Tag Archives: TikTok

Why video of terrifying tornado in Tennessee today is fake!

A video of a terrifying tornado in Tennessee today has gone viral! Take a look at the viral video, and find out why it’s fake!

 

Video Gone Viral : Tornado In Tennessee Today!

People are sharing a 3-minute long video on WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter), which purportedly shows a terrifying tornado that hit Tennessee today!

This video went viral after Hurricane Helene hit the southern part of Tennessee causing significant flooding and destruction.

Why why would it not? It has incredible images of hurricanes and tornadoes, accompanied by loud screams of people purportedly experiencing the tornado in Tennessee.

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Why video of terrifying tornado in Tennessee today is fake!

This is yet another example of fake videos circulating on WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter), and here are the reasons why…

Tennessee was struck by Hurricane Helene

Let me start by pointing out that Tennessee was not hit by a tornado in September or October 2024, when the video went viral. The southern part of Tennessee was struck by Hurricane Helene on 27 September 2024.

Tornadoes and hurricanes both have extremely strong horizontal winds that swirl around a centre. But they are different weather phenomena.

The most obvious difference according to NASA is this – hurricanes are about a thousand times larger than tornadoes. Tornadoes are rarely more than a few hundred feet across when they touch the ground, while hurricanes are anywhere from 60 to over a thousand miles across.

In addition, hurricanes form over warm waters of tropical oceans, and can persist for days or weeks, while travelling thousands of miles. Tornadoes, on the other hand, form on land, and typically only lasts a few minutes and rarely travel more than 10-20 miles.

The video clips were digitally manipulated

Whoever created the viral video of tornadoes in Tennessee digitally edited the different video clips, flipping some of them horizontally – presumably to make it harder for people to run a reverse image search, and check the veracity of the video.

The fake video creator also sped up many of the video clips, and added voices of people screaming, to make it more terrifying. You can even hear gunshots at one point!

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The video clips are old or fake

The awesome WebQoof fact checking team at The Quint did a great job tracing the origin of the many video clips. Here are what they found (and some of what I found).

This video was originally posted by a TikTok video creator (@rtsarovvideo) on 18 April 2024, so it obviously has nothing to do with Hurricane Helene, which only hit Tennessee on 28 September 2024.

@rtsarovvideo appears to be posting digitally-created tornado videos. A closer inspection of the video suggests that this particular video was created using an AI video generator.

The fake news creator flipped the original TikTok video horizontally, possibly to make it more difficult for fact checkers to locate the original video.

The same TikTok video creator appears to have also created this video. He/she likely added the tornado digitally to the original video, because the people on the beach don’t appear to be worried, or running for shelter.

This video is also likely to be digitally-created, although neither the WebQoof team nor I could trace its origin. However, it was posted early as 14 October 2023, so it obviously has nothing to do with Hurricane Helene.

In addition, the video shows a waterspout – not a tornado or a hurricane. And the location of this video has been attributed to the North Sea, Canada, Jamaica, and even Dubai!

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This video of a dog on the road appears to be posted on TikTok on 12 July 2023 – more than a year ago. Obviously, this video has nothing to do with Hurricane Helene in September 2024!

This video shows a tornado demolishing a building in Lincoln, Nebraska on 26 April 2024. Obviously, this video has nothing to do with Tennessee, or Hurricane Helene.

This video of a cow running during a storm is also old, and was originally posted by CBS News on 27 April 2023. Again, the fake video creator flipped this video horizontally.

The video also had nothing to do with a tornado or hurricane in Tennessee – it was a hailstorm in North Texas.

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This is also an old video. It shows a tornado in Andover, Kansas, and was posted on 29 April 2022 – more than 2.5 years ago.

This video was originally posted by Reuters in May 2024, and shows a doorbell camera capturing tornado winds knocking down trees in Michigan. Not only is Michigan over a thousand kilometres from Tennessee, it happened months earlier.

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Will FEMA seize property if you don’t repay $750 assistance?!

Will FEMA seize your property if you fail to repay the $750 assistance that is really a loan?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : FEMA will seize your property if you don’t repay $750 assistance!

Some people are claiming or suggesting that the $750 Serious Needs Assistance is really a loan, and FEMA will seize your property if you fail to repay it!

Philip Anderson : 🚨BREAKING: Hurricane victims are now realizing that the $750 from FEMA that Kamala Harris is offering them is actually a loan, not real relief. And that if they don’t pay it back the feds can seize their property. These people don’t even have property anymore because of the hurricane.

Some have also posted videos, many purportedly claiming that a FEMA inspector is warning people against taking the $750 from FEMA, because their property may be seized!

Jack Straw : Shocking… a scam, $750 is a trap.

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Truth : FEMA will not seize your property if you don’t repay $750 assistance!

This appears to be yet another example of fake news created about FEMA, and here are the reasons why…

$750 FEMA assistance does not need to be repaid

Let me start by pointing out that the $750 FEMA assistance is called the Serious Needs Assistance. The $750 is a one-time payment per household that is given by FEMA, and does not need to be repaid.

FEMA issues this payment to disaster survivors who apply within the first 30 days after a disaster is declared in the area, and is meant as initial and immediate assistance to help survivors cover “essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies“.

To be clear – FEMA will not be asking you to repay the $750 one-time immediate assistance payment, and obviously, it is not going to seize your property!

FEMA refuted claims $750 needs to be repaid

FEMA had earlier addressed the misinformation on 30 September 2024:

Myth: FEMA grant money is a loan that I will need to pay back.

Fact: FEMA disaster assistance are grants which do not need to be repaid. 

But when the claims went viral, FEMA spokesperson Jaclyn Rothenberg refuted those claims, stating clearly that Hurricane Helene victims do not need to repay the $750 assistance.

This is not true. We do not ask for this money back.

So you have to wonder – what kind of person would mislead disaster victims so they won’t accept this free $750 assistance that they desperately need???

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FEMA immediate assistance was $500 under Trump

This one-time payment by FEMA isn’t new. In fact, the Serious Needs Assistance was also issued under the Trump Administration, albeit at a lower sum of $500 per household.

After Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and Louisiana in August 2017, FEMA issued one-time payments of $500 to cover “critical needs” like diapers, infant formula, food and fuel (source | source).

