Peter Cunliffe-Jones
@pcunliffejones.bsky.social
Information effects at Facts Matter Research | visiting researcher at Uni Westminster | founder africacheck.org | new book: “Fake news - what’s the harm?” available in print or as free e-book https://www.fulcrum.org/concern/monographs/3197xq21t?locale=en
Pinned
Can fact-checkers accurately forecast false claims that may cause harm, and defend wider freedom of speech?
The EU requires online platforms to counter "harmful misinformation" but no system is agreed to decide what is and is not "harmful". In 2024, three fact-checking organisations ran a trial of a new mod...
www.journalismfestival.com
If for some reason you were
1. Not at @journalismfestival.com #IJF25 or, stranger,
2. Were but chose not to get up on Saturday morning for a 9.30 panel discussion of a new model for identifying misinfo harms don’t worry - you can see the whole thing here 👇🏻
www.journalismfestival.com/programme/20...
1. Not at @journalismfestival.com #IJF25 or, stranger,
2. Were but chose not to get up on Saturday morning for a 9.30 panel discussion of a new model for identifying misinfo harms don’t worry - you can see the whole thing here 👇🏻
www.journalismfestival.com/programme/20...
"Social media misinformation is driving men to NHS clinics in search of testosterone therapy...(but) taking testosterone unnecessarily can suppress the body’s natural hormone production, cause infertility, and increase the risk of blood clots, heart problems etc."
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Social media misinformation driving men to NHS for unneeded testosterone therapy
Endocrinologists warn taking testosterone unnecessarily can suppress natural hormone production
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:48 PM
"Social media misinformation is driving men to NHS clinics in search of testosterone therapy...(but) taking testosterone unnecessarily can suppress the body’s natural hormone production, cause infertility, and increase the risk of blood clots, heart problems etc."
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
In a piece for @rsf.org, Valdez Onanina, chief editor for fact-checking group @fr.africacheck.org, talks about the cost of exposing Russian disinformation networks operating in west Africa; doxing, threats and smears
rsf.org/fr/valdez-on...
rsf.org/fr/valdez-on...
Valdez Onanina : « Exposer les mécanismes de désinformation russe est devenu un exercice à haut risque. »
Organisation indépendante de fact-checking africaine créée en 2012, Africa Check est présente à Johannesburg, à Dakar, à Nairobi et à Lagos. Journaliste, Valdez Onanina est depuis 2022 le rédacteur en...
rsf.org
October 7, 2025 at 12:30 PM
In a piece for @rsf.org, Valdez Onanina, chief editor for fact-checking group @fr.africacheck.org, talks about the cost of exposing Russian disinformation networks operating in west Africa; doxing, threats and smears
rsf.org/fr/valdez-on...
rsf.org/fr/valdez-on...
I think other journalism awards need to up their game.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEBS...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEBS...
2025 African Fact-Checking Awards gala dinner
YouTube video by Africa Check
www.youtube.com
October 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM
I think other journalism awards need to up their game.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEBS...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEBS...
10 years ago I came to Dakar and recruited @fr.africacheck.org’s first editor, Assane Diagne, the first factchecker in Francophone Africa.
This week I joined 200 others in Dakar at the fourth #AfricaFactsSummit.
There are many challenges at the moment. The work of this community is reason for hope
This week I joined 200 others in Dakar at the fourth #AfricaFactsSummit.
There are many challenges at the moment. The work of this community is reason for hope
October 4, 2025 at 7:59 AM
10 years ago I came to Dakar and recruited @fr.africacheck.org’s first editor, Assane Diagne, the first factchecker in Francophone Africa.
This week I joined 200 others in Dakar at the fourth #AfricaFactsSummit.
There are many challenges at the moment. The work of this community is reason for hope
This week I joined 200 others in Dakar at the fourth #AfricaFactsSummit.
There are many challenges at the moment. The work of this community is reason for hope
Google’s commitment to free expression “is unwavering and will not bend to political pressure,” Google said, bending to political pressure.
www.cnbc.com/2025/09/26/h...
www.cnbc.com/2025/09/26/h...
