The Verification Handbook is a practical, freely available reference for verifying user-generated content, images, and video. Published by the European Journalism Centre, it distils newsroom experience into structured methods and real case studies, making it one of the most useful starting points for anyone learning digital verification.
Why it's useful
- Structured methods for source and content verification.
- Real case studies and worked examples from breaking-news contexts.
- Honest guidance on tools and their limitations.
How to use it
Read it alongside the digital verification fundamentals guide to connect theory with a repeatable method, then practise with the reverse image search and geolocating images workflows. It pairs well with the Data Journalism Handbook for data-heavy investigations.
Access
The handbook is available free at its official source.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Verification Handbook?
The Verification Handbook is a free, practical reference from the European Journalism Centre for verifying user-generated content, images, and video. It is a standard starting point for journalists, fact-checkers, and election investigators.
Is the Verification Handbook free?
Yes. It is freely available to read online, which makes it an accessible foundation for anyone building verification skills.