Claim: A photo shows a baby jumping out of an airplane and skydiving. Fact: The photo doing the rounds on social media is an AI-generated image created by Facebook user Timothy J. Nemeth. Fact or Fiction? On 5 April 2023, Diva Magazine posted a photo on Instagram claiming that it shows a baby skydiving. “#DivaReports: […]
Claim: The CyberKnife is an almost miraculous treatment option with a success rate of 99%, that can cure cancer patients in a few hours. Fact: The claim is misleading. The CyberKnife system is a radiation therapy that is used to treat cancerous tumours at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC). However, the claim that it cures […]
Claim: News outlets reported that Twitter fired a man 24 hours after hiring him. Fact: The reports were based on tweets by @SaeedDiCaprio, who posted them as an elaborate joke. On 10 February 2023, four Nigerian news outlets published a news story titled, “Elon Musk allegedly fires man from Twitter 24 hours after hiring him.” […]
Claim: A video claims that WhatsApp will not be operational for multiple users starting on 31 December 2022. Fact: The video is misleading as WhatsApp pulls support from different out-of-date operating systems every year. It is nothing new and is instead presented sensationally as a “breaking news” report that may confuse users. On 27 December […]
Claim: Google has suspended the purchase of paid apps in Pakistan. Fact: The tech giant has suspended the purchase of carrier-paid apps in Pakistan via mobile credit only. But the payment to purchase paid apps can be made via credit or debit cards. Fact or Fiction? On 3 December 2022, Daily Pakistan Global shared a […]
Claim: A social media post claim that Elon Musk will appoint Donald Trump Jr as Twitter’s new CEO. Fact: The claim is not true. Blogger Jeff Charles posted a satire piece that people mistook as authentic news. On 20 December 2022, Facebook user DG Jenkins claimed in a post that “Elon Musk to Appoint Donald […]
Claim: According to a viral WhatsApp message, a file titled “Mexico did it”, with an image showing “how Covid-19 is cured in Mexico” will install a virus on users’ phones in five seconds. Fact: We found the warning to be bogus; no such file exists. On 8 November 2022, Soch Fact Check received a WhatsApp […]
Claim: A screenshot of Afghan cricket player Farid Malik apologising after for a recent on-field feud with Pakistan’s Asif Ali was widely shared on social media Fact: The Twitter account purportedly representing Farid Malik is fake, and neither player has issued an apology for the verbal spat, which turned violent. Pakistan’s cricket team faced off […]
Claim: A new iOS update automatically activated a feature that shares users’ precise location on Instagram for all other users on the platform to see. Fact: The location setting is built into the device and cannot be automatically switched on through an iOS update. Instagram has officially denied this claim. On 26 August 2022, a […]
Claim: Journalist Imran Riaz Khan is collecting donations online to help disabled people in Pakistan. Fact: Imran Riaz Khan’s Twitter account was hacked and a PayPal scam was shared through a tweet. The journalist uploaded a video warning people not to interact with his account or make any donations. On 30 July 2022, journalist Imran […]
Claim: Facebook has initiated talks with Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) about the prospect of opening up a local office in the country. A meeting was held between representatives affiliated with the platform and FIA Cyber Crime Wing Director Humayun Bashir in this regard. Fact: The FIA denied the reports in a statement issued via […]
Claim: A viral video of a multi-lane circular bridge, with the lanes spiraling down towards the center of the shot, allegedly depicts the Nanpu Bridge in Shanghai, China. Fact: The video is not an accurate depiction of the Nanpu Bridge. While the bridge is known for its elevated, circular design, the video creates the impression […]