How Google shifted from a bastion of accurate information to a steward of free expression
After years of rolling out features designed to provide users with factual and accurate information, Google is now touting its commitment to "free expression."
www.cnbc.com
September 26, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Google’s commitment to free expression “is unwavering and will not bend to political pressure,” Google said, bending to political pressure.
www.cnbc.com/2025/09/26/h...
www.cnbc.com/2025/09/26/h...
Reposted by Peter Cunliffe-Jones
The polio immunisation program started in the USA in 1955.
Look what happened next.
Look what happened next.
September 24, 2025 at 7:19 PM
The polio immunisation program started in the USA in 1955.
Look what happened next.
Look what happened next.
Some politicians care about facts. Others, not so much
A Royal Parks spokesperson: “We’ve not had any incidents reported to us of people killing or eating swans".
Farage: "Migrants are eating the swans"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
A Royal Parks spokesperson: “We’ve not had any incidents reported to us of people killing or eating swans".
Farage: "Migrants are eating the swans"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
September 25, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Some politicians care about facts. Others, not so much
A Royal Parks spokesperson: “We’ve not had any incidents reported to us of people killing or eating swans".
Farage: "Migrants are eating the swans"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
A Royal Parks spokesperson: “We’ve not had any incidents reported to us of people killing or eating swans".
Farage: "Migrants are eating the swans"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c8...
Two cities at random:
London, England: The crime rate in London was 106.4 crime offences per thousand people for the 2024/25 reporting year, compared with 105.8 in the previous year.
Miami, Florida: In 2023, Miami’s crime index was reported as 283, aligning closely with the national average.
London, England: The crime rate in London was 106.4 crime offences per thousand people for the 2024/25 reporting year, compared with 105.8 in the previous year.
Miami, Florida: In 2023, Miami’s crime index was reported as 283, aligning closely with the national average.
September 23, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Two cities at random:
London, England: The crime rate in London was 106.4 crime offences per thousand people for the 2024/25 reporting year, compared with 105.8 in the previous year.
Miami, Florida: In 2023, Miami’s crime index was reported as 283, aligning closely with the national average.
London, England: The crime rate in London was 106.4 crime offences per thousand people for the 2024/25 reporting year, compared with 105.8 in the previous year.
Miami, Florida: In 2023, Miami’s crime index was reported as 283, aligning closely with the national average.
Besides the politics - and I am not all anti Nick Robinson - this is a truly dreadful 'think piece', that doesn't at all explore what free speech actually is and entails.
What on Earth is this? An "in depth" BBC article about free speech in the UK that only cites examples of right-wing/ 'anti-woke' speech being suppressed. How can you mention Lucy Connolly but completely ignore Palestine Action / Just Stop Oil? Gob-smacking. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
How the simmering UK freedom of speech row reached boiling point
How did we reach a point where the UK is being compared to a 'tin pot Third World dictatorship'?
www.bbc.co.uk
September 23, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Besides the politics - and I am not all anti Nick Robinson - this is a truly dreadful 'think piece', that doesn't at all explore what free speech actually is and entails.
"Mel Merritt, head of policy and campaigns at the National Autistic Society said: 'This is dangerous, it's anti-science and it's irresponsible.'
But hey, why would a medical expert know better than a businessman-politician.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But hey, why would a medical expert know better than a businessman-politician.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Why Trump's views on vaccines and paracetamol risk child health
The public relies on measured, careful statements rooted in robust scientific research, not conjecture.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 23, 2025 at 11:59 AM
"Mel Merritt, head of policy and campaigns at the National Autistic Society said: 'This is dangerous, it's anti-science and it's irresponsible.'
But hey, why would a medical expert know better than a businessman-politician.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But hey, why would a medical expert know better than a businessman-politician.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Looking forward to taking part in this free online All-Ireland conference today on how corporate policy and mis/disinformation affect public health - and what we can do about it.
It starts in half an hour. Do join if you can. #TurningTheTide2025 #CDOH #PublicHealth
jointpublichealthconference.org
It starts in half an hour. Do join if you can. #TurningTheTide2025 #CDOH #PublicHealth
jointpublichealthconference.org
Home
jointpublichealthconference.org
September 18, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Looking forward to taking part in this free online All-Ireland conference today on how corporate policy and mis/disinformation affect public health - and what we can do about it.
