THERE are loads of information that you can get from the Internet, but sometimes you need to be careful as not all the information you see are true.
In conjunction with the International Fact-checking Day tomorrow (April 2), Google has come out with tips on how to do a fast check on information you see online.
Over the past year, Google searches for fact-check have increased in Malaysia, and it really shows that every day people are starting to pay more attention to the very important work being done in this area by taking the very important step of verifying information online.
So here are some tips on how to check if information on the web is true, as well as five questions fact-checkers ask themselves when reading the news, so you too can spot when something shouldn't be trusted.
Here are some tips:
Check facts like a Fact Checker with these five questions.
1. What is the source?
Make sure you know where the news come from. Do not share if you cannot locate or verify the original source.
2. Can I trust this source?
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Look for official primary sources of information like reputable media or government websites and that the article backs up its claims with links to sources, photos and videos.
3. Who is the expert?
Separate the experts from the emotional opinions. Check that the claims are being made by people with recognised authority on the subject.
4. Is it telling me to do something (like, share, subscribe, buy?)
Separate the experts from the emotional opinions. Are the major claims being made by people with recognised authority on the subject?
5. Is it shocking, or trying to drum up fear or hate?
Sadly, there are people who spread potentially harmful and wrong information to cause hurt or mischief. Think before you share.
Top tips to check whether information on the web is true.
1. Double check news sources with Google News
If an article you are reading is too outrageous or sounds too good to be true, it might be misinformation. Run a search of the story on Google News to see if a reputable media source is reporting the same thing.
2. Check an image's context with Google Image search
Images can be faked or used out-of-context. If something you see looks a bit strange right click the image and run a Google Image search to see how else the image is used or where it might have come from.
3. Check a YouTube video's basic info
Have you come across a video that seems to have answers no one else does? Check the channel is verified or if there is other content, social and website links, or an audience size you'd expect before giving it any credibility.
4. Check the URL for info about the source
When you're reading news online, take a moment to look at the website's domain address. Misinformation sites often try to look like a reputable site with a similar name.
5. Verify topics with Fact Check Explorer
Found something almost unbelievable? Run any questionable stories you find through Fact Check Explorer. It's a database with a huge range of verified and disproved content. https://toolbox.google.com/ factcheck/explorer