Tag Archive for: #Misinformation

Common misconceptions about fact-checking and information verification

/in , ,

Fact-checking is an important tool for verifying the accuracy of information in today’s world, and it is vital to be aware of the myths and truths about it.

Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

In today’s world, verifying the accuracy of information is more critical than ever. With the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, it is easy to be bombarded with information, much of which is false or misleading. Fact-checking is the process of verifying the accuracy of the information, and it is an essential tool for anyone who wants to be informed about the world around them.

There are many common myths about fact-checking. One myth is that fact-checking is biased. Fact-checkers are trained to be objective and impartial and use various methods to verify the accuracy of information. However, it is essential to remember that no one is perfect, and there is always the possibility of human error.

Another myth is that fact-checking is only about politics. Fact-checking can be used to verify information about any topic, not just politics. Fact-checkers often fact-check claims made by businesses, celebrities, and other non-political figures.

A third myth is that fact-checking is censorship. Fact-checking is not censorship. It is the process of verifying the accuracy of information. Censorship is the suppression of information that is considered to be objectionable or harmful. Fact-checking is not about suppressing information but ensuring that the information being shared is accurate.

A fourth myth is that fact-checkers are always right. Fact-checkers are human, and they make mistakes. It is important to remember that fact-checking is not a perfect science, and there is always the possibility that a fact-checker could cause an error. If you see a fact-check that you disagree with, you should do your research to verify the information.

A fifth myth is that fact-checking is not necessary. Some people believe fact-checking is unnecessary because they can simply trust their judgment. However, it is essential to remember that we are all susceptible to confirmation bias, which is the tendency to seek information confirming our beliefs. Fact-checking can help us to avoid confirmation bias and to make more informed decisions.

It is essential to be aware of these myths to make informed decisions about the information you consume. If you see a claim you are unsure about, you should do your research to verify the information. You can also use fact-checking websites to help you verify the accuracy of information.

Here are some tips for fact-checking information:

  • Look for credible sources. When trying to verify information, it is crucial to look for credible and reputable sources. You can check the source’s website to see if they have a clear mission statement and if they list their sources. You can also look for fact-checks of the source by other reputable organisations.
  • Be sceptical of sensational headlines. Sensational headlines are often designed to grab your attention but may be inaccurate. Reading the entire article before deciding whether to believe the information is essential.
  • Check the facts. Once you have found a trustworthy source, you can check the facts. Look for evidence to support the claims that are being made. If you can’t find any evidence, or if the evidence is contradictory, then you may want to question the accuracy of the information.
  • Don’t share information you’re not sure about. Before you share information on social media or with others, make sure you are sure that it is accurate. You can avoid spreading misinformation by taking the time to verify the information before you share it.

Fact-checking is an integral part of being an informed citizen. Awareness of the myths about fact-checking and using the tips above can ensure that you get accurate information as a content creator or news consumer.

Fact-check: Did NRA South Sudan publish a recruitment advert?

/in , , , , ,

Yes, it’s true. Recently, the NRA advertised for multiple jobs, and they were all over the internet. 

Writer: Rogers Louis

A copy of a job advertisement from the National Revenue Authority (NRA) surfaced on the internet (Facebook and  WhatsApp groups) between 27th and 28th March 2023, announcing that the NRA calls for applications for several vacancies. The posts were first run on the NRA Facebook page with a  caption.

 NRA is hiring!

Visit the link below for more details.

All the best!

A screenshot of one of the jobs advertised by the NRA.

Investigation

When 211 check.org investigated the NRA South Sudan official website, it found out that the link provided on the https://nra.gov.ss/ website has the job advert.

Immediately the job advert was released to the public, it raised a lot of suspicions and concerns from the crowd because the number of jobs was so many and in a way or so people were doubting. 

Secondly and most importantly, recently early this year, the internet was awash with similar job advertisements from NRA, which turned out to be fake. 211 Check Fact-checked early this year, and it saved a lot of people since then, many have been suspicious of such job alerts.

Here is the official NRA SS website https://nra.gov.ss/ you can visit and confirm the information, and there is a part for Careers whereby Vacancies are found or otherwise if they contract a third party to conduct the information and announce it.

By double-checking everything, investigate all the adverts and news surfacing online on  Facebook, WhatsApp, and other websites. It must appear on at least many other websites, not only one, but claims which are scams can also lead to catastrophic results for example, when you press it, you will be directed to a different website and during the direction, your connection to a fake webpage your credentials are copied and sent to the hacker by the (Virus/Warm etc.), and it is hazardous because some sensitive personal information is stolen and shared or sold to the highest bidder and as a result may be some bank accounts will have some amount withdrawn or email or Facebook account will be hijacked, and you will be requested to pay a ransom (Ransomware).

