Cross Check#

Multi-source verification for factual claims with confidence scoring and source links.

Workflow#

1. Optimize query — see {baseDir}/references/query-optimization.md.

2. Search first (REQUIRED) — ALWAYS use web_search as the primary tool. Never skip to web_fetch directly. Run web_search(query, count=10). If T1 found, stop. If only T2-3, run a second query. If contradictions, investigate.

3. Evaluate sources — classify by tier. See {baseDir}/references/source-tiers.md.

4. Direct verify (optional, only after search) — use web_fetch(url) only to verify specific URLs found via search. Never use web_fetch as a substitute for web_search.

5. Present — MUST include clickable source URLs for every result:

   [Answer] Confidence: [T1-T5] ([%]) | Sources: name, ... | Verified: [date] | Note: [caveats]

Source URLs#

CRITICAL: Every cited source MUST include a direct clickable URL. If URL unavailable: T1 → find alternative source, T2+ → downgrade one tier. Never list a source without its URL.

Error Handling#

• Zero results → broaden query, retry once. Still empty → T1 confidence.
• web_fetch fails → skip, note it, drop confidence one level.
• All T4 sources → report T2, mark Uncertain.
• Contradictions → see {baseDir}/references/research-patterns.md.

Security & Privacy#

This skill uses only OpenClaw's built-in web_search and web_fetch tools. No data is sent to external services beyond what these tools do.

External Endpoints:

• Web search API (via OpenClaw's built-in web_search, provider depends on user config)
• Web pages (via OpenClaw's web_fetch for verification)

Data Handling:

• No credentials required
• No data stored locally
• Search queries sent through OpenClaw's configured search provider
• No autonomous invocation without user intent - activates when queries contain verification language

Trust Statement: By using this skill, your search queries are sent through OpenClaw's built-in web search provider. Only install if you trust OpenClaw's data handling practices.