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.
A spine-chilling murder case, G-20 summit, Ronaldo’s “explosive interview” and lot more- news outlets and social media platforms were flooded with “breaking news” this week, and as is the trend, misinformation followed. From a viral ‘Google Pay Scam’ warning which was shared without proper context leaving users worried, to false claim of execution of 15,000 anti-hijab protesters in Iran, here are our top 5 debunks from the past week:
Here’s What Experts Have To Say About The ‘Google Pay Scam’ That Is Going Viral On Social Media
A viral post warning people against a ‘new scam’ involving digital payment platforms, specifically Google Pay is going viral on social media platforms. It claims that the hackers can hack your account if you send back the money that ‘accidentally’ came to your account via Google Pay account. Newschecker found that the claim lacks context. The viral post does not clearly specify that the victim’s account is hacked only when an element of social engineering is involved. Read more here.
Anti-Hijab Protest: Iran To Execute 15,000 Protesters? No, Viral Claim Is False
The massive anti-hijab uprising in Iran, triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody mid-September, continues despite the crackdown by security forces. In this backdrop, an alleged order by the Iranian govt, calling for the execution of 15,000 people over the protests triggered outrage on social media. Newschecker’s investigation revealed that the Iranian regime has not ordered a mass execution of 15,000 people involved in the ongoing anti-hijab and the viral claim is false. Read more here.
Did Ronaldo Say Leaving Real Madrid Was ‘Biggest Regret’ Of His Career During A Recent Interview ?
Cristiano Ronaldo has lately been in news not for his performance, but growing friction between him and the members of Manchester United– his current soccer club. In a recent interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, CR7 said that Manchester Utd has “betrayed him.” Preview clips from this yet-to-be televised interview have grabbed the eyeballs of soccer fans as well as news outlets alike. In this backdrop, several media users claimed that Ronaldo admitted to leaving Real Madrid being the “biggest regret” of his career during the “explosive interview” with Morgan. Newschecker found the claim to be untrue. Read more here.
Here’s The Truth Behind The Viral Video Claiming To Show ‘Pakistani Hindu MP Speaking Out Against Forced Conversions’
A video is doing the rounds of social media with users claiming it to be a “Hindu MP begging for mercy in Pakistan’s parliament to spare our (Hindu) daughters”. In the video, you can see the “MP” pleading the case of a forced conversion of a 12-year-old girl to Islam and the indifference of the authorities concerned in front of the assembly’s speaker. Newschecker found the viral post to be false. The video shows a Christian legislator’s outburst against forced religious conversions. Read more here.
Did Virat Kohli Endorse Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra? No, Viral Photograph Of Indian Cricketer Is Edited
A photograph showing Indian cricketer Virat Kohli wearing a t-shirt with ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ written on it, is going viral on social media platforms. Several users shared this picture of the former Indian skipper claiming that he has extended his support of Congress’ ambitious padyatra. Newschecker found the claim to be untrue. The viral photograph has been digitally altered. Read more here.
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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.
