Computational Fact Checking from Knowledge Networks

Jun 19, 2015 | Blog, Publications, WSTNet Lab

Traditional fact checking by expert journalists cannot keep up with the enormous volume of information that is now generated online. Computational fact checking may significantly enhance our ability to evaluate the veracity of dubious information. Here we show that the complexities of human fact checking can be approximated quite well by finding the shortest path between concept nodes under properly defined semantic proximity metrics on knowledge graphs. Framed as a network problem this approach is feasible with efficient computational techniques. We evaluate this approach by examining tens of thousands of claims related to history, entertainment, geography, and biographical information using a public knowledge graph extracted from Wikipedia. Statements independently known to be true consistently receive higher support via our method than do false ones. These findings represent a significant step toward scalable computational fact-checking methods that may one day mitigate the spread of harmful misinformation.

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Papers Introducing The Web Observatory

Aug 1, 2013 | Publications, Web Observatory

New Web Observatory Publications are available which introduce the Web Observatory

The Web Science Observatory

Authors: Thanassis Tiropanis, Wendy Hall, Nigel Shadbolt, David De Roure, Noshir Contractor and Jim Hendler
Abstract: The World Wide Web is the largest information fabric in history.People shop, date, trade and communicate with one another using it. Scientists and researchers cannot imagine their work without it. The Web is ubiquitous and pervasive , and like all things that become commonplace, we take it for granted. However, over the past few years there has been a growing recognition that the ecosystem that is the Web needs to be treated as an important and coherent area of study this is Web Science.

Download: The Web Science Observatory

Web Evolution and Web Science

Authors: Wendy Hall, Thanassis Tiropanis
Abstract: This paper examines the evolution of the World Wide Web as a network of networks and discusses the emergence of Web Science as an interdisciplinary area that can provide us with insights on how the Web developed, and how it has affected and is affected by society. Through its different stages of evolution, the Web has gradually changed from a technological network of documents to a network where documents, data, people and organisations are interlinked in various and often unexpected ways. It has developed from a technological artefact separate from people to an integral part of human activity that is having an increasingly significant impact on the world. This paper outlines the lessons from this retrospective examination of the evolution of the Web, presents the main outcomes of Web Science activities and discusses directions along which future developments could be anticipated

Download: Web evolution and Web Science

Citation: Hall, Wendy and Tiropanis, Thanassis (2012) Web Evolution and Web Science. Computer Networks, 56, (18), 3859-3865.
Eprints: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/343770/