Deepak Adhikari is a freelance journalist based in Kathmandu, Nepal. He was the editor of Nepal Check, a fact-checking platform in Nepal. From March 2020 to July 2022, he was the editor of South Asia Check, Nepal's pioneering fact-checking outlet. 

His areas of work include Nepal's politics, ...

TikTok Post Claiming Deputy Mayor’s Support for Lamichhane Is Misleading

01 May 2024  |  nepalcheck.org  |  English  |  Social Media Misinformation

A TikTok video falsely claims that Kathmandu's deputy mayor, Sunita Dangol, supported Deputy Prime Minister Rabi Lamichhane amidst calls for his resignation over alleged misappropriation of funds. The video misrepresents Dangol's speech at a road safety event, where she did not express support for Lamichhane. The misleading post was debunked through a digital investigation by Nepal Check.

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Social Media Misinformation Political Allegations

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Claude Arpi is a writer based in Auroville near Puducherry, India.

Why Pak politicians need to learn their history

01 Jan 2024  |  Indian Defence Review  |  English  |  Media Misinformation

The article discusses the Indian Supreme Court's decision to uphold the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status. It criticizes Pakistan's response, suggesting that Pakistani politicians and media are misinformed about the historical and legal context of the issue. The author references historical documents and UN resolutions to argue that Pakistan's claims over Jammu and Kashmir are not supported by international law. The article also touches on the role of British officers in the early conflict over Kashmir, particularly Major William Brown's controversial handover of Gilgit to Pakistan. The author suggests that the Indian government has failed to properly inform the media about the historical facts of the Kashmir issue and concludes by mentioning a British parliamentary resolution and the legal status of the Shaksgam Valley.

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Media Misinformation Article 370 Jammu and Kashmir India-Pakistan Relations Historical Conflicts International Law UN Resolutions

Adnan Bhat is a journalist based in New Delhi, India.

'Cheapfakes', not deepfakes, spread election lies in India

03 Jun 2024  |  www.context.news  |  English  |  Misinformation

During India's election, misleading videos known as 'cheapfakes' have been more prevalent than AI-driven deepfakes, raising concerns about misinformation. Fact-checkers highlight that most falsified content is created using simple editing techniques rather than AI. Meta's updated guidelines to label misinformation have been criticized for their ineffectiveness, with many videos not correctly labeled. Despite efforts by platforms like Meta and X to combat misinformation, doctored videos continue to spread, particularly on messaging apps like WhatsApp. The focus on deepfakes may have diverted attention from the broader threat of misinformation.

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Social Media Misinformation Indian Elections

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Chloe Burcham is a beauty, health and wellness journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She has written for titles such as Stylist Magazine, Women's Health, BYRDIE, Grazia, LOOK, Who What Wear, Brides, Cosmopolitan.co.uk, Refinery 29, ELLE.co.uk, InStyle, Good Housekeeping and Sheer Luxe.

80% of people believe the skincare industry is 'rife with misinformation'

01 Oct 2023  |  www.womenshealthmag.com  |  English  |  Misinformation

A report by Simple reveals that 80% of people believe the skincare industry is rife with misinformation, with 79% feeling overwhelmed and 84% of those with sensitive skin feeling confused. The rise of social media has contributed to this, with many turning to platforms like TikTok for advice, despite concerns about the trustworthiness of information. Simple aims to combat this by collaborating with influencers who share their values and providing concise, honest skincare information.

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Social Media Misinformation Skincare

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Stephanie Burnett is a senior editor and newsroom manager.

Stephanie has a master’s degree from the Journalism and Media Studies Centre at the University of Hong Kong.

Fake US election-related accounts proliferating on X, study says

24 May 2024  |  whbl.com  |  English  |  Social Media

A study by Cyabra reveals a significant increase in fake accounts on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, related to the U.S. presidential election. The analysis found that 15% of accounts praising Donald Trump and 7% praising Joe Biden are fake. The fake pro-Trump accounts are part of a coordinated campaign, while the pro-Biden accounts are not. The report highlights the ongoing issue of misinformation on social media platforms, with X under scrutiny for its handling of fake accounts. Elon Musk, who took over X in 2022, has initiated efforts to combat bots and spammers.

