How do you check an AI answer?
For an important claim, do three things: find the source, check the original and look for independent confirmation.
What is it?
To check an AI answer, find a source for any important claim, open the original and look for independent confirmation. Be especially careful with numbers, quotes, dates, laws and medical advice.
An everyday example
If AI cites a new law, open the official text of the regulation and check when it takes effect.
Why does it matter?
Chatbots make mistakes convincingly. A few minutes of checking can save you from a wrong decision or publishing something untrue.
A common misconception
That an answer is reliable because it is well written and cites a source. Check the source, not just whether one is given.
In more detail
Is a well-written answer reliable?
No. A nice style, a confident tone and length do not prove that it is right.
What is a primary source?
The original document, measurement, official record, study or direct evidence — not just a summary of another summary.
What do I do with numbers?
Check the date, the unit, what it is a share of, the method, and whether like is being compared with like.
When should I reject an answer?
When it cannot be checked, the source is unavailable, the claims contradict each other, or a mistake would have serious consequences.
Remember: Check the source, not just whether one is cited.
Reliable sources
Last reviewed 1 November 2026. An explainer, not professional, legal or medical advice. For rules and figures that change, check the official version.