Public Citation Standard

Basic requirements

• Use the complete Gloproof ID. Do not shorten or alter it.
• Name the issuer that made the decision.
• State the verification date and rely on the status shown on the credential page.
• Use the verification date shown on the credential, not a date of reposting or access.
• Where hyperlinks are not supported, write out the full credential page URL.

The “Verified” mark

“Verified” means that a specific fact has been verified by an issuer under the standards. Cite it only while the fact is Verified, and state the fact, the complete ID, the issuer and the verification date, with a link to the credential page.

It is not an assessment of a subject, article or entry as a whole.

Status changes

After a qualification expires or a result is withdrawn, “Verified” may no longer be used. The record may be described as “Verified on [date]; see the credential page for current status”. Before relying on a record, check the status and verification date on the credential page.

Citation badge

A citation badge shows the complete ID and verification date and links to the credential page. It does not show status; see the credential page. Do not alter the badge or its link, or use it as a seal, grade or mark of overall certification.

Prohibited claims

• Describing verification as overall certification of a subject
• Using marks that imply grades, scores or seals
• Promising permanent validity or real-time monitoring
• Describing verification as a judgment of creditworthiness, product quality, investment value or transaction risk
• Calling these standards international standards or official certification
• Stating that World Wiki Organization has verified, endorsed or backed a record
• Treating the existence of an ID as proof that a fact is currently valid
• Treating the absence of a record as proof that a fact does not exist
• Treating a citation of an encyclopedia entry as verification of a fact