AFP Fact Check
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Fact-checking by AFP News Agency.
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Official account of the world's biggest news fact-checking network. Also on Instagram: @AFPFactCheck
Help us fight misinformation https://factcheck.afp.com/contact
🇧🇩🗳️ Bangladesh voters elect a new government this week, but analysts warn their choice is threatened by a surge of disinformation -- much of which originates from neighbouring India.
Among the most widespread posts are claims of attacks against Bangladesh's minorities such as Hindus u.afp.com/S2rV
Among the most widespread posts are claims of attacks against Bangladesh's minorities such as Hindus u.afp.com/S2rV
February 10, 2026 at 9:10 AM
🇧🇩🗳️ Bangladesh voters elect a new government this week, but analysts warn their choice is threatened by a surge of disinformation -- much of which originates from neighbouring India.
Among the most widespread posts are claims of attacks against Bangladesh's minorities such as Hindus u.afp.com/S2rV
Among the most widespread posts are claims of attacks against Bangladesh's minorities such as Hindus u.afp.com/S2rV
This is not a real image of Bad Bunny burning a flag. It contains various irregularities typical of AI-generated content and appears to have originated on a satire page.
Read more: u.afp.com/S2KY
Read more: u.afp.com/S2KY
February 9, 2026 at 10:25 PM
This is not a real image of Bad Bunny burning a flag. It contains various irregularities typical of AI-generated content and appears to have originated on a satire page.
Read more: u.afp.com/S2KY
Read more: u.afp.com/S2KY
🇹🇭 On the eve of Thailand's elections, a supposed image of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dining with a South African businessman accused of money laundering surfaced online.
While the Thai leader said he had "casual" meetings with Benjamin Mauerberger, the image is AI-generated u.afp.com/S2a6
While the Thai leader said he had "casual" meetings with Benjamin Mauerberger, the image is AI-generated u.afp.com/S2a6
February 9, 2026 at 10:13 AM
🇹🇭 On the eve of Thailand's elections, a supposed image of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dining with a South African businessman accused of money laundering surfaced online.
While the Thai leader said he had "casual" meetings with Benjamin Mauerberger, the image is AI-generated u.afp.com/S2a6
While the Thai leader said he had "casual" meetings with Benjamin Mauerberger, the image is AI-generated u.afp.com/S2a6
🥩 Woolworths is a South African department store chain known for its high-end food offerings, but Facebook posts claiming to show sacked staff telling the public how to secure a special discount on meat are a scam, aided by AI-generated images.
u.afp.com/S2aY
u.afp.com/S2aY
February 9, 2026 at 8:36 AM
🥩 Woolworths is a South African department store chain known for its high-end food offerings, but Facebook posts claiming to show sacked staff telling the public how to secure a special discount on meat are a scam, aided by AI-generated images.
u.afp.com/S2aY
u.afp.com/S2aY
As deepfake videos of John Mearsheimer multiplied across YouTube, the American academic rushed to have them taken down, embarking on a grueling fight that laid bare the challenges of combating AI-driven impersonation.
Read more: u.afp.com/S2WL
Read more: u.afp.com/S2WL
February 7, 2026 at 5:05 PM
As deepfake videos of John Mearsheimer multiplied across YouTube, the American academic rushed to have them taken down, embarking on a grueling fight that laid bare the challenges of combating AI-driven impersonation.
Read more: u.afp.com/S2WL
Read more: u.afp.com/S2WL
Mark Carney's name appears multiple times in the latest release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, but most appearances are references to news articles mentioning Carney and none contain correspondence between the prime minister and Epstein. Read more: u.afp.com/S228
February 6, 2026 at 9:41 PM
Mark Carney's name appears multiple times in the latest release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, but most appearances are references to news articles mentioning Carney and none contain correspondence between the prime minister and Epstein. Read more: u.afp.com/S228
Indian university students protested what they said were unfair new rules to prevent discrimination of marginalised groups, but posts online falsely linked old clips to the demonstrations.
The videos in fact show fans mourning a popular singer and political protests
u.afp.com/NotUGCProtests
The videos in fact show fans mourning a popular singer and political protests
u.afp.com/NotUGCProtests
February 6, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Indian university students protested what they said were unfair new rules to prevent discrimination of marginalised groups, but posts online falsely linked old clips to the demonstrations.
The videos in fact show fans mourning a popular singer and political protests
u.afp.com/NotUGCProtests
The videos in fact show fans mourning a popular singer and political protests
u.afp.com/NotUGCProtests
Protests against immigration enforcement by ICE have faced resistance across US cities, but an image shared in Ethiopia exaggerates the scale of the crowd in Minneapolis. The photo was digitally altered.
Read more: u.afp.com/Minneapolis
Read more: u.afp.com/Minneapolis
February 6, 2026 at 1:53 PM
Protests against immigration enforcement by ICE have faced resistance across US cities, but an image shared in Ethiopia exaggerates the scale of the crowd in Minneapolis. The photo was digitally altered.