If the same FEMA assistance was a payment that does not need to be repaid under the Trump Administration, why would anyone suggest that it is now a loan under the Biden Administration that must be repaid within a year???

You only need to repay FEMA for an advance on insurance settlement

Some people are sharing a screenshot (example), as “evidence” that you need to repay the $750. That’s simply not true.

That is actually a screenshot of a FEMA article (archive), which explained that FEMA grants “do not have to be paid back” in most cases.

The portion highlighted as “evidence” actually refers to an advance on insurance money that some disaster victims may request from FEMA if their insurance claims are delayed. Obviously, such an advance will need to be repaid when the victims receive their insurance settlement!

Does help from FEMA have to be paid back?

No. In most cases, FEMA grants do not have to be paid back. If you have insurance that covers your temporary housing costs, but ask FEMA to advance you some money to help you pay for those costs while your insurance is delayed, you will need to pay that money back to FEMA after your receive your insurance settlement.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did Kamala supporter puncture tires running over Trump sign?!

Did a Kamala Harris supporter puncture his truck’s tires after running over a sign supporting Donald Trump?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Kamala supporter punctures tires running over Trump sign!

Some people are posting a video which apparently shows a Kamala Harris supporter called Chad running over a TrumpVance sign on the roadside, only to find that it was spiked with nails which punctured his truck’s tires!

Ian Miles Cheong : Kamala supporter gets a dose of FAFO. Don’t mess with people’s property.

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Truth : Kamala supporter did not puncture tires running over Trump sign!

This appears to be yet another example of fake news created about Kamala Harris, and here are the reasons why…

Video was cropped

Let me start by pointing out that the video posted on X (formerly Twitter) was edited – cropped so that the TikTok video creator’s name is truncated. Why would anyone do that?

The original video was posted by @phillyoffensive23 (now removed), and reposted (archive) on Sunday, 6 October 2024 by jmofundir2 on Instagram.

Oddly enough, the Instagram video did not have the jmofundir2 Instagram overlay, which is visible on the version circulating on X. In any case, the version circulating on X appears to have been edited from the version jmofundir2 posted on Instagram.

It was a satirical skit, a joke video

The video was actually a satirical skit – a joke video, created and posted by @phillyoffensive23 on TikTok.

The original video appears to have been removed or made private, but you can see that @phillyoffensive23 regularly posts such satirical or joke videos on his TikTok channel.

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This is just political fake news

Ultimately, this is yet another example of political fake news surrounding the upcoming 2024 US Presidential election. Here are some other examples I fact checked recently:

As the 2024 US Presidential election draws close, you can expect more of such fake news to appear, so be wary and skeptical!

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did Nagarjuna Cement mock September 11 attack in viral video?!

Did an Indian company called Nagarjuna Cement mock the September 11 attack in its controversial advertisement?! Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Nagarjuna Cement mocks September 11 attack in viral video!

People are sharing a video which purportedly shows a controversial advertisement by Nagarjuna Cement mocking the September 11, 2001 attack on the United States.

The viral video shows an airliner flying into a tall building and bouncing off it, instead of exploding. The airplane then reverses and goes around the building, suggesting that the building was simply too hard to take down.

@twicttger : 这水泥很牛逼,飞机✈️头也很 硬😂 #fyp #viral #上推荐 #万万没想到 #印度

Translated : his cement is impressive, and the airplane head is also very hard 😂 #fyp #viral #recommended #didn’t expect that #India

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Truth : Nagarjuna Cement did not create video mock September 11 attack!

This is yet another example of fake news circulating on TikTok, YouTube, and social media platforms, and here are the reasons why…

Nagarjuna Cement did not create that 9/11 attack advertisement

First, let me just point out that Nagarjuna Cement did not create any viral advertisement mocking the September 11 attack on one of the World Trade Center towers.

If that was really the case, it would have been reported widely by media outlets all over the world. Yet, there has been no legitimate news report of any Nagarjuna Cement advertisement mocking the 9/11 attacks.

Nagarjuna Cement refuted claims it created the video

Nagarjuna Cement itself publicly refuted (archive) the claim that it created the video as an advertisement on its account on X (formerly Twitter) on 20 March 2024:

Kind Attn: For the past few days this meme has been circulated on social media platforms.We would like everyone to know that we have nothing to do with this content or the creator and we wish to report the illegal usage of our copyrighted/trademark brand logo and our ad content.

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Viral video was edited from two video clips

The viral Nagarjuna Cement advertisement mocking the September 11 attack on the Twin Towers was actually created from two separate video clips.

The first 5 seconds was taken from a 3D animation of an airliner bouncing off a World Trade Center tower, with the bonk sound effect, that was created by animator Wraysque and posted on YouTube on 20 February 2024.

When someone mentioned to Wraqsque that the video was being used in the Nagarjuna Cement video, he/she said:

lmao,,, i dont think they ever mentioned my channel on their vid, glad u found my channel, here is a cookie

The second part was taken from the last 13 seconds of an actual Nagarjuna advertisement that was posted on YouTube more than 3 years ago – on 13 May 2021.

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Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did Celine Dion attend her son’s wedding in a wheelchair?

Was Celine Dion forced to attend her son’s wedding in a wheelchair after suffering from Stiff Person Syndrome?! Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2024-09-13 : Added new video, and updates.
Originally posted @ 2023-04-13

 

Claim : Celine Dion attended her son’s wedding in a  wheelchair!

People are sharing videos on YouTube, TikTok and social media platforms, which claim to show Celine Dion attending her son’s wedding in a wheelchair, after being diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome.

It’s just so heart breaking to watch !!

Singer Celine Dion attending her son’s wedding, she was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition known as stiff-person syndrome.

A reminder that health is the most important aspect of life…..

shishillah : Celine Dion gets up from her wheelchair to dance with her son

christfm993 : So pathetic. Everything in Life is temporary. The famous successful singer Celine Dion can no longer walk nor lift any part of her body.

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Truth : Celine Dion did not attend her son’s wedding in a  wheelchair!

This is yet another example of fake news created to go viral on YouTube, TikTok and social media platforms, and here are the reasons why…

Celine Dion revealed her diagnosis in December 2022

First, let’s start with a quick recap on Celine Dion’s Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis.

Celine Dion (born Céline Marie Claudette Dion on 30 March, 1968) announced in an emotional video on 8 December 2022, that she had been struggling with health issues for a long time.

