser, and political influence. The following table clarifies exactly what is and is not permitted:
Permitted
- Factual corrections from subjects before publication
- Expert review for technical accuracy (credited if used)
- Legal review for defamation or safety concerns
- Platform partnerships that do not affect editorial decisions
Prohibited
- Funder preview or approval of articles
- Advertiser pressure on coverage decisions
- Government censorship (except legal compliance)
- Subject approval of fact-check verdicts
- Payment for favorable coverage
Absolute Standards — Zero Tolerance
The following are grounds for immediate rejection and, for staff, disciplinary action
- Fabrication of sources, quotes, or data
- Plagiarism — including self-plagiarism without attribution
- Manipulation of images beyond basic editing (crop, exposure, colour balance)
- Selective omission of evidence that would change a conclusion
- Knowingly publishing false information
- Undisclosed conflicts of interest
Harm Minimization
Before publishing sensitive content, our editorial team assesses potential harm using the following questions:
Pre-publication harm checklist
Questions about our editorial standards, or want to flag a concern? Contact our editorial team at editorial@facthubmm.org. For style guide questions, write to operations@facthubmm.org.