How Do You Fact-Check an AI Response?

Identify checkable claims, find authoritative sources, and compare the exact wording, date, and context.

Pull out the claims that matter, especially names, dates, numbers, quotes, causes, and recommendations. Verify each important claim in an authoritative original source, checking date, scope, and context.

Start with consequence and surprise. Check claims that would change a decision, seem unusually specific, or fall outside your knowledge.

Do not treat links in an AI response as proof. Open them, confirm they exist, and make sure they support the exact claim.

Check a policy claim

Weak: Accept a summary that says a rule changed this year.

Improved: Open the responsible agency's current rule page, confirm the effective date, jurisdiction, and whether the rule applies to your situation.

The original source reveals whether the summary is current and relevant.

Common mistakes