Conclusion:

The above analysis found that NRA South Sudan advertised the jobs, and on many occasions, they came out to encourage the public to apply. 

It is always good to be vigilant and cautious while online. The internet is full of both safe and dangerous information. Having basic fact-checking and verification skills is necessary and paramount for everyone.

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Did this woman run mad somewhere in South Sudan?

/in , , ,

Pictures of a bride who ran mad on her traditional marriage didn’t happen in South Sudan, and they are believed to have occurred somewhere in Uganda.

Writer: Jibi Moses

Suncity TV, a Facebook page, recently ran a story with pictures of a bride who allegedly ran mad in South Sudan.

“Bride goes mad during her traditional marriage somewhere in South Sudan. Eyewitness gali she snatched someone’s husband,” partly reads the caption. 

A screenshot of the post by Suncity TV

Investigation:

A Google reverse image search by 211 Check returns the same picture used on the internet by many other sources with different stories behind it. Edujan  don.com, A Nigerian online blog, ran a story with these pictures claiming the incident happened in Masaka, a district in central Uganda, on the 7th of March, 2023. 

The face of Malawi, a Malawian online news site, ran a similar one on the 9th of March 2023, claiming the incident happened in Tanzania. Finally, Tica Saviour, based in Nigeria, also claimed the act occurred in Nigeria. Raphael Abusari made a TikTok video, although it had no excruciating details. 

A screenshot from Raphael’s TikTok video

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim false. Given the above evidence, although the picture’s origin isn’t clearly defined, there’s enough evidence that it didn’t happen anywhere in South Sudan. 

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Did President Kiir cry on his return  from the tour in Bahr el Ghazal?

/in , ,

No, this picture of the president is old  taken way earlier in 2018, and has been on the internet for a long time.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A picture of South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir was shared by Junub Sudan Press on 23 March 2023 in a post that went viral. The post attracted around 70 reactions, 40 comments and 29 shares in 20 hours. 

“Breaking News!!.

President Kiir shades tears on arrival from Bahr-el-ghazal after he was shown the current rate of Dollar against SSP and handed a short list of five hungry and incapacitated politicians who had submitted their interests for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning Docket under the drowning leadership of Dier Tong Ngor and Governor of Central Bank.

What made His Excellency cry was the fact that James Deng Wal and Barnaba Marial Benjamin has forged into……,” partly reads the caption.

A screenshot of the post used by Junub South Sudan

On running a Google reverse image search on the picture, Google lenses returned many results showing that the picture has been used before. The first time it was used was in 2018 by 

South Sudan in Focus.

AFTABOSS a website used the same image in 2018 with a title that ran as the 13 theories of political crisis in South Sudan and in 2021 it was used by Ramciel Tip-toe-Top, with a heading Facts about the president of South Sudan, H.E SALVA KIIR MAYARDIT. 

The same image was used by Akuot Chol on Getty Images. Meanwhile the Photos of H.E President Salva Kiir taken when he was arriving yesterday from his tour shows otherwise as seen in the official page Office of the president -Republic of South sudan.

A screenshot of the image of the president yesterday when he touched Juba

Conclusion:

Given the evidence above collected by 211 check. This image of the president was not taken yesterday when he arrived Juba. He was not crying either as portrayed by the writer. This was an old picture which dates back to 2018.

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Did Pope Francis say celibacy can be revised? Yes, he did

/in , , , ,

He did, during a celebration ceremony of his tenth Papal year. When asked by Infobae whether celibacy could be revised, Francis answered that it could. He added that Celibacy in the Western Church is a “temporary prescription… It is not eternal like priestly ordination.”

Writer: Jibi Moses

A blog post by suncitytvsouthsudan claims Pope Francis said celibacy could be revised. “In a new interview, Pope Francis discussed the possibility of revising the Western discipline of celibacy. Priestly celibacy…” the blog post says in part.

A similar post was published on Phoenix news: “Pope Francis says Catholic Church banning priests from engaging in sex is ‘temporary.”

Screenshot of a post by suncity 

The post is seen on Phoenix. 

Searches on Bing and Google return many results confirming the claim’s accuracy. Pope Francis was in defence of saying that celibacy is a temporary prescription.

“When asked by Infobae whether celibacy could be revised, Francis answered that it could. He added that Celibacy in the Western Church is a “temporary prescription… It is not eternal like priestly ordination,”  a caption from an article reads.

Some of the explanations can be found here, here, and here. In addition to the articles, there are some videos too 1, 2, 3. The Fox News Channel clarified that the church banning clerics from sex is ‘Temporal’.

So, what is celibacy?

