Tag: Fake News

  • No more blue ticks for Twitter users who don’t pay for verification

    No more blue ticks for Twitter users who don’t pay for verification

    On Thursday, Elon Musk’s social media platform followed through on its promise to eliminate blue verification checks from accounts that don’t pay a monthly fee. The blue checks have been removed from the accounts of many prominent public figures and celebrities on Twitter, including Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Pope Francis, and Donald Trump.

    The purge came after Musk introduced Twitter Blue, a paid service that aims to democratize journalism and empower the people’s voice. Before Musk ended the verification system, roughly 300,000 users had the blue check mark, which helped differentiate real public figures from impostors and protected against fake news.

    Following the change, some users, such as Stephen King, still have the blue check mark but claimed not to have paid for the new service. Musk responded to King’s tweet with “You’re welcome namaste” and revealed that he’s “personally paying for a few [accounts].” Musk has been attempting to increase Twitter’s revenue by offering subscription and premium services since buying the social media company for $44 billion last October. Musk previously described the system that assigned the check marks as “corrupt and nonsensical.”

    Twitter began tagging users with a blue check mark roughly 14 years ago. After Twitter Blue’s introduction, numerous fake accounts emerged, including some impersonating Musk’s Tesla and SpaceX. Twitter temporarily suspended the service days later. The cost to display the verified check mark under the new service ranges from $8 per month for individuals to $1,000 per month for organisations.

    Politicians and official bodies have also been affected by the Thursday purge, with concerns raised that the public will be unable to identify which Twitter accounts provide information about natural disasters. US Senator Brian Schatz tweeted, “There really ought to be a way for emergency managers to verify that they are real on this website or imposters will cause suffering and death.” According to digital intelligence platform Similarweb, only 116,000 accounts signed up for Twitter Blue last month.

  • Aima Baig files Rs100 million lawsuit against FMH Pakistan for spreading misinformation

    Aima Baig files Rs100 million lawsuit against FMH Pakistan for spreading misinformation

    Singer Aima Baig has shared on Instagram that she was suing the online celebrity tabloid ‘FMH Magazine’ for spreading misinformation and fake news about her for the sake of likes and traction.

    “This is high time when we should stand against yellow journalism and fake reporting (which is only done for the sake of comments and likes). I have had it enough so here I am standing up for myself and many others to become their next prey.”

    The ‘Washmallay’ singer then shared clips of the defamation notice she has sent to FMH Pakistan for posting a story that was “false, untrue, malicious and highly defamatory.”

    In the next clip, the legal notice read:
    “Being a digital and print media/ news company, you are required under the law to be truthful, honest, correct and highly responsible for the public posts/ stories/ statements / articles/ news you publish…It is evident that the scandalous and false and defamatory statement you have attributed to my client is explicitly intended to harm her reputation and to malign her before the public, for the monetary gain you are getting from clicks, views, comments and shares of your scandalous news..”

    In the last clip, the news organization was directed to pay Rs 100 million for the damages made by their misinforming post, as well as upload a written apology within 48 hours on the receipt of this notice.

  • Ishaq Dar denies reports of financial emergency amidst economic turmoil

    Ishaq Dar denies reports of financial emergency amidst economic turmoil

    On Friday, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Ishaq Dar denied reports suggesting Pakistan should impose a financial emergency, amidst constant criticism over the current economic turmoil. He berated Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for spreading “fake news” about Pakistan heading towards default. Dar blamed the previous PTI government for pushing the nation of 220 million people on the brink of default, claiming that it was the coalition government that saved the country by prioritising the state over politics.

    Dar recalled that when the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) ousted Khan through a no-confidence motion, the leaders of the coalition government had decided to keep aside all political interests in the wider interest of the state. He stated that the PTI leaders have been calling him out since the rupee plunged to a historic low of Rs285.09 a day earlier while February’s inflation hit nearly a 50-year high of 31.5 per cent.

