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A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

False Claims Follow Old Portland Mugshots

False Claims Follow Old Portland Mugshots

Old mugshots circulating on social media falsely suggest that they show 13 teachers who were recently arrested during the protests in Portland, Oregon. The photos are actually from 2017, and the posts provide no evidence that any of them are teachers.

Viral Video Manipulates Pelosi’s Words

Viral Video Manipulates Pelosi’s Words

A manipulated video clip of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shared widely on Facebook makes it appear that she slurred her words during a May press conference. She didn’t. The video clip was slowed down and spliced together.

In Viral Video, Doctor Falsely Touts Hydroxychloroquine as COVID-19 ‘Cure’

In Viral Video, Doctor Falsely Touts Hydroxychloroquine as COVID-19 ‘Cure’

A widely shared video, featuring a doctor falsely claiming hydroxychloroquine is a “cure” for COVID-19, ignited an online storm that resulted in the video being pulled by social media platforms. There is no known cure for COVID-19, and current scientific evidence hasn’t found that hydroxychloroquine is an effective treatment.

Video Misrepresents the Science Behind Face Masks

Video Misrepresents the Science Behind Face Masks

A viral video misrepresents scientific papers and the reasons for wearing face masks to claim that they are ineffective in mitigating transmission of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that masks may help prevent the spread of the disease.

COVID-19 Testing Truck Logo Depicts an Aardvark, Not Death Deity

COVID-19 Testing Truck Logo Depicts an Aardvark, Not Death Deity

A popular post on social media pages for conspiracy theorists claims that a mobile COVID-19 testing station bears a logo that depicts an ancient deity of death. It actually shows an aardvark, which is the name of the company that designs and manufactures the trucks.

Video Falsely Stokes Concerns About Voting in Louisiana Primary

Video Falsely Stokes Concerns About Voting in Louisiana Primary

A viral video falsely labeled “Registered Republican Not Allowed to Vote!” suggests that Republicans were kept from voting in Louisiana’s recent primary. The person featured in the video — which has been viewed millions of times — was actually registered as a Democrat, so she couldn’t vote in the closed Republican primary.

Meme Misconstrues Efficacy of Face Masks in Spread of COVID-19

Meme Misconstrues Efficacy of Face Masks in Spread of COVID-19

A meme suggesting that face masks are useless against COVID-19 has been circulating online. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing a face covering in public since the virus is transmitted mostly through droplets produced when people cough, sneeze and talk.

Fake AOC Tweet Politicizes COVID-19 Business Restrictions

Fake AOC Tweet Politicizes COVID-19 Business Restrictions

A fabricated tweet attributed to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez advocates extending COVID-19 restrictions on businesses “until after the November Elections.” There is no evidence Ocasio-Cortez sent the bogus tweet, which was shared — and later deleted — by a Florida congressional candidate and a Fox News host.