Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Were pilgrims at Mecca witness to a magical moment when the ‘unseen’ were offering prayers at the Kaaba? Did Kerala bus driver violate the uniform code by wearing an ‘Islamic Attire’? Did Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla wow everyone at the WEF (Word Economic Conference) in Davos with his company’s latest invention- the microchip pill? No, no and NO.
Social media this past week has seen fake claims ranging from communal to COVID misinformation, and Newschecker is at the forefront, debunking these false claims and calling them out. Here are some of the most viral instances of fake news that Newschecker debunked this week:
Malda Imam Attacked By ‘Hindutvawadi Bigot’? No, Viral Claim Is Misleading
A video, showing an aged man bleeding while being held up by a few people amid the commotion, is being widely shared online. Identifying the man as the Imam of Kotwali Mosque in West Bengal’s Malda, social media users alleged that he was attacked by a ‘Hindutvawadi bigot of the VHP’. Newschecker has found that the post claiming that the Malda Imam was attacked is not true. Read more here.
No, Kerala Bus Driver Did Not Wear ‘Islamic Attire’ On Duty
Social media users on Twitter are sharing an image showing a bus driver on duty, wearing what appears to be a white Kurta & a skull cap with a long beard, as opposed to the standard sky blue shirt and pants. Many users questioned the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation over the ‘flagrant violation’ of the uniform policy, while others wondered if it would be made standard across other state forces including police and fire force. We found that the image is being shared out of context. Read more here.
Miracle In Kaaba? No, Viral Claim About Prayer By The ‘Unseen’ In Mecca Is False
Viral claims about doors of Kaaba opening “miraculously” and “jinns and angels” performing prayers is untrue. The video was shot during the month of Ramadan and the door of the Kaaba was opened for one of the Muslim Leaders visiting the Haram. We found that the viral claims about doors of Kaaba opening “miraculously” and “jinns and angels” performing prayers is untrue. Read more here.
Viral Video Of Pfizer CEO Discussing ‘Pills With Microchip’ Shared Out Of Context
A video of Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla speaking at the World Economic Forum is going viral on social media, where he is heard referring to pills with a ‘biological chip’ that sends a signal once ingested. Online users are sharing the video believing it to be a new innovation of the Pfizer company linked to the COVID pandemic. Newschecker found that the video was shared out of context and is unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here.
This Video of Policemen Rescuing Themselves After Rickshaw Overturns is NOT Related To Assam Floods
A video showing an e-rickshaw getting overturned in a water-logged street is being shared on social media platforms claiming that the incident happened recently in flood-hit Assam. We found that the video of policemen struggling after their vehicle overturns in knee deep water is neither recent nor from Assam . It was captured in 2021 in Rajasthan’s Dausa district and is being shared falsely in context to recent floods in Assam. Read more here.
If you would like us to fact check a claim, give feedback or lodge a complaint, WhatsApp us at 9999499044 or email us at checkthis@newschecker.in. You can also visit the Contact Us page and fill the form.
Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