    Expressing his surprise and concerns over Khan’s continuous criticism of the coalition government, he said: “I am unable to understate whether he (Khan) has a problem in his leg or brain.” Instead of protecting the national interest, PTI’s leadership tried to sabotage the International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal, Dar said. “Khan’s attitude is selfish.”

    According to Geo, Dar reiterated that Pakistan has neither defaulted in the past nor will it default in the future. Referring to Khan’s remarks about default, the finance minister said that the PTI chairman’s statements adversely affect the country’s financial markets. He, however, admitted that the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) reserves fell below $3 billion. It should be noted that the liquid foreign reserves held by the country stand at around $9 billion as of February 24 while the net reserves held by commercial banks stand at around $5.5 billion.

    The finance minister revealed that China has renewed a facility under which Pakistan expected an additional inflow of $500 million in the “next few days”. He highlighted the PDM-led government’s economic achievements, stating that the foreign exchange reserves held by the SBP climbed to $3.8 billion from $2.8 billion recorded last month. He maintained that the government returned $6.5 billion of foreign debt during the current fiscal year.

    Dar drew a comparison between the economic performance of nearly four years of PTI and almost 11 months of PDM-led government. He shared numeric data to prove that Khan and Co. did everything to “destroy the country,” but the numbers show who is sincere with the country. Dar argued that the opposition — the PTI — has not really improved Pakistan’s standing. However, Pakistan will escape the economic quagmire, he said, adding that the country is making repayments to bilateral and multilateral lenders and has made payments beyond its capacity.

  • FACT CHECK: The video of snowfall in Makkah is fake

    FACT CHECK: The video of snowfall in Makkah is fake

    Claim: A video clip of heavy snowfall in Makkah’s Grand Mosque has been circulating on various social media platforms. The video appeared on YouTube and Facebook showing heavy snowfall close to the Grand Mosque and pilgrims enjoying the rare phenomenon. The 55-second video appeared on YouTube channel Bazme Masarrat on Saturday.

    Fact: The National Meteorological Center (NMC) of Saudi Arabia said that the video is fake. The video is actually doctored.

    Verdict: FALSE

  • Fact check: UAE DOES NOT deny visas to Pakistanis belonging to certain cities

    Fact check: UAE DOES NOT deny visas to Pakistanis belonging to certain cities

    Claim: A poster which stated that United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned visas for people belonging to various cities in Pakistan, has gone viral on social media. Some media outlets have also reported the news.

    The cities include Abbottabad, Attock, Bajaur Agency, Chakwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Dera Ismail Khan, Hangu, Hunza, Quetta, Kasur, Kohat, Kotli, Khushab, Khurrum Agency, Larkana, Mohmand Agency, Muzaffargarh, Nawabshah, Parachinar, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Skardu and Sukkur.

    A warning on the poster stated, “Dont apply visa for a person who has been born in any of the above-mentioned cities, your visa will be rejected and the fee is non-refundable.”

    Fact: Speaking to Geo News, Consulate General of the UAE Karachi Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi denied the news and termed it fake.

    Remeithi said that Pakistani citizens can apply for a visit visa and visas of other categories.

    He also revealed that he has issued visas to citizens born or residing in the aforementioned cities, from the Karachi consulate.

    The consulate general also said that rumours like this are spread from time to time.

    Verdict: FALSE

  • Pak Vs. Ind: Umpires come under fire for giving no-ball in last over, fans call it cheating

    Pak Vs. Ind: Umpires come under fire for giving no-ball in last over, fans call it cheating

    After India’s thrilling four-wicket victory against Pakistan in a heart-stopping T20 World Cup match, which took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in front of 90,000 exuberant fans on Sunday, fans and experts were left perplexed by a few on-field decisions.

    Virat Kohli led a 160-run chase that proved challenging after India were reduced to 31 for 4 with the score at 82 runs without loss.

    The most crucial gear in India’s T20 machine, Hardik Pandya, scored 40 runs off 37 balls in a 113-run partnership. The pair carried the contest into the decisive over as it was close.

    When Pandya holed out off Mohammed Nawaz’s bowling with 16 needed off the final six balls, Dinesh Karthik faced his first delivery and took a single because the crossover rule was not in effect.

