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.
This week witnessed a wide spectrum of misinformation flooding the social media platforms. While an old news report on Cambridge’s fall in world university ranking was falsely linked to Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit, an edited video of Bill Gates’ getting “uncomfortable” over Covid vaccine questions was widely circulated online. From false claims on Union Minister Amit Shah to misinformation around Australian docu-series “The Swap,” read our top fact checks from the past week here:
Old Report On Cambridge’s Fall In World University Ranking Falsely Shared As Latest
Social media users, including verified Twitter handles, are claiming that UK’s Cambridge University has slipped to its lowest-ever place in the World University ranking, sharing an image of a Guardian news report, while taking jibes at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. We found that an old report on Cambridge’s seventh place in the QS World University Ranking 2020 falsely claimed to be the latest. Read more here.
Bill Gates’s ‘Uncomfortable’ Interview Over Covid Vaccines Is Edited
Several social media users, including verified Twitter handles, are circulating an interview of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates being “caught in a corner” with tough questions asked by the interviewer regarding Covid vaccines and his contributions to the computer industry. The viral 1:40 clip ends with Gates refusing to take any more questions and declaring the interview as over. We found that viral footage to be edited. Read more here.
Video From Australian Reality TV Show ‘The Swap’ Shared Out Of Context With Communal Claim
A video purportedly showing non-Muslim students in an Australian school being taught how to pray in a mosque has created a stir on social media platforms. Those sharing the video alleged that the “furious parents accuse the school of brainwashing and Islamizing their children in the name of pleasing a migrant community.” Newscheker found the claim to be untrue. Read more here.
Amit Shah Directs ‘Temporary Ban’ On Karnataka BJP MLA Virupakshappa Over Bribery Case? Here’s The Truth Behind Viral Letter
A letter purportedly written by Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah to party President JP Nadda seeking a “ temporary ban” on the party’s Karnataka MLA, Madal Virupakshappa to “divert the media hype” amid bribery row has surfaced on social media platforms. The letter allegedly written by Shah further states, “Shri Prime Minister Modi Ji is also annoyed with Karnataka Leadership due to this incident.” Newschecker found the letter to be fabricated. Read more here.
Pressing Cancel Button Twice In ATM Will Prevent PIN Theft? Here’s The Truth Behind Viral Whatsapp Forward
A message has gone viral on Whatsapp recently, purportedly of an advisory from a banker to press the cancel button twice before inserting the card in an ATM. According to the advisory, this precaution will prevent any scammer’s scheme to steal the ATM PIN. Newschecker found that there is no such official advisory that states pressing the cancel button twice would protect you from ATM PIN fraud, nor is it possible. 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.