She did not mention how long ago she started experiencing muscle spasms, but they became so “severe and persistent” that on 19 October 2021, she delayed her Las Vegas residency. Then on 15 January 2022, she was forced to cancel the US and Canadian concerts from 9 March to 22 April 2022.

It was only recently that the muscle spasms Celine Dion was suffering from was diagnosed as Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) – a rare neurological disorder with features of an autoimmune disease.

I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time. And it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.

Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called Stiff Person Syndrome which affects something like one-in-a-million people.

While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having.

Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.

That lady was Kathy Poirier, not Celine Dion

The lady in the wheelchair was not Celine Dion, but a 55 year-old mother called Kathy Poirier from Florida.

Kathy Poirier suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a progressive nervous system disease that causes a loss of muscle control.

When her 28 year-old son, Zak Poirier, married Anja d’Adesky, 27, on 9 April 2022, she had already lost the ability to walk, and arrived in a wheelchair.

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Kathy Poirier and her sons

Kathy Poirier danced with her son at his wedding

The viral videos were edited to show Celine Dion (really Kathy Poirier) being lifted to hug her son who tears up, before she is placed back on her wheelchair.

In the real video, Kathy actually danced with her son on his wedding day! In his now-deleted Instagram post, Zak explained:

My Mom was diagnosed with ALS shortly before I graduated law school. Since that time, I’ve watched her bravely fight her diagnosis and challenge the odds against her.

Despite not being able to stand on her own, my Mom and I shared a dance at my wedding. She inspires me every day to be humble, kind and selfless. Love you Mom.

On that day, Zak and his two brothers escorted her to the dance floor for the mother-son dance. The three brothers then lifted her off the wheelchair.

With his brothers holding her upright, Kathy Poirier was able to dance with Zak that day. Her sons then lowered her back onto her wheelchair while their guests gave them a standing ovation.

Their wedding planner, Root to Stems also posted a video on Instagram, which went viral last year.

Celine Dion can still stand and walk

Just to be clear, Celine Dion is not suffering from ALS, but from SPS – Stiff Person Syndrome.

As of September 2024, Celine Dion is able to stand and walk on her own, as well as sing and act. In fact, she just finished a commercial for L’Oréal Paris.

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This is just another fake video

This is just another example of fake videos created by content creators to go viral, and here are other examples you may have seen:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Name : Adrian Wong
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Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Are Hells Angels heading to Aurora to fight Venezuelan gangs?!

Are Hells Angels bikers now heading to Aurora, Colorado, to fight Venezuelan gangs?! Take a look at the viral claims and videos, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2024-09-02 : Added another video
Originally posted @ 2024-09-01

 

Claim : Hells Angels are heading to Aurora to fight Venezuelan gangs!

Some people are sharing videos which apparently shows Hells Angels bikers heading to Aurora, Colorado, to fight Venezuelan gangs!

TaraBull : BREAKING: Multiple reports and videos on social media suggest the Hells Angels are heading to Aurora Colorado. Failed leadership has consequences

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Truth : Hells Angels are not heading to Aurora to fight Venezuelan gangs!

This appears to be an example of fake news circulating on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : This video shows the Rolling Thunder protest

This video clip does not show Hells Angels heading to Aurora, Colorado on 31 August 2024. Neither does it show Hells Angels heading to Milwaukee in July 2024, as other people have alleged (example).

The original video clip was actually recorded in Canada, sometime in April 2022 – more than 2 years ago, as a convoy of motorcyclists headed to Ottawa for the 2022 Rolling Thunder protest ride.

The original clip was posted on TikTok by @bidmartcanada (but appears to have been removed) but it is still available on TikTok (here) and was also featured in this CTV News video on 25 April 2022.

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Fact #2 : This video was recorded a year ago

This video was edited to claim that the Hells Angels bikers were going to, or are already at, Aurora, Colorado, in August 2024. That’s not true.

The original video was posted by @johnwauto on 17 August 2023 – a year ago. It showed bikers riding through Main Street of Sturgis, South Dakota.

It is unknown if those bikers were from Hells Angels. But why is certain is that they were in Sturgis for the 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which ran for 10 days from 4-13 August.

To be clear – those bikers were there for a good time, not to trade fists and gunfire with Venezuelan gang members in Aurora, Colorado!

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Fact #3 : This video was posted in 2022

This video most definitely does not show Hells Angels bikers on their way to Aurora, Colorado, to “help clean up the Apartments”.

It appears to have been digitally altered from an earlier video, which was posted by @pysssh on TikTok, on 6 November 2022 (archive), with the caption – Republicans ROARING to go vite [sic] Nov 8th!!!

It is unknown when that video was taken, and it does not appear to be related to the 2022 US midterm elections. But it is most certainly not a Hells Angels event, based on the casual clothes of some of the bikers, and the lack of Hells Angels patches.

A man can also be seen wearing a Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson t-shirt, while another is seen wearing a Harley-Davidson vest.

A Sidecarddog Riley booth can be seen at the back of this bike rally. The first available videos of Sidecarddog Riley show him at the Ocean City Bike Fest in Maryland, but the video does not seem to be taken in Ocean City. In fact, three bikes with readily visible number plates appear to be registered in Pennsylvania.

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Fact #4 : These bikers are from Survivors Motorcycle Club

This video does not show Hells Angels bikers heading to Aurora, Colorado, to fight against Venezuelan gang members. They are from the Survivors MC – a motorcycle club dedicated to combating addiction.

The video was originally posted by @aliens_are_purple on 31 August 2024, with hashtags like #cleanandsober, #soberlife, and #getyourmindright

He also shared in a later video that they had already arrived at the venue (which is obviously not Aurora in Colorado), and had a little barbecue, and explained that the 4-day road trip was to raise money for a good cause.

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Fact #5 : This video was recorded in Brazil

This video does not show Hells Angels bikers heading to Aurora, Colorado, to fight against Venezuelan gang members either.

This video appears to be originally posted by @robertoguedesjr on TikTok on 7 July 2024 – over a month before the Aurora gang takeover video went viral.

While I cannot yet determine where it was actually recorded, you can see three police vehicles escorting the bikers, and they all have the words Policia printed on them. They appear to be São Paulo State Highway Police vehicles escorting Brazilian bikers.

