Methodology and Source Standards
ThinkTech aims to be a reliable reference for AI governance decisions. This page describes how we research, verify, and present information.
Source classification
Every factual claim on ThinkTech is tagged with a source type badge. This helps readers assess the reliability of the information quickly.
Primary Source
Government regulation text, court filings, official technical specifications, published datasets. The original document, not a summary of it.
Vendor Claim
Company press releases, product documentation, whitepapers, marketing materials. Information produced by the entity being discussed. Presented as-is, not endorsed.
Independent Review
Peer-reviewed academic papers, nonprofit audit reports, investigative journalism from established outlets. Third-party analysis not funded by the subject.
Legal Source
Legislation text, regulatory guidance documents, court opinions, administrative rulings. Legal documents that establish binding requirements or precedent.
Source hierarchy
When multiple sources conflict, we follow this priority order:
- Primary legal text (legislation, court opinions)
- Official technical specifications and standards
- Peer-reviewed academic research
- Independent audits and investigative reporting
- Vendor documentation (noted as vendor claims)
- Industry reports and analyst commentary
We never cite an industry report as fact when a primary source is available. If we can only find vendor claims for a given topic, we label it clearly.
Review process
- Research: Identify the reader question. Find primary sources first, then supporting evidence.
- Draft: Write with source badges on every factual claim. Include decision tables or checklists.
- Verify: Check every source URL is live and correctly attributed. Confirm facts against primary sources.
- Review: Check for unsupported claims, missing context, and clarity. Ensure the reader question is answered.
- Publish: Include last-updated date. Set review reminder for content that may become outdated.
Update policy
Content is reviewed on a regular schedule based on type:
| Content Type | Review Frequency |
|---|---|
| Policy tracker entries | Monthly |
| Risk library entries | Quarterly |
| Guides and tools | Every six months |
| Benchmark analysis | When new benchmark versions release |
When content is updated, the “last updated” date changes and a note is added describing what changed.
Corrections
If you find an error in any ThinkTech resource, contact us at contact@thinktech.ngo. We will investigate within seven days and publish a correction with a note explaining what changed and why.