Read more: u.afp.com/Minneapolis
Read more: u.afp.com/Minneapolis
These fabricated images of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his mother circulated widely online after the US Justice Department released a new batch of documents from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. They were made with AI and originally published on a parody account u.afp.com/S28g
February 6, 2026 at 9:37 AM
These fabricated images of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his mother circulated widely online after the US Justice Department released a new batch of documents from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. They were made with AI and originally published on a parody account u.afp.com/S28g
American politician Hillary Clinton spoke at the Liberal Party of Canada convention in 2023 but claims that she would be returning to the event in 2026 are false. The author of the post originating the claim said it was intended as satire. Read more: u.afp.com/S27h
February 5, 2026 at 8:49 PM
American politician Hillary Clinton spoke at the Liberal Party of Canada convention in 2023 but claims that she would be returning to the event in 2026 are false. The author of the post originating the claim said it was intended as satire. Read more: u.afp.com/S27h
🗳️Bangladeshis will head to the polls on February 12 in the first general election since the 2024 uprising ended the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina.
Are you a journalist covering the election? Learn how to tackle election disinformation in our courses➡️ u.afp.com/ElectionsPro
Are you a journalist covering the election? Learn how to tackle election disinformation in our courses➡️ u.afp.com/ElectionsPro
February 5, 2026 at 8:02 AM
🗳️Bangladeshis will head to the polls on February 12 in the first general election since the 2024 uprising ended the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina.
Are you a journalist covering the election? Learn how to tackle election disinformation in our courses➡️ u.afp.com/ElectionsPro
Are you a journalist covering the election? Learn how to tackle election disinformation in our courses➡️ u.afp.com/ElectionsPro
Detractors of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency are circulating a video claimed to show its agents beating an unarmed migrant teenager. But the arrest was made by the Anaheim Police Department following a jewelry store heist. Read more: u.afp.com/S2mV
February 4, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Detractors of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency are circulating a video claimed to show its agents beating an unarmed migrant teenager. But the arrest was made by the Anaheim Police Department following a jewelry store heist. Read more: u.afp.com/S2mV
During his African tour, American YouTuber IShowSpeed stopped in Nigeria, where he celebrated his 21st birthday in January. Images posted online appear to show him with an injured face, but these are altered screenshots linked to false claims that he was attacked by a local gang.
u.afp.com/S2MY
u.afp.com/S2MY
February 3, 2026 at 1:08 PM
During his African tour, American YouTuber IShowSpeed stopped in Nigeria, where he celebrated his 21st birthday in January. Images posted online appear to show him with an injured face, but these are altered screenshots linked to false claims that he was attacked by a local gang.
u.afp.com/S2MY
u.afp.com/S2MY
A video circulating on social media claiming to show insurgents passing a military checkpoint in Nigeria without intervention from the army is misleading. The footage is from a movie set, not real life.
Read more: u.afp.com/Boko
Read more: u.afp.com/Boko
February 3, 2026 at 10:05 AM
A video circulating on social media claiming to show insurgents passing a military checkpoint in Nigeria without intervention from the army is misleading. The footage is from a movie set, not real life.
Read more: u.afp.com/Boko
Read more: u.afp.com/Boko
👾 AI-generated misinformation has circulated ahead of the February elections in Thailand and Bangladesh.
How do journalists detect and verify it? Join AFP's online course to tackle AI deepfakes ➡️ u.afp.com/AIdetection
How do journalists detect and verify it? Join AFP's online course to tackle AI deepfakes ➡️ u.afp.com/AIdetection
February 3, 2026 at 8:01 AM
👾 AI-generated misinformation has circulated ahead of the February elections in Thailand and Bangladesh.
How do journalists detect and verify it? Join AFP's online course to tackle AI deepfakes ➡️ u.afp.com/AIdetection
How do journalists detect and verify it? Join AFP's online course to tackle AI deepfakes ➡️ u.afp.com/AIdetection
Two Nipah virus cases in India's West Bengal state last month sparked posts claiming a lockdown had been imposed. But they share an AI-generated image, and authorities have said the situation is contained with no additional infections u.afp.com/S2ci
February 2, 2026 at 9:41 AM
Two Nipah virus cases in India's West Bengal state last month sparked posts claiming a lockdown had been imposed. But they share an AI-generated image, and authorities have said the situation is contained with no additional infections u.afp.com/S2ci
🇯🇵 ️Japan will hold a snap election on Sunday that will test Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's leadership as the country’s first female premier.
How to tackle disinformation around the election? Learn tips in AFP's online courses ➡️️ u.afp.com/ElectionsPro
How to tackle disinformation around the election? Learn tips in AFP's online courses ➡️️ u.afp.com/ElectionsPro
February 2, 2026 at 8:01 AM
🇯🇵 ️Japan will hold a snap election on Sunday that will test Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's leadership as the country’s first female premier.