In short, this video was recorded several weeks earlier in Brazil, not the United States.

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Fact #6 : These do not appear to be Hells Angels bikers

This video was allegedly taken by @sp500_trades, who posted it on X (archive) saying “Can confirm. #HellsAngels headed to Aurora, CO!

He said that he recorded the video on Highway 64, near the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, on the afternoon of August 30, 2024 (archive, archive). Apparently, it was a long convoy of bikes followed by some repair vans, headed west on Highway 64.

However, if you look closely, you can see that it’s an eclectic convoy of motorcycles and trikes in a staggered formation. The Hells Angels ride in a tight paired formation, and they do not ride trikes. So those are unlikely to be Hells Angels bikers.

In addition, you can see that shadows appear on the left side of the bikers, which suggest that the bikers are heading south. If they were headed west, they would be riding with the sun in their face, not to their right.

Of course, the highway may have curved south when this video was recorded, and the bikers are headed west to Colorado. After all, there was a biker rally in Durango, Colorado from 29 August to 1 September. But what is clear is that those are not Hells Angels bikers.

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Fact #7 : Aurora PD established a special task force to tackle the gangs

For those who are not sure what the fuss is about, here’s a quick summary of what’s going on in Aurora, Colorado.

On August 28, 2024, surveillance footage of a shooting incident that happened 10 days earlier at The Edge – an apartment building in Aurora, Colorado, went viral. It showed young men with handguns and at least one automatic rifle breaking doors in, and barging their way into the apartment units. In another video, gunshots rang out as people called to their loved ones.

The Edge was one of three apartment buildings that are allegedly being terrorised by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA). However, Interim Aurora Police Chief Heather Morris said in an interview that officers found no evidence of a gang takeover:

We’ve been talking to the residents here and learning from them to find out what exactly is going on. And there’s definitely a different picture. I’m not saying that there’s not gang members that don’t live in this community, but what we’re learning out here is that gang members have not taken over this complex.

In any case, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman said that the city is seeking an emergency court order to shut down those apartment buildings, and the Aurora Police Department has established a “special task force” in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners to handle the situation.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did the US attack + bomb these 26 countries since WW2?!

Did the US attack and bomb these 26 countries since World War 2?! Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : US attacked + bombed these 26 countries since WW2!

People are sharing a video on TikTok and WhatsApp, which purportedly shows the US attacking and bombing 26 countries since World War 2!

Have you ever wondered how many countries the United States has bombed since World War 2?

Countries bombed by the US

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Truth : US did not attack + bomb all 26 countries since WW2!

This is yet another example of propaganda created and/or promoted by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) and/or pro-CCP netizens, and here are the reasons why…

Let me start by pointing out that the video isn’t accurate. The United States did not attack and bomb all those 26 countries.

The list also lacks context for any bombing that might have occurred, making it look like the US was being the aggressor, attacking those countries without reason.

Let’s go through the list of countries in the video, and provide you with the necessary facts and context:

Cuba (true) : On 15 April 1961, eight B-26 bombers attacked Cuban airfields to support the Bay of Pigs Invasion by Cuban exiles. There was the only airstrike, and no civilians were targeted.

Dominican Republic (false) : The US intervened in the Dominican Civil War of 1965, but never bombed the country as it was defending the military-installed government against a coup.

Guatemala (false) : The US armed, funded, and trained Guatemalan rebels in deposing democratically-elected President Jacobo Árbenz, and installing the military dictatorship of Carlos Castillo Armas. However, the US did not bomb Guatemala during the coup.

El Salvador (false) : The US did not bomb El Salvador as it was supporting the government of El Salvador against the communist FMLN groups in the Salvadoran Civil War of 1979 to 1992.

Nicaragua (false) : The US funded and aided the Contras in its campaign to topple the Sandinista Administration. However, it never bombed Nicaragua.

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Panama (true) : The US invaded Panama in December 1989 to depose and arrest General Manuel Noriega for racketeering and drug trafficking, and restoring Panamanian democracy. Its bombing was limited to military targets – F-117A Nighthawks, for example, dropped a 2,000 pound bomb between two Panama Defense Force (PDF) barracks at Rio Hata.

Grenada (true) : The US and six Caribbean nations invaded Grenada in 1983 after receiving a formal appeal for assistance from the Organisation of Easter Caribbean States, which received an appeal of assistance from the Governor-General of Grenada Paul Scoon, after the Prime Minister of Granada, Maurice Bishop, was arrested and executed by the Revolutionary Military Council. Bombing by airstrikes and artillery was limited to military targets, although US Navy A-7s accidentally bombed a mental hospital, killing 18 people.

Peru (false) : The US never bombed Peru.

Congo (false) : The US supported the Democratic Republic of the Congo, together with the United Nations, but it never bombed the Congo.

Libya (true) : The United States bombed Libya on 15 April 1986 in retaliation for the West Berlin discotheque bombing. The airstrikes targeted military assets like the Bab al-Azizia Barracks, and the Murat Sidi Bilal training camp for naval commandos.

In 2011, NATO forces including the US, bombed Libya as part of its military intervention, under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 (UNSCR 1973) during the First Libyan Civil War. Since then, the US has continued to bomb terrorist camps in Libya.

Recommended : Are Chinese Students Being Harassed + Banned From US?

Libyan people celebrating attack on Muammar Qaddafi’s main military compound in Tripoli, August 23, 2011
Photo credit : AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini

Somalia (true) : The US has conducted airstrikes and drone strikes against al-Shabaab militants in support of the Federal Government of Somalia since 2016. To be clear – these bombings were conducted with the agreement, and coordination, of the government of Somalia.

Sudan (true) : On 20 August 1998, the US Navy launched cruise missiles at the al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory in Khartoum, Sudan, on bad intelligence which suggested it may be used in VX nerve gas manufacturing, and had financial ties between the factory and Osama bin Laden.

Serbia (true) : NATO forces, including the US, launched airstrikes against the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1999, to stop the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Albanians. Yugoslav President Milošević was later indicted for war crimes (like Russian President Vladimir Putin).

Bosnia (true) : NATO forces, including the US, launched airstrikes to support United Nations Protection Force protecting safe areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina against the Army of Republic Srpska. The United Nations requested NATO assistance to support its efforts to prevent a genocide in 1995.