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Misinformation Social Media US Presidential Election

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Political View

Journaliste, conteuse et communicatrice ayant six ans d'expertise dans les multimédias, montages videos et rédaction web. Canadienne en France. Travaillons ensembles pour créer une histoire captivante pour vos clients.

A clear link found between recent violence in the UK and social media posts

23 Oct 2024  |  tr.euronews.com  |  Turkish  |  Social Media

A report by Ofcom reveals a clear link between social media posts and street violence during the Southport protests in the UK. Ofcom Chair Melanie Dawes highlighted the rapid spread of misinformation following a stabbing incident involving three children. Despite efforts by some companies to limit hateful content, it proliferated, with high-profile accounts spreading divisive narratives. The incident involved false claims about Axel Rudakubana, a Rwandan-born individual, which fueled racial and religious hatred. Ofcom's findings underscore the need for improved crisis response protocols on social media platforms, as the UK prepares to implement new online safety regulations.

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Misinformation Social Media Violence

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Freelance journalist: science, culture, technology, travel, education & personal essays for National Geographic, SmithsonianMag, Aeon, GOOD, Discover, BBC Wildlife, Psychologies, Huck, Matador Network and more. Digital media professional: video, photography and web. I am location independent and ...

Warnings!

31 Oct 2024  |  cacm.acm.org  |  English  |  Misinformation

The article discusses the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence and recommendation algorithms in social media, highlighting the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation. It emphasizes the need for critical thinking and reliable information sources, advocating for identity, provenance, and accountability in the digital space. The author reflects on the balance between privacy and the potential harms of anonymity, suggesting that technical solutions like digital signatures could aid in assessing information provenance.

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Social Media Misinformation Artificial Intelligence

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Paolo Gambi is a multi-awarded post-contemporary multimedia artist, poet, performer, journalist and expert of communication. His mission is to bring ‘poetry everywhere’ as his motto states.
He has written more than 30 books
As for practical experience, he had an experience at the Financial Times, ...

Artificial truths, sex education in elementary schools, words of the week

28 Oct 2023  |  www.ilgiornale.it  |  Italian  |  Media Misinformation

The article discusses various topics including the misuse of artificial intelligence to create false videos, the portrayal of Hamas as liberators in the Israel-Palestine conflict, rumors of Putin's health, the misrepresentation of Pietrangelo Buttafuoco's appointment as president of the Biennale, and the debate over introducing sex education in elementary schools by Movimento 5 Stelle, which is opposed by Lega and neutrally addressed by Fratelli d'Italia.

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Media Misinformation International Relations Education Policy

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Carmen Gentile has written for some of the world’s leading publications including the New York Times, TIME, Newsweek, USA Today and many others. He has also produced online video reporting for The Times and TIME. He also regularly produces radio reports and has published numerous photos with his ...

PI Perspective: How do we escape the conspiracy theory doom loop?

01 Oct 2023  |  postindustrial.com  |  English  |  Misinformation

Conspiracy theories thrive in both repressive regimes and democracies, filling information voids with unfounded claims. The article highlights various conspiracy theories, including those surrounding 9/11, the 2020 presidential election, and even pop star Taylor Swift. It discusses the role of media, particularly Fox News, in perpetuating these theories and the legal repercussions faced by figures like Alex Jones. The Anti-Defamation League offers strategies to help people escape the grip of conspiracy theories, though the article suggests that such thinking is an inherent part of human nature. The solution lies in combating ignorance with facts and reason, as emphasized by Jon Stewart's recent remarks on maintaining a healthy democracy.

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Media Misinformation Conspiracy Theories

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Peter Guest is a writer, editor, producer and photographer, based in Southeast Asia. His work has appeared in Nikkei Asian Review, the Atlantic, Newsweek, the Financial Times, Wired, the Guardian, the Wall Street Journal and others. He has reported from more than 40 countries across five continents,...

