Through the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), the EU supports a European network of factcheckers, including TheJournal in Ireland. For a monthly roundup of European factchecks, visit the main EDMO website. Here, we highlight recent pieces by TheJournal FactCheck team.
Amid outbreaks, an age-old theory is being resurrected online: viruses don’t exist
Published: 22 May – by Shane Raymond
As health outbreaks continue to attract misinformation online, long-standing conspiracy theories falsely claiming that viruses do not exist have resurfaced across social media. The article examined how these narratives are recycled during public health scares despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the existence of viruses and infectious disease transmission.
The EU is bringing in Digital IDs for citizens – but what are they, and how will it affect you?
Published: 24 May – by Shane Raymond
TheJournal FactCheck examined misinformation and confusion surrounding the EU’s upcoming Digital Identity Wallets. The explainer outlined how the system is intended to work, what information users may choose to share, and how age verification could operate without revealing full personal data such as a date of birth.
FactCheck: Are there stricter limits on genetically modified foods for animals than for humans?
Published: 25 May – by Shane Raymond
Claims that genetically modified foods face stricter regulations for animal consumption than for humans were examined by TheJournal FactCheck team. The article explored how EU rules on genetically modified organisms apply differently across food production and animal feed systems, while clarifying several misleading claims circulating online.
Debunked: Far-right figures spread untrue claim foreigners were taking over a farmer’s land
Published: 28 May – by Shane Raymond
False claims circulated online alleging that foreigners had taken control of an Irish farmer’s land, with far-right accounts amplifying misleading information about the situation. The fact-check found there was no evidence supporting the claims, which spread widely across social media platforms.