Disinformation Detection and Content Integrity: Accelerating Development and Optimizing Costs for the U.S. Startup Democratizing Fact-Checking

Background

A visionary startup based in the United States aimed to tackle this challenge head-on by developing a platform featuring a Credibility Scoring System. Funded through crowdfunding and investor support, the company sought to create a platform that empowers users to assess the truthfulness of news content actively through Sentence Verification and Claim Detection. By outsourcing fact-checking to the community, they hoped to foster a more informed public discourse and enhance Online Content Verification.

The Product

The product is a cutting-edge platform designed to outsource and democratize fact-checking, acting as a Misleading Claims Checker and Truth vs BS Detection tool. Users can evaluate the accuracy of news articles by indicating whether they believe the content is true or false, effectively engaging in Sentence Verification and Sentiment Analysis (truth vs falsehood). These assessments are then visible to other users both on the platform and directly on news websites through a browser plugin, which utilizes an Internet Browsing API. This innovative approach not only crowdsources verification but also integrates seamlessly with users’ existing news consumption habits, providing Web Content Analysis and enhancing content integrity.

The Challenge

Product Development Needs

The startup faced the urgent need for rapid development of a select number of features to enhance their Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This involved Existing Application Development and Legacy Code Management to incorporate features like Behavioral Pattern Detection (user vs bot), Text Highlighting Systems, and Claim Detection algorithms. They required a swift turnaround to incorporate user feedback from initial testing phases, ensuring the product met the market’s needs.

Business Constraints

With limited financial resources, optimizing costs was paramount. The company lacked an in-house development team, necessitating a partnership that could deliver high-quality results efficiently, including Project Management Support. Effective management of available resources and prudent budgeting were critical to the project’s success.

Why They Chose Us

Having previously collaborated with us to create their prototype and MVP, the client returned to leverage our expertise in agile development and cost optimization. Our familiarity with their product and alignment with their goals made us the ideal partner to take their platform to the next level.

Our Approach

Workshops for Feature Prioritization

Before commencing the latest development phase, we conducted workshops with the client to prioritize features such as User Authentication, Fraud Prevention (captcha), Account Verification (email/phone), and Mobile Web App enhancements. This collaborative effort ensured that we focused on delivering maximum value within the budget constraints, aligning development efforts with the client’s strategic objectives.

Assembling the Scrum Team

We put together a dedicated Scrum team consisting of:

• Front-End Developers (FED): 1.5 Full-Time Equivalents (FTE)

• Quality Assurance (QA): 0.5 FTE

• Scrum Master (SM)

• Product Designer (PD): Involved at the project’s outset to refine user experience

This team composition allowed for a balanced focus on development speed, quality assurance, and user-centric design.

Navigating Time Zone Differences

With a 5-hour time difference between our team and the client’s location, we established clear communication protocols. Regular planning sessions, sprint reviews, and asynchronous updates ensured that progress continued smoothly without delays.

Agile Development Process

Over approximately two months, we conducted five sprints, each lasting two weeks. Our sprints began with planning meetings that considered the remaining budget and prioritized tasks accordingly, focusing on Security Development and Enhancement, including Multi-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Fraud Prevention measures. Each sprint concluded with a demo to showcase progress and gather immediate feedback from the Product Owner, Nat Stone (Founder).

Existing Application Development and Legacy Code Management

We managed the existing codebase efficiently, ensuring that new features integrated seamlessly with Legacy Code. Our team provided Project Management Support to coordinate development efforts and maintain code quality.

Technology Stack

To build a robust and scalable platform, we employed the following technologies:

• Front-End: React for web applications, React Native for mobile applications, incorporating a JavaScript Frontend, Text Highlighting System, and In-App Browser

• Back-End: Firebase for real-time database and authentication, ensuring Backend Integration, User Authentication, Account Verification (email/phone), and Multi-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Development Tools: Expo for React Native app development, InVision for design prototyping

Security measures like Fraud Prevention (captcha) and Behavioral Pattern Detection (user vs bot) were implemented to enhance platform integrity.

Key Features Implemented

Claim Detection and Sentence Verification

We developed algorithms for Claim Detection and Sentence Verification, allowing users to highlight specific sentences in articles and assess their truthfulness.

Voting System and Sentiment Analysis

A Voting System was implemented where users can vote on whether content is true or false (Truth vs BS Detection), contributing to Sentiment Analysis (truth vs falsehood) metrics.

User Profiles and Follower System

We added User Profiles and a Follower System to enhance community engagement, allowing users to follow others and view their assessments on Public Profiles.

Web Content Analysis and Text Highlighting System

Our platform includes Web Content Analysis features, with a Text Highlighting System that integrates with an In-App Browser, enabling users to analyze and verify content directly.

Security Enhancements

To ensure platform integrity, we implemented User Authentication, Multi-Factor Authentication (2FA), Account Verification (email/phone), Fraud Prevention (captcha), and Behavioral Pattern Detection (user vs bot). Admin Features like User Banning and IP Blocking were also added for better moderation.

Mobile Web App Development

We optimized the platform for mobile devices, creating a Mobile Web App with a JavaScript Frontend for seamless user experience across devices.

Backend Integration and Blockchain Storage

We ensured robust Backend Integration using Firebase and planned for future enhancements like Blockchain Storage (V2) to securely store verification data, contributing to a transparent and tamper-proof system.

Results

Enhanced MVP with Priority Features

We successfully integrated essential features into the existing MVP, including Claiming Sentences, a Voting System (truth/bullshit), User Profiles, and a Feed Tab. These features directly addressed user feedback from the initial release. This iterative improvement helped refine the user experience and added functionality critical to the platform’s mission.

Cost Optimization

Through strategic prioritization and efficient resource management, we maximized the development output within the client’s budget. By focusing on high-impact features and Legacy Code Management, we ensured that the most valuable aspects of the platform were developed first.

Effective Collaboration Despite Challenges

While we couldn’t deliver every feature due to budget limitations, our transparent communication and flexible approach allowed us to adjust priorities and expectations dynamically. This adaptability was key to maintaining a strong working relationship with the client.

Conclusion

Our collaboration with the U.S. startup highlights the importance of agile methodologies and effective communication in overcoming common challenges such as budget constraints and tight timelines. By focusing on critical features and optimizing resources, we helped the client advance their mission to democratize fact-checking through advanced Disinformation Detection and Content Integrity Analysis tools.

Final Thoughts

In an era where misinformation can have significant societal impacts, supporting platforms that promote truth and transparency is more important than ever. We are proud to have contributed to a solution that empowers individuals to participate actively in verifying information, fostering a more informed and engaged community.

About Us

We specialize in delivering high-quality software solutions tailored to our clients’ unique challenges. Our expertise in agile development, Legacy Code Management, and Security Development and Enhancement makes us a trusted partner for startups and established companies alike.