Through the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), the EU supports a European network of fact-checkers, including TheJournal in Ireland. For a monthly roundup of European fact-checks, visit the main EDMO website. Here, we highlight recent fact-checks by TheJournal FactCheck team.
Debunked: No evidence an Iranian soccer player was deported by US immigration
Posts circulating online falsely claimed that an Iranian footballer was deported by US immigration authorities while travelling to the FIFA Club World Cup. TheJournal FactCheck found no evidence to support the claim, which appears to have originated from misleading social media posts. Published: 21 June – by Shane Raymond.
Debunked: Picture of Netanyahu supporting Argentina at the World Cup is AI-generated
An image appearing to show Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wearing an Argentina football shirt at the FIFA World Cup was widely shared online. TheJournal FactCheck found that the image was generated using artificial intelligence and is not an authentic photograph. Published: 21 June – by Shane Raymond.
TheJournal FactCheck examined renewed claims about alleged “biolabs” in Ukraine after they were repeated by the head of US intelligence. The article explains the origins of the conspiracy theory, the role of legitimate public health laboratories in Ukraine, and why there is no evidence supporting claims that they were involved in developing biological weapons. Published: 20 June – by Shane Raymond.
Debunked: The government didn’t engineer a crisis by bringing Georgian asylum seekers to Ireland
Posts shared online falsely claimed that the Irish government encouraged Georgian asylum seekers to come to Ireland to create a migration crisis and justify the EU Migration Pact. TheJournal FactCheck found the claims relied on misleading statistics and omitted key context about recent declines in applications from Georgian nationals. Published: 17 June – by Shane Raymond.
