Category Images

How can you spot a fake profile picture on social media? – Truth or Fake [Outdated]

Whether it's on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, there are plenty of fake accounts. People using these accounts hide behind a fake avatar and incite debates or mock other users. Sometimes even the profile pictures are completely fabricated - they're not real people. In this episode, the Truth or Fake team shows you how to spot these fake photos. [Ed. note: As of 2024, spammers can use AI to create profile pics that can't be identified using this technique.]

January 5, 2024
"How to" instructions Coordinated disinformation Images Other analysis tools Resources

When Putin’s fans share fake videos of him to make him look tough – Truth or Fake

Vladimir Putin's online followers love sharing videos or photos of the Russian president that play up his strongman image. But sometimes in doing so, they share fake and manipulated videos - which then go viral. The Truth or Fake team take a look at two examples.

January 5, 2024
"How to" instructions Disinformation Fact checks / debunkings Fact-checking tools Image search Images Misconceptions Putin Resources Russia Russian propaganda Video

How to verify a photo online and fight the spread of misinformation

You just received a photo on WhatsApp, Facebook or Twitter. The image makes you angry, sad or joyful, and the caption encourages you to share it as widely as possible. You're a little cautious, however, because the story seems too good to be true. You are right to be careful. Here are a few tips for verifying images and tracing a photo’s origin on your own.

January 5, 2024
"How to" instructions Fact checks / debunkings Fact-checking tools Image search Images Media formats Resources

Dig deeper with these advanced verification tools

If you've been brushing up on the FRANCE 24 Observers' verification guide, then you now have the know-how to verify images with a reverse image search or check for edits with some forensic tools. You should also have the basic instincts needed to be wary when scrolling through social media. This guide will show you some more advanced verification techniques that can help you dig a bit deeper into the origins of a post or a page.