Every day, messages, videos and images spread rapidly on social media and messaging apps. Some are true, but many are misleading or completely false. Fake news can damage reputations, cause panic and even lead to violence. Here is how to protect yourself and others.

Misinformation vs disinformation

• Misinformation: false information shared by mistake.
• Disinformation: false information created deliberately to mislead.

1. Pause before you share

Fake news is designed to make you feel strong emotions such as anger, fear or excitement, so you share it quickly. If a message makes you very emotional, slow down.

2. Check the source

Who published it? Is it a known news organisation, an official government website, or an unknown page? Be cautious of messages that only say “forwarded many times” with no source.

3. Read beyond the headline

Headlines can be misleading. Read the full story and check the date; old news is often reshared as if it is new.

4. Look for other reports

If something big really happened, several reliable news outlets will report it. If no one else is reporting it, be suspicious.

5. Verify images and videos

• Use a reverse image search to find where a photo first appeared.
• Many viral images are old, from another country, or edited.
• AI tools can now create realistic fake photos, voices and videos (deepfakes). Look for odd details such as strange hands, blurry backgrounds or unnatural lip movement.

6. Check with fact-checkers

Independent fact-checking organisations and the government’s PIB Fact Check unit regularly verify viral claims.

7. Watch for warning signs

• Lots of spelling mistakes and capital letters.
• Claims of a “secret” the media is hiding.
• Requests to “share with everyone urgently”.
• Miracle cures or offers that seem too good to be true.

When in doubt, don’t forward

Sharing false information, even by accident, helps it spread. Being careful is one of the most useful things any of us can do online.