    After some discussion, the on-field umpires ruled that Nawaz’s delectable full-toss, which was hit for a six over square leg with 14 needed off three balls, was a no-ball.

    By that point, Nawaz, the inspiration behind Pakistan’s Super 4 success in the Asia Cup, had lost his composure.

    Ravichandran Ashwin hit the most significant boundary of his career after Nawaz bowled a wide and Karthik was stumped by a quick-thinking Mohammed Rizwan.

    The umpire’s decision to grant three byes rather than declare a dead ball after Kohli was bowled on a free hit left the spectators with a bitter taste.

    It should be noted that ICC rules and regulations permit runs on a dismissal off a free hit. Only after it is firmly placed in the bowler’s or wicketkeeper’s hands does the ball officially cease to exist.

    Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg tweeted: “Why was no ball not reviewed, then how can it not be a dead ball when Kohli was bowled on a free hit.”

    Fans criticised it as cheating, while some threw the law book at the umpires. Here are some tweets:

    https://twitter.com/dadu_charger/status/1584157853644120064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1584157853644120064%7Ctwgr%5Ebb3d2eb969eeab1446a962b758d6a65419401606%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.freepressjournal.in%2Fsports%2Find-vs-pak-umpires-come-under-fire-for-giving-no-ball-in-final-over-fans-call-it-cheating

    Additionally, there were tweets stating that commentator Nasser Hussain commented that “Umpires made some weird decision in favour of India today, but maybe we should keep quiet and not upset the ICC and BCCI,” which triggered another controversy on Twitter and angered fans even more.

    After some time, Nasser clarified, saying that he had not said anything like that and that the fake quotes should be deleted.

  • Ishaq Dar denies allegation of taking any money, says ‘Imrandos’ are spreading fake news

    Ishaq Dar denies allegation of taking any money, says ‘Imrandos’ are spreading fake news

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) a “disinformation army”.

    In a media talk on Thursday, responding to a question by a journalist about him taking Rs72 crore in back salary, the minister said, “This is the disinformation army of PTI who malign everything” and termed them as “imrandos”.

    “I didnt take a single penny and don’t have any intention to take any money,” he added.

    During the talk, when asked about decreasing petrol prices, he said, “Abhi kal toh ki hai”. (We reduced the prices just now).

    The finance minister also addressed the continuous depreciation of the US dollar against the rupee, saying that the greenback depreciated without him doing anything.

    He also announced a power subsidy package for Pakistan’s export industries with per unit electricity cost set at Rs19.99.

    Dar said the annual burden of the subsidy would amount to around Rs90-100 billion, adding that the “all-inclusive” package was announced for the five major exporting sectors, and not just the textile sector.

    Meanwhile, in response to a question on whether the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was taken into confidence on the package, the finance minister said: “I don’t need to take the IMF into confidence, when I know what I am doing then it is my responsibility to create fiscal space for it and I have done so.”

    Moreover, the minister said the market is now going in the “right direction” and correcting itself.

  • ‘Naqal ke liye aqal ki zaroorat hoti hai’: Qasim Suri trolled for sharing fake CNN screenshot

    ‘Naqal ke liye aqal ki zaroorat hoti hai’: Qasim Suri trolled for sharing fake CNN screenshot

    Former National Assembly (NA) Deputy Speaker and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Qasim Suri shared a fake screenshot of CNN covering PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s rally in Haripur on Wednesday.

    “PTI Power Show in Haripur, Massive Crowed,” read the caption shared in the fake CNN screenshot shared by Suri.

    Soon after Suri tweeted the fake CNN screenshot with the caption, “Hunnh aaraam aye?” (Are you satisfied now?), several people pointed out that it was fake.

    CNN journalist Sophia Saifi also replied to Suri’s tweet.

    Suri deleted his tweet after being called out for posting a fake screenshot with wrong spellings of ‘crowd’.

