Category Misconceptions

Researchers: Disinformation campaign spread after wildfires slowed disaster response

A disinformation campaign that sprung up almost immediately after wildfires ravaged Maui was spread by China and Russia, researchers have concluded. And, they say, that campaign made the government’s response to the disaster even more difficult.

From weather warfare to floating bodies on another island to thousands of missing children to a Maui land grab, experts say online posts about the wildfires might have started as genuine concern. But they also said China and Russia are now using artificial intelligence to amplify false messages and spread fear, division and distrust in government.

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FACT CHECK: No, Zelenskyy Did Not Buy Two Mega-Yachts | Check Your Fact

Verdict: False
There is no evidence Zelenskyy has bought two yachts. [...]

The broker companies that are selling the yachts confirmed to multiple journalists, such as BBC Verify reporter Shayan Sardarizadeh, that the yachts are still for sale.

Read MoreFACT CHECK: No, Zelenskyy Did Not Buy Two Mega-Yachts | Check Your Fact

Ukraine’s Zelensky accused of buying two yachts with Western aid money – Truth or Fake

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is accused of buying two luxury yachts in October with Western aid money, in the name of two of his closest aides. But is there any truth to these claims? We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.

Read MoreUkraine’s Zelensky accused of buying two yachts with Western aid money – Truth or Fake

No, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy didn’t buy yachts with U.S. aid money

THE QUESTION: Did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy buy two yachts with U.S. aid money?
THE ANSWER: No, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy didn’t buy two yachts with U.S. aid money. The yachts are still for sale.

Read MoreNo, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy didn’t buy yachts with U.S. aid money

FACT CHECK: No, BBC News Did Not Publish This Video About Bellingcat Reporting On A Former Ukrainian Official | Check Your Fact

A post shared on X, formerly Twitter, claims BBC News published a video about Bellingcat researchers reporting that former Ukrainian official Alexey Arestovich spent $500,000 on private flights.

Verdict: False
There is no evidence for this claim. BBC News and Bellingcat both denied they made any such report'

Read MoreFACT CHECK: No, BBC News Did Not Publish This Video About Bellingcat Reporting On A Former Ukrainian Official | Check Your Fact

UNFOUNDED: A pregnant medic from Odesa received a summons

This is not true. Opinion polls conducted in September-October 2023 show that the majority of citizens are against holding elections during wartime. Zelenskyi also stated that partners are not currently insisting on negotiations with Russia, but there are a few voices that consistently call for it.

Read MoreUNFOUNDED: A pregnant medic from Odesa received a summons

Facebook shuts thousands of fake Chinese accounts masquerading as Americans

Someone in China created thousands of fake social media accounts designed to appear to be from Americans and used them to spread polarizing political content in an apparent effort to divide the U.S. ahead of next year's elections, Meta said Thursday.

Read MoreFacebook shuts thousands of fake Chinese accounts masquerading as Americans