The UK’s problematic Online Safety Act is now law

28 Oct 2023  |  Ars Technica  |  English  |  Social Media

The article discusses the UK's Online Safety Bill, which has recently received royal assent and become law. Initially proposed when Jeremy Wright was in office, the bill aimed to regulate 'legal but harmful' content on the internet, such as disinformation and material encouraging self-harm. The bill has evolved from its original form, with some principles being watered down and new controversial requirements added, such as scanning users' messages for illegal content. The enforcement of the act will be handled by Ofcom, with significant penalties for non-compliance. The article also compares the UK's legislation with the European Union's Digital Services Act and touches on the challenges of regulating mis- and disinformation during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Misinformation Social Media Internet Regulation Online Safety Bill Digital Services Act Free Speech Tech Company Regulation Child Online Safety Public Health

Sallu Kamuskay is a Sierra Leonean Freelance Journalist, communication strategist, fixer, blogger, youth organiser, event manager, spokesperson, and public relations expert. His work has been regularly referenced and published by national and international media and public policy institutions.

...

My Experience at the BBC Media Action Training on Tackling Mis

26 Sept 2024  |  Sallu Kamuskay  |  English  |  Media Training

The article details a training program organized by BBC Media Action Sierra Leone, in partnership with UNDP Sierra Leone and other international bodies, aimed at equipping journalists, bloggers, and social media influencers with skills to tackle misinformation and hate speech. The training, led by Lazar Covs, focused on fact-checking, media literacy, and the use of open-source intelligence. Participants, including journalists from various media outlets, expressed their appreciation for the training, highlighting its impact on their professional development and the media landscape in Sierra Leone.

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Misinformation Media Training Journalism

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Lottie Limb is a digital reporter for Cambridgeshire Live, based in Cambridge.

She has a strong interest in environmental issues, and has previously written features in a freelance capacity for euronews Living and Ecohustler.

Climate denial is evolving on YouTube, report says, as third of UK teens think crisis is exaggerated

16 Jan 2024  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Social Media

A new report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) reveals that climate denial content on YouTube is evolving, influencing nearly a third of UK teenagers to believe that climate change is exaggerated. The report criticizes YouTube and its parent company Google for monetizing such content despite policies against it. Researchers note a shift from outright denial of climate change to undermining confidence in climate solutions and science. The report calls for stricter actions from digital platforms to combat misinformation, highlighting the significant impact on young people.

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Misinformation Social Media Climate Change

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Fiston Mahamba is a journalist based in Beni, Congo, The Democratic Republic of the.

This photo is of a skyscraper construction site using bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong, not Nigeria

22 Dec 2023  |  congocheck.net  |  French  |  Misinformation

A photo of a skyscraper being constructed with bamboo scaffolding, believed by some to be in Nigeria, has been identified through reverse image search as being located in Hong Kong. The image has been shared on social media platforms like Facebook and Pinterest, with some users admiring the ingenuity of the construction method. The South China Morning Post has reported that Hong Kong is one of the last places in the world where bamboo is still widely used for scaffolding due to its flexibility, strength, and cost-effectiveness compared to metal alternatives. The article aims to correct the misconception and provide context to the photo, highlighting the historical use of bamboo in Chinese construction and the efficiency of bamboo scaffolding when properly erected.

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Social Media Misinformation

Factual

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Sarah Manavis is a journalist at the New Statesman based in London, United Kingdom.

Misinformation in the Israel-Hamas war is a serious problem

20 Oct 2023  |  www.newstatesman.com  |  English  |  Misinformation

The article discusses the rise of misinformation and apathy on social media in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. It criticizes Western social media users for their self-absorbed reactions and the trivialization of serious global crises into mere content. The piece highlights the negative consequences of this behavior, including the spread of misinformation and graphic content, and calls out the misuse of 'self-care' as an excuse to disengage from important world events. The article underscores the importance of facing the reality of such conflicts rather than turning away in apathy.

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Social Media Misinformation Israel-Hamas Conflict

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Left

Political View

Sammy Mupfuni is a journalist, fact-checker and fix based in Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For more than eight years in the field of visual audio press, he started in web journalism four years ago. He works as a freelance journalist in several international news agencies. In the ...

False, Congolese justice did not require a marriage certificate from the couple before entering the hotel room

15 Jun 2024  |  congocheck.net  |  French  |  Misinformation

A viral claim on social media suggested that the Congolese justice system requires couples to present a marriage certificate before entering hotel rooms. Congo Check investigated the claim, contacting magistrate Fazili Mihigo, who confirmed the information is false. The investigation included checking the Congolese penal code and contacting the national broadcaster RTNC, which did not report such a requirement. The article concludes that the claim is misinformation, with no legal basis or government directive supporting it.