    However, Twitterati did not spare him and soon “crowed” started trending on Twitter.

    https://twitter.com/CorollaViruss/status/1562499608521035776?s=20&t=-qzlJ79cspn3jmGZyRjAUw

    This is not the first time that a PTI leader shared a fake screenshot.

    In April, PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan went overboard as he shared a photo from the United States (US) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), claiming that it was from the party’s rally.

    The picture shared by the PTI leader actually shows the lights in the Iberian Peninsula, which falls in Spain and Portugal.

  • What’s the confusion around Imran Khan posting a picture of his relatives at the Round Table Conference in 1930?

    What’s the confusion around Imran Khan posting a picture of his relatives at the Round Table Conference in 1930?

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan is being called out by netizens for misrepresenting the truth after he shared a photograph with two of his relatives present at the 1930 Round Table Conference.

    Khan posted a photograph on social media on August 8, and wrote: “The historic Round Table Conference London 1930 with both Quaid i Azam & Allama Iqbal present.”

    “The picture is pride of my family because my grandfather’s brother Mohammad Zaman Khan (after whom Zaman Park was named) and my khaloo Jahangir Khan were also present (second and third from left).”

    Netizens were quick to point out that neither of the two relatives mentioned by Khan was ever present at the Round Table Conference and that Khan had mixed up the relations.

    https://twitter.com/GuruKithayHai/status/1556532471780737026?s=20&t=iz-yO5EU-YdZDYpda_7-tQ

    https://twitter.com/FJavedAbbasi/status/1556436832803487745?s=20&t=iz-yO5EU-YdZDYpda_7-tQ

    However, after much debate, it has also been assumed that the picture in question could have been from another event and not the Round Table Conference itself. There were three Round Table Conferences from 1930 to 1932. The picture shared by Khan was from sometime between 1930 and 1934 in London and happened to be from a dinner that also had Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal in attendance.

  • ‘Take a plane for Tiktok videos’, Kangana Ranaut thinks Qatar Airways spoof video is ‘real’

    ‘Take a plane for Tiktok videos’, Kangana Ranaut thinks Qatar Airways spoof video is ‘real’

    Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut seems to have fallen for a spoof, again.

    Spoof video

    After Qatar rebuked India for the derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal, #BycottQatarAirways started trending on Indian Twitter.

    An Indian Twitter user ‘Vashudev’ posted a video calling for the boycott of Qatar Airways.

    Later, a spoof video with Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker replying to Vashudev’s boycott call in an interview with Al Jazeera went viral.

    “Vashudev is our biggest shareholder with a total investment of ₹634.50 rupees. We don’t know how to operate anymore. We have grounded all the flights … we are requesting Vashudev to take this call for boycott back. This is a special kind of boycott because it is b-y-c-o-t-t. Vashudev habibi, we are willing to give you one whole plane to make your TikTok videos or maybe we can give you two litres of petrol free. Please consider our offer and take the boycott back,” Qatar Airways CEO’s voiceover says in the spoof video.

    Kangana shares spoof video on Instagram

    After the spoof video went viral, Kangana Ranauat shared it on her Instagram stories, thinking the video is ‘real’.

    “This idiot of a man has no shame bullying a poor man mocking his insignificance and place in the world…Vasudev may be poor and insignificant for a rich man like you but he has the right to express his grief, pain and disappointment in whatever context it may be… remember there is a world beyond this world where we all are equal,” wrote Kangana in one of her Insta stories.

    She continued: “All so called Indians who are cheering this bully for making fun of a poor man remember this is exactly why you all are a big bojh [burden] on this over populated country.”

    Kangana later deleted her Instagram stories after journalist and fact-checker Mohammed Zubair informed her that it was a voiceover video made by an Indian.

    Kangana shares fake Shehbaz Sharif screenshot

    This is not the first time that Kangana has fallen for fake news.

    In May, Kangana shared a screenshot on her Instagram stories that featured Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s praise for her craft and performance in Dhaakad.

    However, the screenshot featured an imposter account of PM Shehbaz and not the real one.

    READ MORE: Did Shehbaz Sharif praise Kangana Ranaut? Indian actress shares screenshot