Visuals, because of their persuasivepotentialand attention-grabbing nature, are an especially potent choice for those seeking to mislead.
This is a common strategy forhighly polarised nationswhere socioeconomic inequalities, disenfranchisement and propaganda are prevalent.
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What are the most common fakery techniques?
Another low-tech option is tostage or poseactions or events and present them as reality.
This was the case with destroyed vehicles that Russia claimed were bombed by Ukraine.
Whats being done about it?
Journalists and fact-checkers are also working to verify content andraise awarenessof known fakes.
Large, well-resourced news outlets such as the BBC are alsocalling out misinformation.
Platforms are also doing some work behind the scenes to detect andpublicly shareinformation on state-linked information operations.
What can I do about it?
it’s possible for you to attempt tofact-check imagesfor yourself rather than taking them at face value.
Here are five simple steps you’re free to take:
1.
Onlinemetadata viewersalso exist that allow you to check by using the images web link.
Fact-checkers from all around the world are working TOGETHER (once more) to debunk falsehoods about#RussiaUkraineConflict.
Collaboration is key in times like these!
ensure you support those who are seeking the facts.
Dowatchesor clocks visible in the image correspond to the alleged timeline claimed?
Putin convened an unscheduled meeting with his Security Council in Moscow on Monday.
The meeting was broadcast at 5 pm.
But what time was it really held?
Let’s look at some participants' watches.
Ask yourself some simple questions
Do you knowwhere,whenandwhythe photo or video was made?
Do you knowwhomade it, and whether what youre looking at is theoriginalversion?
Using online tools such asInVIDorForensicallycan potentially help answer some of these questions.
And consider using some of theseprincipleswhen deciding which sources to trust.
