Snopes

Snopes is a fact-checking website primarily focused on debunking or validating urban legends, internet rumors, email forwards, and questionable news stories. It investigates claims across a broad range of topics, including politics, science, history, entertainment, and current events.

Founded in 1994 by David Mikkelson and his then-wife Barbara Mikkelson (who later separated), Snopes originally focused on urban legends. Over time, its scope expanded to address the increasing prevalence of misinformation and disinformation online, particularly through social media and email.

The website’s methodology involves researching the origins of a claim, consulting reputable sources, and providing a detailed analysis of the available evidence. Each fact-check typically includes a summary of the claim, an assessment of its truthfulness (e.g., True, False, Mixture, Outdated), and a comprehensive explanation supporting the conclusion.

Snopes aims to provide unbiased and objective information to help readers distinguish fact from fiction. The site's financial model has faced scrutiny at times, but it continues to be a widely recognized resource for fact-checking on the internet. It is frequently cited by news organizations and other fact-checking initiatives as a reliable source.