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Social Media Misinformation

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José Núñez Tena is a journalist based in Madrid, Spain.

The challenges of acceleration in access to information

21 Nov 2023  |  www.milenio.com  |  Spanish  |  Media

The rapid flow of news has connected the world, especially during significant events, but it also presents challenges such as misinformation. In Mexico, internet access increased from 79.5 million in 2019 to 93.1 million in 2022. A study by Kaspersky and CORPA found that 70% of Latin Americans struggle to detect fake news. Countermeasures include digital platforms implementing preventive measures and users verifying shared information. The Digital News Report 2023 by the Reuters Institute and the University of Oxford shows a global increase in the demand for reliable information, with Latin America at 62%, higher than Europe and Asia-Pacific. Quality journalism should be accessible, and platforms should collaborate with fact-checkers and civil society organizations to promote critical thinking among digital media consumers.

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Misinformation Media Technology

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Esra Öz is a journalist based in Ankara, Turkey.

I've been reporting science, health and technology for 13 years. I'm one of the first health bloggers in Turkey. I graduated from Eskişehir Osmangazi University Biology Department and Anadolu University Radio and TV Programming Department. I did ...

10 Tips for More Qualified Science Journalism

01 Oct 2023  |  Journo  |  Turkish  |  Media Ethics

The article discusses the decline in the quality of science journalism and offers ten recommendations for journalists to improve their reporting. It highlights the dangers of sensationalism, misinformation, and the importance of consulting credible experts. The piece criticizes various media outlets for poor practices and emphasizes the need for accurate, well-researched, and balanced science news. It also provides insights from experts and references reputable organizations and guidelines to help journalists produce better science stories.

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Misinformation Media Ethics Science Journalism

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Visar Prebreza is a journalist.

Denial from Arbana Xharra: I have not made any statement about Halil Kastrati

01 Oct 2023  |  kallxo.com  |  Albanian  |  Media

Arbana Xharra refutes false statements attributed to her regarding Halil Kastrati, which were disseminated by several online media outlets. She clarifies that she has not made any comments about religion or specific individuals, emphasizing her past investigative work on extremism and the construction of mosques in Kosovo. The article highlights the spread of misinformation and defamatory content against Xharra.

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Misinformation Media

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RISHI RAJ is a journalist based in New Delhi, India. A drop out student BJMC 2ND YEAR. very inspire to photojournalism.

Mahabharat and deepfakes: Misinformation causes instant harm so corrective action should also be immediate

05 Oct 2023  |  Financialexpress  |  English  |  Misinformation

The article draws parallels between a story from the Mahabharat and the modern issue of misinformation, particularly through deepfakes on social media. It highlights the government's concern over the rapid spread of deepfakes and the current 36-hour window for social media platforms to remove flagged content. The author argues for a more immediate response, suggesting a two-hour window to mitigate harm. The piece also touches on the upcoming Digital India Act and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act as steps towards addressing these challenges.

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Social Media Misinformation Deepfakes Government Policy

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Political View

Lili Rutai is a freelance journalist.

The Week's Best: 10 Stories And Videos You Shouldn't Miss

01 Oct 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Media Misinformation

Highlights from RFE/RL's coverage include the U.S. staking a claim in the Arctic, Hungary's anti-LGBT law inadvertently boosting support for the LGBT community, and the harsh conditions faced by Ukrainian forces near Kupyansk. Ukrainian medic Yuriy Armash is credited with saving lives while in Russian captivity. Russia's efforts to create a 'sovereign Internet' are causing mass outages, and two French nationals debunk Russian media claims of their deaths in Ukraine. A film adaptation of 'The Master And Margarita' faces a potential ban due to the director's anti-war stance. The arrest of Ukrainian banker Ihor Mazepa over a decade-old deal has unsettled Kyiv's business community, and Ukrainian soldiers continue to defend their positions despite dwindling ammunition.

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Media Misinformation Arctic Resources LGBT Rights War in Ukraine Internet Censorship Film Adaptation Business Corruption

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Political View

Alba Sanchez is a journalist based in Barcelona, Spain.