It starts in half an hour. Do join if you can. #TurningTheTide2025 #CDOH #PublicHealth
jointpublichealthconference.org
It starts in half an hour. Do join if you can. #TurningTheTide2025 #CDOH #PublicHealth
jointpublichealthconference.org
If "free speech" means allowing people to say things you find disagreeable, what's this?
“.. I can’t remember anyone ever telling me we can’t say anything critical about a civilian like this. He was not in our chain of command or anything,” the officer said.
@nbcnews.com
www.nbcnews.com/politics/nat...
@nbcnews.com
www.nbcnews.com/politics/nat...
September 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM
If "free speech" means allowing people to say things you find disagreeable, what's this?
Rivers of Blood – How Enoch Powell poisoned Britain
Spotify video
open.spotify.com
September 13, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Reposted by Peter Cunliffe-Jones
Science is real
August 31, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Science is real
"The Israeli military has prevented international journalists from entering and reporting on the war, and has decimated Gaza’s own media community."
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
The deadly toll on journalists in the Gaza war
With foreign media barred, Palestinians have reported alone, facing the ‘most deliberate effort to kill and silence’ them ever
www.theguardian.com
September 1, 2025 at 11:25 AM
"The Israeli military has prevented international journalists from entering and reporting on the war, and has decimated Gaza’s own media community."
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
More details on Reform UK's commitment to freedom of speech: "the principle that freedom of speech must be paired with responsibility and honesty," says Council boss. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reform UK Nottinghamshire council leader bans local newspaper's reporters
The Nottingham Post describes the ban as
www.bbc.co.uk
August 28, 2025 at 8:26 PM
More details on Reform UK's commitment to freedom of speech: "the principle that freedom of speech must be paired with responsibility and honesty," says Council boss. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Does factchecking work? Well, do you know what factcheckers do?
@fullfact.org reached out to a woman misidentified in a viral online video. She found it “really helpful… it was the only organisation that tried to contact me to see if there was any truth to the claims.”
fullfact.org/culture-and-...
@fullfact.org reached out to a woman misidentified in a viral online video. She found it “really helpful… it was the only organisation that tried to contact me to see if there was any truth to the claims.”
fullfact.org/culture-and-...
Woman falsely linked to viral video involving the PM: How fact checking could have helped – Full Fact
When 31-year-old Abby Raworth first realised her photo and name were being shared online—falsely linked to a viral video involving the Prime Minister—she’d thought it was quite funny...
fullfact.org
August 6, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Does factchecking work? Well, do you know what factcheckers do?
@fullfact.org reached out to a woman misidentified in a viral online video. She found it “really helpful… it was the only organisation that tried to contact me to see if there was any truth to the claims.”
fullfact.org/culture-and-...
@fullfact.org reached out to a woman misidentified in a viral online video. She found it “really helpful… it was the only organisation that tried to contact me to see if there was any truth to the claims.”
fullfact.org/culture-and-...
How do fact-checkers select the claims to check? How should we develop a 'harms-based' approach and defend freedom of speech?
Great to work with friend & colleague @mrdudders.bsky.social on this piece for @poynterinstitute.bsky.social
Feedback welcome
www.poynter.org/ifcn/2025/sp...
Great to work with friend & colleague @mrdudders.bsky.social on this piece for @poynterinstitute.bsky.social
Feedback welcome
www.poynter.org/ifcn/2025/sp...
Spotting the harmful needles in the haystack: How fact-checkers select what to check - Poynter
From person-to-person coaching and intensive hands-on seminars to interactive online courses and media reporting, Poynter helps journalists sharpen skills and elevate storytelling throughout their car...
www.poynter.org
August 5, 2025 at 6:09 PM
How do fact-checkers select the claims to check? How should we develop a 'harms-based' approach and defend freedom of speech?
Great to work with friend & colleague @mrdudders.bsky.social on this piece for @poynterinstitute.bsky.social
Feedback welcome
www.poynter.org/ifcn/2025/sp...
Great to work with friend & colleague @mrdudders.bsky.social on this piece for @poynterinstitute.bsky.social
Feedback welcome
www.poynter.org/ifcn/2025/sp...