How to tackle disinformation around the election? Learn tips in AFP's online courses ➡️️ u.afp.com/ElectionsPro
How to tackle disinformation around the election? Learn tips in AFP's online courses ➡️️ u.afp.com/ElectionsPro
Social media claims by clinics promoting testosterone treatment for men to improve their physique and mood are driving large numbers to pay for unnecessary medication that can have serious side effects, doctors say.
Read more: u.afp.com/Testosterone...
Read more: u.afp.com/Testosterone...
January 31, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Social media claims by clinics promoting testosterone treatment for men to improve their physique and mood are driving large numbers to pay for unnecessary medication that can have serious side effects, doctors say.
Read more: u.afp.com/Testosterone...
Read more: u.afp.com/Testosterone...
Hundreds of thousands of people have watched a video said to show Alex Pretti's colleagues honoring his body at the hospital where he worked.
But Veterans Affairs Press Secretary Pete Kasperowicz told AFP: "This video was not taken at the Minneapolis VA."
Read more: u.afp.com/S25Q
But Veterans Affairs Press Secretary Pete Kasperowicz told AFP: "This video was not taken at the Minneapolis VA."
Read more: u.afp.com/S25Q
January 30, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Hundreds of thousands of people have watched a video said to show Alex Pretti's colleagues honoring his body at the hospital where he worked.
But Veterans Affairs Press Secretary Pete Kasperowicz told AFP: "This video was not taken at the Minneapolis VA."
Read more: u.afp.com/S25Q
But Veterans Affairs Press Secretary Pete Kasperowicz told AFP: "This video was not taken at the Minneapolis VA."
Read more: u.afp.com/S25Q
This image purportedly showing supporters of South African opposition leader Julius Malema during his recent court hearing in East London, actually shows a 2025 Gaza protest in Amsterdam.
Read more: u.afp.com/Malema
Read more: u.afp.com/Malema
January 30, 2026 at 5:12 PM
This image purportedly showing supporters of South African opposition leader Julius Malema during his recent court hearing in East London, actually shows a 2025 Gaza protest in Amsterdam.
Read more: u.afp.com/Malema
Read more: u.afp.com/Malema
After Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki said the US has been in decline as a global power for 30 years, a clip circulated online claiming Trump responded with a warning about Afwerki being deposed like Venezuela’s Maduro.
But the clip is an edited 2022 speech. Read more: u.afp.com/Afwerki
But the clip is an edited 2022 speech. Read more: u.afp.com/Afwerki
January 30, 2026 at 9:50 AM
After Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki said the US has been in decline as a global power for 30 years, a clip circulated online claiming Trump responded with a warning about Afwerki being deposed like Venezuela’s Maduro.
But the clip is an edited 2022 speech. Read more: u.afp.com/Afwerki
But the clip is an edited 2022 speech. Read more: u.afp.com/Afwerki
Misidentification sparks anti-LGBTQ rhetoric around shooting of Minnesota nurse.
Read more: u.afp.com/S2JX
Read more: u.afp.com/S2JX
January 29, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Misidentification sparks anti-LGBTQ rhetoric around shooting of Minnesota nurse.
Read more: u.afp.com/S2JX
Read more: u.afp.com/S2JX
Both Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Philippine news anchor Mel Tiangco have denied making comments insulting tennis player Alexandra Eala ahead of her first appearance at the Australian Open earlier this month, contrary to posts citing AI-generated articles u.afp.com/SBvt
January 29, 2026 at 8:57 AM
Both Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Philippine news anchor Mel Tiangco have denied making comments insulting tennis player Alexandra Eala ahead of her first appearance at the Australian Open earlier this month, contrary to posts citing AI-generated articles u.afp.com/SBvt
🇹🇭 Thailand is set to hold a general election on February 8, which could lead to its fourth prime minister in less than three years.
AFP has an open-access online course to help journalists combat election disinformation. Start now ➡️️u.afp.com/ElectionsPro
AFP has an open-access online course to help journalists combat election disinformation. Start now ➡️️u.afp.com/ElectionsPro
January 28, 2026 at 7:00 AM
🇹🇭 Thailand is set to hold a general election on February 8, which could lead to its fourth prime minister in less than three years.
AFP has an open-access online course to help journalists combat election disinformation. Start now ➡️️u.afp.com/ElectionsPro
AFP has an open-access online course to help journalists combat election disinformation. Start now ➡️️u.afp.com/ElectionsPro
Tributes to Alex Pretti, the nurse who was shot and killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, abounded, but social media posts claiming his picture was projected onto a large billboard in Times Square are false, an image captured by AFP show.
Read more: u.afp.com/SBVX
Read more: u.afp.com/SBVX
January 27, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Tributes to Alex Pretti, the nurse who was shot and killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, abounded, but social media posts claiming his picture was projected onto a large billboard in Times Square are false, an image captured by AFP show.
Read more: u.afp.com/SBVX
Read more: u.afp.com/SBVX