Recommended : Did US Steal Instant Noodles From Earthquake Victims?!

Lebanon (false) : The US did not bomb Lebanon, because it intervened in the 1958 Lebanon crisis at the request of President Camille Chamoun. Together with Lebanese government forces, American troops successfully occupied the Port of Beirut and Beirut International Airport. After the crisis ended three months later, the United States withdrew.

Iran (false) : While the US has arguably conducted clandestine operations against Iran, it has not actually bombed Iran. Even when Iran shot down a US drone in June 2019, the US did not retaliate militarily.

Iraq (true) : In 1991, 42 countries including the United States, launched airstrikes against Iraq, during the liberation of Kuwait.

In 2003, the US, UK, Australia, Poland, and Iraqi rebels invaded Iraq to oust Prime Minister Saddam Hussein. Massive airstrikes allowed the coalition to conclude major combat operations in less than a month.

Kuwait (false) : In 1991, 42 countries including the United States, launched airstrikes and artillery bombardments against Iraqi forces during the liberation of Kuwait. However, I chalk this as false, as they were not targeting Kuwait.

Recommended : Did US Steal $50 Trillion Of Gold + Oil From Iraq?!

Syria (true) : Since 2014, the US, UK, France, Jordan, Turkey, Canada, Australia and other countries have been launching airstrikes against the Islamic State and al-Nusra Front forces inside Syria.

Afghanistan (true) : The US, UK, Canada, and other countries, bombed and invaded Taliban-ruled Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks on the United States.

Vietnam (true) : The US conducted extensive bombing of North Vietnam after attacks by North Vietnamese guerrillas, and North Vietnam attacked South Vietnam in a massive Easter Offensive in 1972.

Laos (true) : The US dropped 260 million bombs on Laos, to try and cut North Vietnam’s logistical trail known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Cambodia (true) : The US dropped 214 tons of bombs on Cambodia from 1965 to 1968, in attacks on the sanctuaries and base areas of North Vietnamese and Viet Gong forces during the Vietnam War.

Indonesia (true) : Despite President Eisenhower’s orders that no Americans be involved, the CIA bombed Indonesia’s outer islands on 19 April 1958, during its failed attempt to overthrow the Sukarno government.

North Korea (true) : The US, as part of the United Nations Command, carried out an extensive bombing campaign of North Korea during the Korean War of 1950-1953, which started after North Korean troops attacked South Korea on 25 June 1950.

China (false) : The US never bombed China.

Recommended : Did Xi Jinping Divorce His Wife To Serve China?!

This is really nothing more than yet another example of propaganda created or promoted by the infamous Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛), and/or pro-CCP netizens. Here are some other examples I fact-checked recently:

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did Lionel Messi die suddenly in a tragic car crash?!

Did football legend Lionel Messi just die suddenly in a tragic car crash?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2024-08-17 : Updated with new information
Updated @ 2023-09-24 : Added video fact check and comparison!
Originally posted @ 2023-04-20

 

Claim : Lionel Messi died suddenly in a tragic car crash!

People are sharing TikTok and YouTube videos which claim that football legend Lionel Messi just died suddenly in a high-speed car accident, with photos of the tragic car crash!

detlokalehotel : Messi died in a car crash #messi #died #in #a #car #crash #rip #rip #ripmessi 

#fyp #soccer #messi #dead rest in peace legend👑⚽️🕊️

LIONEL MESSI DIES IN UNBELIEVABLE CAR CRASH

Messi, Xavi and Christiano dead after car accident

#Rip Messie Messie❤️ respect for Messie ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️⚽️🥅
Messie the best of the world ❤️🇦🇷❤️❤️#Messie

INFO CHOC: Lionel Messi est décédé
SHOCK INFO: Lionel Messi has died

There is even an example in which people claim that Lionel Messi died after Ronaldo fans killed him outside his home:

gavixamp : #messi #death Today marks the 2 year death of footballer Lionel Messi after Ronaldo fans killed him outside his home

Recommended : Did Cristiano Ronaldo Just Die In Tragic Car Accident?!

 

Truth : Lionel Messi did not die suddenly in a tragic car crash!

This is yet another example of fake news created and propagated by people to generate income from page / video views and advertising, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : No legitimate media reported Lionel Messi died

These social media posts, as well as YouTube and TikTok videos have been circulating for months now, but people don’t seem to notice that no legitimate media outlet has reported on Lionel Messi’s death!

Lionel Messi is one of the world’s best footballer and a mega celebrity. His death would have been covered extensively by the media across the globe! And his fans would have mourned his death on social media.

Yet, no legitimate media outlet has reported that Lionel Messi died recently from any cause, never mind a tragic car accident. Neither has there been any outpouring of grief from his millions of fans.

So why should you believe no-name websites, or random YouTube / TikTok videos???

Fact #2 : Lionel Messi is still alive and well!

Lionel Messi (born Lionel Andrés Messi on 24 June 1987) is still very much alive and well, as of Saturday, 17 August 2024. He did not die in a tragic car accident. Neither was he killed by Ronaldo fans outside his home.

Of course, you want proof of life, right? What you should be asking is the proof of death when you see social media claims that some celebrity or athlete has died. But I digress…

Well, Lionel Messi himself posted a photo with his family on 12 August 2024. As you can see, not only is he very much still alive, his family looks great!

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Fact #3 : This car crash photo was from 2009

To convince you that Lionel Messi died (even though he’s still alive), fake news creators had to make use of unrelated car crashes.

In this example, the video claimed that Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, died in this car accident.

The truth is – that is a photo of a Ferrari 599 that crashed in October 2009, on the Great Ocean Road in southern Victoria, Australia. The driver was a 64 year-old man called Carlo Vaccari.

Mr. Vaccari lost control while driving his Ferrari 599 at 80 km/h and ploughed into two motorcyclists travelling in the opposite direction. He was convicted of careless driving, but only fined $3000.

Recommended : Did Simon Cowell Just Die In Tragic Car Crash?!

Fact #4 : This car accident photo was posted in 2014

It is unknown when this car accident happened, but this photo was posted by WreckedExotics.com on August 13, 2014.

Apparently, the driver lost control of his Ferrari 458 Italia while trying to overtake another car, and crashed into a trash bin. The driver left the scene of the accident, possibly under the influence of drugs / alcohol.

