SoK: Formal Methods for Fact-Checking and Information Integrity

The research highlights a critical gap in automated fact-checking systems: the absence of formal warrants detailing the evidence and methodology behind a truth verdict. Current systems primarily provide a 'true' or 'false' label without transparent justification. The paper argues that formal methods can produce the necessary auditable evidence, a requirement increasingly mandated by regulations such as the Digital Services Act and AI Act, to ensure information integrity.

The development and implementation of auditable, transparent fact-checking mechanisms are becoming crucial for maintaining information integrity across digital platforms. This directly impacts public trust, regulatory compliance, and the responsible deployment of AI-driven systems. Organisations must anticipate and address these requirements to mitigate risks associated with misinformation and regulatory penalties.

Automated fact-checking systems typically output only a 'true' or 'false' label.

Forward consideration, not a verified fact.