Clerical celibacy is the requirement in certain religions that some or all clergy members be unmarried. Clerical celibacy also requires abstention from deliberately indulging in sexual thoughts and behaviour outside of marriage because these impulses are considered sinful. The practice has been in the catholic for almost over 1000 years. According to Wikipedia, it was made a prerequisite for one to take a religious role. And it was started by the forefathers in the church. According to Quora, celibacy was introduced by Gregory the Great.

In 1322 Pope John XXII insisted that no one bound in marriage—even if unconsummated—could be ordained unless there was full knowledge of the requirements of Church law. If the free consent of the wife had not been obtained, the husband, even if already ordained, was to be reunited with his wife, the exercise of his ministry being barred. Accordingly, the assumption that a wife might not want to give up her marital rights may have been one of the factors contributing to the eventual universal practice in the Latin Church of ordaining only unmarried men.

Despite all the Clergy suggestions about celibacy and marriage, when asked whether the practice would draw more people into the church, He replied that he didn’t think so because there have been priests with wives and children, especially in the East.  

There has always been a lot of controversy around priests and keeping this command which they take as an oath before God to serve Him diligently. The Church has been grappling with it, with some cases reported and sorted while many remain in the dark, as seen here, here, and here.

Conclusion:

Yes, it is true that Pope Francis, during an interview marking his tenth year of  Papal journey,  was recorded saying that celibacy can be revised because it’s temporary. Similarly, he said the Church denying priests sex is equally temporary.

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: Customs market battery photo traced to Zambia

/in , ,

According to google’s reverse image, the image was taken in Zambia and first posted on Zambia Reports’ Facebook page on 2/03/2023.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

South Sudan Exposed, a South Sudanese online publication, posted on its Facebook a picture claiming it was taken in Custom, a market in the South Sudan capital, Juba city.

The post was captioned ‘somewhere in Custom market’ by South Sudan Exposed, which writes on various news in the whole country with 9,400 likes and over 10,000 followers on Facebook. 

The post with the picture allegedly taken at the Customs market portrays fake batteries sold as new in the Custom Market.

A screenshot of a fake battery from the South Sudan Exposed’s Facebook page

Investigation:

On doing a Reverse Image Search on Google, the 211 Check team found that this image was first reported in Zambia by a local online news organisation named Zambia Report. 

According to the Zambia Report Facebook page, the batteries are sold at Matero – Lusaka, Zambia.

We could not track down any reputable news outlets that reported on the alleged incident.

A screenshot of Zambia Report Facebook page post

Conclusion:

The claim that a battery photo was taken in Customs Market is false. A Google reverse image search shows that the image originated from Zambia, not the Juba Customs market.

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: No, an Angel didn’t appear in Rumbek town

/in , ,

No, this picture has been used in Zambia and Kenya. All the evidence shows that this picture didn’t originate from Rumbek, South Sudan

Writer: Jibi Moses

An image posted on a local online Facebook page Juba Eye, claiming an Angel was seen in Rumbek town, is false.

The post that reads, “An Angel has reportedly appeared in Rumbek town this evening”, attracted over one thousand reactions, three hundred comments and thirty-six shares. However, from the comments people were already making on the posts, there were concerns.

A screenshot of the image reported to have been An Angel in Rumbek. 

Investigation:

A reverse image search on Google by 211 Check returns results showing that the image in the post had been used before in Zambia, with the same claim of an Angel spotted in Mongu Zambia by a Facebook user in the name of Hon Chardrin Nseema Nseemanini- Speaks.; further still, it has been used in other social media pages as shown in here, here, and here,

The same claim was fact-checked in Kenya by Kenyan.co.ke, an online news outlet by a journalist Maureen Njeri, on 4 March 2023. A YouTube video posted on the 5th of March, 2023, gives more clues after the ‘angel’ was reportedly seen in the Gaturi area, Murang’a County in Kenya.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that an Angel appeared in Rumbek town false. Reverse image searches very clearly tell that no Angel was seen in Rumbek. 

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: This man with dog meat was not arrested at Gudele One

/in ,

Much as the man pictured while handcuffed was with what seems to be dog meat, he wasn’t arrested in South Sudan’s capital Juba, along Gudele Street.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A Facebook page in the name of Atar News made a viral post with a picture of a man alongside meat and in handcuffs, but the claim is false.

The page claimed the man in the picture shared had been selling dog meat along Gudele Street in Juba city for about a year. “A businessman was caught slaughtering dogs in Gudele One. The man was a roasted meat seller along Juba – Gudele road,” the post partly reads.

The post attracted over 30 reactions, ten comments and eight shares in less than a day.

A screenshot of the post made by Atar News

Investigation:

On running a reverse image search on Bing and Google, several results showed that the same picture was used in  Uganda with the same claims of dog meat selling attached. Here are some links used on Twitter (1, 2, 3) and YouTube videos.

We could not find credible media sources reporting on this alleged incident in South Sudan. Therefore, it is important to approach this claim with scepticism until further evidence supports its veracity.