Even though this incident happened in Madrid, Spain, this photo is old and has nothing to do with Lionel Messi.

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Fact #5 : This tragic car crash occurred In 2012

This photo does not show Lionel Messi’s fatal car crash. This accident actually occurred at around 9 PM on 1 September 2012, at the E42 highway near Francorchamps in Belgium.

The driver was a 63 year-old man from Saint-Ghislain, and was obviously not Lionel Messi.

Recommended : Did Toby Keith Just Die Suddenly In Hospital?!

Fact #6 : Lionel Messi death hoax is driven by fake fact check too

This Lionel Messi death hoax is, ironically, also fuelled by MediaMass Project, which keeps “updating” the dates in its fake fact check article:

News of footballer Lionel Messi’s death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the January 2024 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports. Thankfully, the 37-year-old footballer is alive and well.

Their claim of a viral R.I.P. Lionel Messi Facebook page is false. There is no such Facebook page. It is their standard fake fact check spiel for fake celebrity deaths.

The statement from Lionel Messi’s unnamed rep confirming that he is not dead is exactly the same as statements from other celebrities whose reps MediaMass claimed were victims of death hoaxes, like Angelina Jolie, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Barry Gibb, Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis, Celine Dion, Clint Eastwood, Cristiano Ronaldo, Dolly Parton, Harrison Ford, Justine Bieber, Lucy LiuMadonna, Melanie Laurent, Mike Tyson, Morgan Freeman, Oprah Winfrey, Robert Pattinson, Simon Cowell, Slyvester Stallone, Taylor Swift, Tom Cruise, and Tom Hanks.

He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He’s still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet.

Hidden in the description page for the MediaMass Project is a disclaimer that they are a “satire” website. That’s the usual “cover” for websites peddling fake news.

Regardless of their reasons, anything posted by MediaMass.net must be considered as fake news, until proven otherwise.

Recommended : Did Sylvester Stallone Just Die Suddenly In Hospital?!

Fact #7 : This is just fake celebrity news!

This is yet another example of fake celebrity news created to generate page views and money through advertising, just like these examples:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did the US flag hilariously fall at the 2024 Paris Olympics?!

Did the US flag hilariously fall at the 2024 Paris Olympics?! Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : US flag hilariously fell at the 2024 Paris Olympics!

Some people are sharing a video on WhatsApp, TikTok, Douyin and X (formerly Twitter), which suggests that the US flag hilariously fell at the 2024 Olympics, causing people to laugh and applaud!

偷得富盛半日闲 : 大漂亮国兴奋剂吃多了,国旗都感到难为情,不好意思挂在上面了 观众也欢呼雀跃……

Translated : After taking too many performance enhancers, the flag itself felt embarrassed and didn’t want to stay up. The audience cheered and rejoiced…

Recommended : Did Joe Biden + Kamala Harris offer 9/11 terrorists plea deal?!

 

Truth : US flag did not fall at the 2024 Paris Olympics!

This is yet another example of fake news about the 2024 Paris Olympics, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : US flag did not fall at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Let me start by quickly pointing out that the US flag did not fall, or fly away, at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

If that actually happened, it would have been reported by the mainstream media, or shared widely on social media. Yet, there has been no legitimate media reporting of such an incident. Neither has there been any major outcry on social media.

In fact, this video appears to be only shared by Chinese netizens on Douyin (China’s version of TikTok), or on Western platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Fact #2 : Viral video was recorded in 2012 Olympics

The viral video is genuine, but it was not recorded in France, during the 2024 Paris Olympics. It was actually recorded at the 2012 London Olympics on 4 August 2012 – 12 years ago.

The incident occurred after American tennis star Serena Williams defeated Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova, thus winning the Olympic singles gold medal. As the flags of the United States, Russia, and Belarus (whose Viktoria Azarenka won the bronze medal) were being raised, the strong wind blew the US flag off its metal pole, and it fell on to the crowd below.

As US media outlet NPR reported at that time, Olympic staffers quickly retrieved the American flag, which was later carried around with Serena Williams as the medalists walked to each side of the court to pose for photos.

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Fact #3 : Chinese netizens appear to share this video every 4 years

Even though this video was recorded 12 years ago, Chinese netizens appear to repost it at every Olympic Games – apparently to suggest that the American flag was falling at each Olympic Games.

For example, just 3 years ago, Chinese netizens shared the same video, claiming that it showed the US flag falling at the last Olympics in Tokyo:

Tokyo Olympics, the US national flag fell down. The US’s luck has come to an end. Everyone applauded. The one who hates the American most is actually the Japanese.

It is very likely that Chinese netizens will share this same video in 2028, claiming that the US flag fell down at the Los Angeles Olympics.

Interestingly, some of these Chinese netizens are sharing this video on Western platforms that are banned in China. It would suggest that they have Chinese government permission to use those banned platforms, or VPNs (which are essentially outlawed for personal use in China).

Fact #4 : This Is Just CCP Propaganda

Ultimately, this appears to be nothing more than than yet another example of propaganda created or promoted by the infamous Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛), and/or pro-CCP netizens. Here are some other examples I fact-checked recently:

As always, please be skeptical whenever you see such videos circulating on WhatsApp or social media platforms.

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Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Is your watermelon rubbery because it’s fake or GMO?!

If the watermelon you bought is rubbery, does that mean it is fake or the result of genetic modification?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Watermelon is rubbery because it’s fake or GMO!

Videos of rubbery watermelons are being shared on WhatsApp and social media, with people claiming or suggesting that they are fake watermelons, or the result of genetic modification (GMO)!

savage daughter : Are you eating Bill Gates FAKE FOOD?

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Truth : Rubbery watermelon is not fake or GMO!

This is yet another example of misinformation on food safety, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Watermelon becomes rubbery when overripe

Let me start by quickly pointing out that any rubbery watermelon you may purchase or consume is not fake, or made of plastic. Neither is the rubbery texture due to genetic modification (GMO).

Rather, all watermelons develop a rubbery texture when they become too ripe. This rubbery “phase” occurs before the watermelon begins to decompose, producing a grainy, crumbly texture.

As Rachel Syngo, chief marketing officer of the National Watermelon Promotion Board explained:

All watermelons will begin to have a rubber-like texture eventually as a part of the breakdown process This is a naturally occurring phase in all watermelons before they begin to get a grainy texture and truly begin to decompose.