The evolution of weather news: from maps and videos on social networks to hoaxes and conspiracies

16 Jan 2024  |  El Periódico de Aragón  |  Spanish  |  Social Media

Weather news has evolved significantly, adapting to new communication channels and reaching a younger audience. Rafael Requena from Aemet highlights the public's interest in weather information due to its impact on daily life. Social media has amplified the reach of weather news, but it has also led to the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories, such as chemtrails and climate change denial. Accurate weather predictions are probabilistic and become less reliable over longer periods, which can lead to public frustration. The article underscores the importance of understanding the statistical nature of weather forecasting and the challenges posed by misinformation.

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Misinformation Social Media Weather Climate Change

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Mark Scott is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Global climate change talks for TikTok generation

07 Dec 2023  |  www.politico.eu  |  English  |  Social Media

The ongoing COP28 climate negotiations in the United Arab Emirates are being framed through social media, with a notable focus on TikTok to engage younger generations. The platform's unique approach to political messaging and advocacy, characterized by grainy smartphone footage and viral content, contrasts with traditional social media. The article also discusses the impact of generative AI on misinformation, arguing that its influence is overblown. European Union policymakers are negotiating the AI Act, with significant implications for AI foundation models and surveillance. Key figures like Ursula von der Leyen and Margrethe Vestager are highlighted in the context of these developments.

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Misinformation Social Media Climate Change Generative AI

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David Strom is one of the leading experts on network and Internet technologies and has written and spoken extensively on topics such as VOIP, convergence, email, cloud computing, network management, Internet applications, wireless and Web services for more than 25 years.

This is the state of media in today’s world.

10 Jan 2024  |  hotair.com  |  English  |  Media Bias

The article criticizes The Washington Post and mainstream media (MSM) for their approach to controlling narratives, particularly in relation to Donald Trump's claims about the 2020 election. It discusses the upcoming live town hall with Trump on Fox News, which has raised concerns about the spread of unchecked falsehoods. The article accuses The Washington Post of hypocrisy, citing its history of publishing false claims and its participation in debunking the Hunter Biden laptop story. It also references a Time magazine article that described an alliance between activists and business leaders during the election, which the author suggests could be seen as election rigging. The piece argues that MSM is more interested in pushing narratives than in truth-telling, pointing to past instances of unchallenged misinformation. The article concludes by advocating for independent media like Hot Air, which claims to provide honest, independent analysis and admits to its own biases.

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COVID-19 Misinformation Media Bias Election Integrity Censorship Defamation Lawsuits

Yusef Taylor is a prominent journalist and editor at Askanwi Media, an online news and radio platform where he writes articles and stories with a strong focus on good governance, human rights, and justice. His investigative reporting delves into government policy, public finance, and social issues ...

FactCheck: Did Court Order Reinstatement of Two UTG Staff?

02 Dec 2024  |  Askanwi  |  English  |  Media Misinformation

The University of the Gambia faced protests following the dismissal of two lecturers, Dr Alieu Gibba and Associate Professor Matarr Njie, after a Point Newspaper article incorrectly reported that the Kanifing Industrial Tribunal ordered their reinstatement. Minister for Higher Education, Pierre Gomez, clarified that no court order exists, and the first hearing is scheduled for December 9, 2024. The government aims to resolve the issue peacefully, despite misinformation causing unrest among students. The University is considering legal action against the newspaper for its erroneous report.

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Media Misinformation University of the Gambia Legal Proceedings

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Sarah Thust studied Journalism and Psychology in Leipzig, Germany. Since her studies she works as freelance journalist within a broad range of media and subjects.

Sarah spent three years in Cambodia as a freelance reporter. She worked for German newspapers & radio stations, English newspapers & ...

Change of Paragraph 184b: Distribution, Acquisition, and Possession of Child Pornography Remains Punishable

17 Dec 2024  |  correctiv.org  |  German  |  Social Media Misinformation

In response to social media misinformation, the article clarifies that the amendment to Paragraph 184b of the German Penal Code does not decriminalize child pornography but allows for more nuanced prosecution. The changes reduce minimum sentences for possession and distribution, enabling courts to dismiss minor cases, such as unintentional possession. The Bundesjustizministerium emphasizes that serious offenses remain heavily penalized. Legal expert Stefan Conen supports the amendment, noting it prevents unjust penalties for those inadvertently involved in child protection efforts.

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Social Media Misinformation Law Child Protection

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