Conclusion: 

The above picture was neither taken on Gudele Street nor in South Sudan. This misinformation can cause mistrust in the population about people who sell meat, especially those selling roasted meat alongside the ways. 

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: A Facebook post saying banks in South Sudan are approving loans is a scam

/in , ,

There is no South Sudanese bank giving out loans, this is another online fraud. It shows how scammers use fake loan adverts to trick people into giving their personal information.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

Beware of loan scams on social media! A post with the bold headline “New Loan, Apply for up to $16000” is making rounds on social media in South Sudan. The post claims that banks in the country approve loans of up to $20,000, even for those with debt, and provides a link for interested individuals to click to access the loan money. However, the post is nothing but a scam.

The page behind the post, named Finance-Personal loans, introduces itself as Escrow, and it is neither rated nor has any reviews. Only a few people reacted to the post, but some expressed interest in the opportunity.

The link in the post leads to a page that asks how much money you need and provides four options to choose from. Clicking on any of the figures takes you to the next page, which looks a little suspicious. The page asks if you have a credit card and gives you three options to choose from: “Yes,” “No,” or “No, I would like to.”

Screenshot of the false post on Facebook

A screenshot of the main advert of the post.

After selecting an option, you will be directed to another page where you need to confirm that you are not a robot. After that, you will be redirected to a website owned by M&T Bank, an American bank holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York.

The website has unclear instructions, but a small instruction says, “I need my loan.”

The template where one is given the options of money amount 

“When you click on any of the amounts or figures above, the next slide appears scary and suspicious.

“Do you have a credit card?” is the question presented, with the options of “Yes,” “No,” or “I would like to.” You must select an option to continue.”

“Whatever choice you make, you will be directed to the next page, where you will be asked to confirm that you are not a robot. 

This is a website of M&T BANK with unclear instructions, except for a small instruction that I need for my loan.”

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the link provided in the post, when analysed on Whois, was for a different company called Returso. M&T Bank has no branch in South Sudan or dealings in the country. Therefore, the post is nothing but a scam, and no banks in South Sudan are giving out loans to anyone.

Screenshot showing Whois information for the scam site

Screenshot showing Whois information for M&T Bank

M&T BANK

Meanwhile, M&T Bank Corporation is an American Bank holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. It has no branch in South Sudan nor any dealings in the country.

Conclusion:

Based on the information presented, the entire article appears to be fraudulent since no South Sudan banks provide loans to individuals. The two organisations, Returso and M&T Bank mentioned do not have a presence in this region, and their websites do not indicate any offers for free loans.

Scammers use these tricks for fishing out people’s personal details, which they later use for personal gains. These personal details include email addresses, bank account information, social media accounts, and more. It is important to remain vigilant and protect oneself against cybercrime.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Before applying for any loans, research and check the authenticity of the institution offering the loan. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: This image was not taken in Juba

/in , ,

A viral picture claiming to have been taken in Juba, South Sudan, of someone sleeping outside under a mosquito net due to an alleged earthquake was taken in Uganda in June 2022.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A viral picture was posted on social media claiming to have been taken in Juba, but this is unproven. Among these pages that shared the claim are Aweil TV and a Facebook user name Sir Yol Isaac. Together the posts garnered over 80 reactions.

The post, which the owner posted at the end, was posted when a rumour was making rounds alleging the purported occurrence of an earthquake in  Juba, the capital city of South Sudan and other parts of the country.

The photo appears to show someone sleeping outside under a mosquito net after people were told not to sleep inside their houses to avoid fatalities—a rumour debunked by 211 Check.

A screenshot of the image.

A reverse image search by 211 Check on the image shows that it was once used by Juba, South Sudan, in September 2022. It partly reads, “..This life has no balance, with images of tears of South Sudanese citizens.”

It appears to have been first posted on June 19, 2022, by Muvistar SaveLife Youth Foundation Uganda, a community-based nonprofit, with the caption, “I was amazed seeing this boy trying to save his life from Malaria by setting up a Mosquito net. Street Children’s influence increases every day in the urban cities of Uganda.”

It was also shared on Twitter here on October 23, 2022.

Conclusion:

The viral image claiming to show someone sleeping outside under a mosquito net in Juba, South Sudan, due to an alleged earthquake, is false and originated in Uganda in June 2022, according to a reverse image search by 211 Check. It highlights the importance of fact-checking viral images before sharing them on social media platforms to avoid spreading misinformation.

Fight misinformation in mainstream and alternative media by not being a victim of fake news. Refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or don’t know where it comes from to prevent spreading false information. For more information on our fact-checking process, visit https://211check.org/ or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 to present a claim. Our team will fact-check it and respond promptly. #FactsMatter