To be clear – all those videos showing watermelons with a rubbery texture are simply videos of overripe watermelons. They are not evidence of fake watermelons, or GMO watermelons.

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Fact #2 : Overripe watermelon is safe to eat

Despite claims or suggestions that such rubbery watermelons may be dangerous to consume, that’s not true. Overripe watermelons may have a chewy, rubbery texture, but they are still safe to eat.

In fact, there are many recipes that make use of a rubbery, overripe watermelon:

  • watermelon salsa
  • watermelon basil aqua fresca
  • watermelon smoothie
  • watermelon sherbet
  • watermelon granita
  • watermelon margarita
  • watermelon mimosas
  • watermelon gazpacho
  • watermelon curry

So there is no need to throw away any overripe watermelon. Just make sure it does not taste sour or have a fizzy sensation in your mouth.

Watermelons that have turned bad may also fizz, foam or explode by themselves, or when you cut into them. Avoid them at all cost, as they have turned bad and are fermenting with a lot of bacteria inside.

When a watermelon turns bad, it’s only good for making “shocking” videos to share on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, etc…

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Fact #3 : Organic Watermelon Can Also Be Rubbery

While some people believe that such rubbery texture only exists in genetically modified (GMO) watermelons, that’s not true either. In fact, this person (archive) bought an organic watermelon with a rubbery texture!

I have been seeing crazy watermelon pics of rubbery bad melons. I finally got one. The red swirly bits are over ripe, the rest hard and under ripe. And I am usually a good melon picker. Never seen such a thing. Organic as well!

Again, the rubbery texture is due to ripeness of the watermelon, and has nothing to do with whether it was genetically-modified or not.

So if you want to enjoy a crunchy and juicy watermelon, the key thing is to make sure it’s not too ripe. Otherwise, you will end up with a chewy or rubbery watermelon.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did Kamala Harris say “Today is today” in viral video?!

Did Vice President Kamala Harris say that “Today is today, and yesterday was today yesterday” in a viral video?! Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Kamala Harris Said “Today Is Today” In Viral Video!

Some people are sharing a video, in which US Vice President Kamala Harris appears to speak incoherently and bizarrely about “today”, “tomorrow” and “the future”!

Ian Miles Cheong : Is this fake? Please tell me this is fake, Actually, tell me it’s real so I can laugh even harder.

Ramble_Rants : “Tomorrow will be today, tomorrow.”

The original video, and new versions of it, surged in shares and views after President Joe Biden ceased his re-election campaign, and endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.

Gunther Eagleman : Today is today. 😂😂😂

GoPollYourself : TBH the White House cocaine could’ve been anyone’s…

Recommended : Is Hillary Clinton replacing Joe Biden in 2024 Election?!

 

Truth : Kamala Harris Did Not Say “Today Is Today” In Viral Video!

This is yet another example of fake news about Kamala Harris, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Viral Videos Are Fake And Were Edited

Let me start by simply pointing out that the viral videos showing Kamala Harris speaking about “today”, “tomorrow”, and “the future” is fake, and was edited.

The fake video creator used a segment of a speech Kamala Harris gave on April 25, 2023, at Howard University in Washington D.C., and replaced the audio with a fake voice-over, which said:

Today is today and yesterday was today yesterday. Tomorrow will be today tomorrow. So, live today so the future today will be as the past today, as it is tomorrow.

Fact #2 : Viral Video Was Digitally Altered

The viral video has been digitally altered with a voice-over, and her lip movements synced to match the added audio.

Reuters spoke to Dr. Dominic Lees, an associate professor in filmmaking from the University of Reading, who confirmed that the video was “not authentic”:

“Close observers will detect the video ‘noise’ around the mouth,” he said, adding that the lack of background sound indicates the voice was not recorded at this location.

Indeed, if you look closely at her mouth, you can see visual artifacts. Her chin also appears to “drop off”, especially when Kamala Harris started to speak in the edited video clip.

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Fact #3 : Audio Was Created By Estee Palti

Reuters traced the origin of the voice-over audio to TikTok user Estee Palti (@mommyrn88) who used it in this video.

Estee Palti, who does impersonations of Kamala Harris, publicly stated (archive) that the video was “doctored” using her voice.

The video is doctored. It is my voice someone made the video

To be clear – Palti isn’t responsible for these fake Kamala Harris videos. The fake video creators merely used her voice-over in their videos.

Fact #4 : This Is Fake News About 2024 Presidential Election

This is yet another example of fake news and videos created to influence the 2024 US Presidential Election, and here are some other examples:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did China Airdrop Food Aid To Palestinians In Gaza?!

Did China airdrop tons of food aid for hungry Palestinians in Gaza?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : China Airdrops Food Aid To Palestinians In Gaza!

People are sharing videos on TikTok and WhatsApp, which purportedly shows China dropping tons of food aid to Palestinians in Gaza!

WhatsApp / TikTok : China drops tons of food aid for hungry Palestinians

China memberi bantuan makanan kod Palestina yg lapar

WhatsApp / TikTok : China’s aid to Gaza brings hope of survival to Palestine

大爱中国援助加沙物资愿给巴带来生存的希望

TikTok : Chinese Humanitarian Aid For Palestinians

Bantuan Kemanusian China utk Palestina

Recommended : Are Chinese Students Being Harassed + Banned From US?

 

Truth : China Did Not Airdrop Food Aid To Palestinians In Gaza!

This is yet another example of fake news created and/or promoted by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) and/or pro-CCP netizens, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : China Never Airdropped Food Aid To Gaza

Let me start by pointing out that China never air-dropped any food aid to feed hungry Palestinians in Gaza.

So far, nine countries air-dropped food and other supplies into Gaza – Jordan, the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, France, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and Egypt.

China never took part in any airdrop of humanitarian aid into any Palestinian territory, never mind Gaza.

Fact #2 : Video Shows Boeing C-17 Globemaster III

The example video above does not show the Y-20 cargo transport aircraft, which is used by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Instead, it shows a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, which is commonly used by the United States and NATO countries.

Obviously, the PLAAF does not own or use any Boeing C-17 aircraft, so it is impossible for anyone to claim that those planes belonged to China.

