How to Fact-Check an AI Answer
Quick answer: Break the AI answer into checkable claims, find the original authoritative sources, confirm that each source exists and says what the answer claims, compare dates and context, and use a qualified human for high-stakes decisions. An AI answer can be clear, detailed, and wrong at the same time. NIST recommends reviewing and verifying sources and citations in generative-AI output. Verification is part of using the tool—not a punishment for a poorly written answer. Before entering source material, follow our AI privacy checklist . For a new task, the AI tool selection guide helps you choose what capabilities to test. 1. Identify claims that matter Underline names, numbers, dates, quotations, legal or medical rules, product specifications, software steps, prices, and “current” facts. Separate factual claims from suggestions or style. Verify the claims that could change your decision, money, health, security, or reputation first. 2. Ask for sources—but do not trust the li...