Founded in 2017 by Clara Jiménez Cruz and Julio Montesinos, Maldita.es — Periodismo para que no te la cuelen came into being to offer a fresh approach to the conventional news scene. The idea sparked from a growing concern about the spread of misinformation and fake news, particularly online and on social media, leading them to create a platform dedicated to fact-checking and debunking false claims to empower citizens with accurate information. Today, Maldita.es operates as an independent, non-profit organization funded by grants, donations, and partnerships. Today, Maldita.es is run by a dedicated team of journalists and fact-checkers and is mainly focused on combating misinformation. Instead of covering sports or entertainment, they rigorously fact-check political statements, debunk viral hoaxes and conspiracy theories, verify scientific claims, and expose disinformation campaigns. They are based in Spain and have made a name for themselves among college students and the general public looking for reliable, verified information in an era of widespread fake news. One interesting fact: A unique fact about Maldita.es is the powerful meaning behind its name. "Maldita" is a Spanish word that can translate to "cursed" or "damned." By choosing this name, the organization is essentially declaring war on "cursed" or "damned" information—meaning fake news—positioning themselves as a vital force fighting against the spread of harmful falsehoods.