I wrote for @timeshighered.bsky.social blog on questions to spot fake claims
1. Where did the claim come from?
2. What do other, credible sources say?
3. What might make you likely to fall for the claim?
4. What does the context tell you?
More 👇
www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/four-...
1. Where did the claim come from?
2. What do other, credible sources say?
3. What might make you likely to fall for the claim?
4. What does the context tell you?
More 👇
www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/four-...
Four questions to ask to detect false news online
Even those working in higher education can fall for misinformation. Ask these four questions to get better at zeroing in on false news
www.timeshighereducation.com
August 4, 2025 at 3:49 PM
I wrote for @timeshighered.bsky.social blog on questions to spot fake claims
1. Where did the claim come from?
2. What do other, credible sources say?
3. What might make you likely to fall for the claim?
4. What does the context tell you?
More 👇
www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/four-...
1. Where did the claim come from?
2. What do other, credible sources say?
3. What might make you likely to fall for the claim?
4. What does the context tell you?
More 👇
www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/four-...
Asked by media to provide any evidence for its wild claim about the United States' traditional allies convicting citizens for criticising governments, the US State Department "declined to comment".
x.com/StateDept/st...
x.com/StateDept/st...
Department of State on X: "In Europe, thousands are being convicted for the crime of criticizing their own governments. This Orwellian message won't fool the United States. Censorship is not freedom. https://t.co/kCDhaXCVkC" / X
In Europe, thousands are being convicted for the crime of criticizing their own governments. This Orwellian message won't fool the United States. Censorship is not freedom. https://t.co/kCDhaXCVkC
x.com
July 28, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Asked by media to provide any evidence for its wild claim about the United States' traditional allies convicting citizens for criticising governments, the US State Department "declined to comment".
x.com/StateDept/st...
x.com/StateDept/st...
Reposted by Peter Cunliffe-Jones
Some viral posts say guava leaves, ginseng, ginger & lemon can “cure” blocked fallopian tubes or endometriosis. But these remedies don’t work, and promoting them can delay real medical treatment. africacheck.info/endo_fallopi...
No, mixture of guava leaves, ginseng root, ginger and lemons can’t cure blocked fallopian tubes or endometriosis – see a doctor instead
A post circulating on Facebook in South Africa claims that users can cure “blocked fallopian tubes” with a simple mixture of guava leaves, ginseng root...
africacheck.info
July 11, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Some viral posts say guava leaves, ginseng, ginger & lemon can “cure” blocked fallopian tubes or endometriosis. But these remedies don’t work, and promoting them can delay real medical treatment. africacheck.info/endo_fallopi...
July 9, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Little better than to be recognised by your peers, no?
11 years ago, in London, I took part in the first Global Fact-Checking Summit.
Last week in Rio, at #GlobalFact12, I was honoured for ‘outstanding service’ to the fact-checking community worldwide. Couldn’t be more grateful for the journey.
11 years ago, in London, I took part in the first Global Fact-Checking Summit.
Last week in Rio, at #GlobalFact12, I was honoured for ‘outstanding service’ to the fact-checking community worldwide. Couldn’t be more grateful for the journey.
July 1, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Little better than to be recognised by your peers, no?
11 years ago, in London, I took part in the first Global Fact-Checking Summit.
Last week in Rio, at #GlobalFact12, I was honoured for ‘outstanding service’ to the fact-checking community worldwide. Couldn’t be more grateful for the journey.
11 years ago, in London, I took part in the first Global Fact-Checking Summit.
Last week in Rio, at #GlobalFact12, I was honoured for ‘outstanding service’ to the fact-checking community worldwide. Couldn’t be more grateful for the journey.
"I wasn't able to stop my sister from dying. But it would mean the world to me if I could make it that she wasn't just another in a long line of people that die in this way," says Gabriel."
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Our sister died because of our mum's cancer conspiracy theories, say brothers
Paloma Shemirani’s brothers say she refused chemotherapy because of their mother’s beliefs.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 23, 2025 at 11:18 AM
"I wasn't able to stop my sister from dying. But it would mean the world to me if I could make it that she wasn't just another in a long line of people that die in this way," says Gabriel."
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...