Instead of showing China air-dropping food and other essential supplies to Palestinians in Gaza, the videos actually show American or British C-17 Globemaster III aircraft dropping supplies.

Recommended : Did HK Activist Fion Ho Commit Suicide After Fleeing To UK?!

Fact #3 : China Provided Some Aid

To be fair – China provided some aid – initially just 100 million yuan ($13.8 million) in aid.

But at the end of May 2024, President Xi Jinping announced that China would contribute an additional 500 million yuan ($68.96 million) in emergency humanitarian assistance, as well as $3 million in funds to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

Fact #4 : Chinese Aid Is Disproportionally Small

However, it must be noted that Chinese aid is disproportionally small to its importance and economic strength.

Even when fully realised, Chinese aid is less than $86 million – just 7% of what the United Nations estimated in January 2024 that the Palestinians would require – some $1.2 billion in aid. It also pales in comparison to what other countries have sent to Gaza.

The Americans, for example, provided $180 million to Gaza through USAID by February 2024. In addition, the US military not only air-dropped supplies, it also built a temporary pier which cost $320 million to deliver more than a million pounds of aid (source) before it broke apart at the end of May, and had to be towed away for repairs.

Even smaller countries are contributing far more aid to Gaza than China. The UAE, for example, contributed 25% of all foreign aid to Gaza!

While credit should be given to China for the aid it promised, the contribution is far less than what the viral videos make it appear.

Recommended : China Unveils New Incentives For Wumao + CCP Uncles!

Fact #5 : This Is Just Chinese Propaganda

This is really nothing more than yet another example of Chinese propaganda created or promoted by the infamous Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛), and/or pro-CCP netizens. Here is just the latest dozen I fact-checked:

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Bantuan Tambahan RM1000 Scam Alert!

Is the Malaysian government giving every citizen extra RM1000 through the Bantuan Tambahan financial aid?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out why it’s just a scam!

 

Bantuan Tambahan RM1000 Scam Alert!

People are sharing links to WhatsApp and Telegram groups that purportedly offer RM1000 in extra financial  aid from the Malaysian government! Here are the messages, with our English translation in bold.

Bantuan RM1000 telah dikreditkan dalam MyKad bermula hari ini.

Bantuan kerajaan melalui MyKad ini telah dilaksanakan sejak bulan May 2024.

MOHON & SEMAK https://mykad-xxxxx-xxxx.try-44.com/c/

RM1000 assistance has been credited into MyKad starting today.

Government assistance through MyKad has been implemented since May 2024.

APPLY & CHECK https://mykad-xxxxx-xxxx.try-44.com/c/

Jom claim bantuan tu sy dah claim dan success masuk kat mykad sye

Go and claim that financial aid. I have claimed mine, and successfully received the cash in my MyKad

These scams do not only appear on WhatsApp and Telegram, but also TikTok.

Recommended : Can You Get Free Cash Via MyKasih App?!

 

Why Bantuan Tambahan RM1000 Is A Scam!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and social media platforms, and here are the reasons why!

Fact #1 : There Is No RM1000 Bantuan Tambahan

Let me start by pointing out that there is no such thing as the RM1000 Bantuan Tambahan financial aid from the Malaysian government.

This scam has been circulating since October 2023, with the scammers changing the name to mislead people.

On 15 October 2023, the Malaysia Ministry of Finance called it fake news, and warned people against sharing it:

THIS IS FAKE!

The Ministry of Finance stresses that information about the Rahmah Basic Aid of RM1000 in your MyKad claim is FALSE.

Be careful and don’t be easily fooled by such news on social media.

Visit the portal and follow the Ministry of Finance’s official social media channels for the latest and most accurate information.

Recommended : Warning – PDRM Parking Fine Scam Alert!

Fact #2 : Domain Is New + Ownership Is Hidden!

The domain used by this scam website is quite new, and was registered only on 25 October 2023. But more importantly, its ownership is hidden – a common way for scammers and other criminals to avoid being identified.

Fact #3 : This Scam Targets Your Telegram Account!

I investigated the link, and it appears to be a phishing website based on the STR 2024 scam that I debunked earlier this year.

The real STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) website will only ask you for your MyKad or user ID to check your STR 2024 status.

The scam websites, on the other hand, will ask you to submit your full name, and your mobile number.

They will send an OTP to your Telegram account, and ask you to key in the OTP to their website. This will allow them to hijack and take over your Telegram account.

To protect your Telegram account from such hijacking, please make sure you turn on Two-Step Verification!

Even if you don’t have a Telegram account, the scammers now have access to your full name and mobile number, which they can use in future scam attacks.

Recommended : STR 2024 Scam Alert : Can You Get RM1,000 Per Month?!

Fact #3 : STR 2024 Does Not Give RM1,000 Per Month

To help the hardcore poor handle the high inflation in 2024, the Malaysia Ministry of Finance announced an increase in the amount of STR cash aid.

However, even with the increased STR 2024 cash aid, you won’t receive RM1,000 per month. That’s just insane. Here is what the government is giving for STR 2024, in quarterly payments:

Qualifying
Categories
STR 2024 Cash Aid
Household Income
≤ RM2,500
No Children : RM1,000
1-2 Children : RM1,500
3-4 Children : RM2,000
≥5 Children : RM2,500
Household Income
RM2,500 – RM5,000
No Children : RM500
1-2 Children : RM750
3-4 Children : RM1,000
≥5 Children : RM1,250
Senior (Single)
≤ RM5,000
RM600
Single
≤ RM2,500
RM350

As you can see, only the hardcore poor will get RM1,000, or more. If you are middle class, or well-to-do, you rightly will not qualify for this financial aid!

Do NOT click on the links, and do NOT share them with your family and friends!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did Robert De Niro support Israel against Palestinian supporters?!

Did Robert De Niro confront a group of Palestinian supporters in support of Israel?! Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Robert De Niro Supports Israel Against Palestinian Supporters!

People are sharing a video, claiming or suggesting that it shows Robert De Niro confronting a group of Palestinian supporters in support of Israel!

Im Tirtzu: It’s so refreshing to see more people not letting narrative take over their common sense. Well done Robert De Niro, thank you for supporting Israel!

I LOVE watching them eat their own!💯

The Jewish Voice : Legendary actor Robert DeNiro stands up publicly and quite vocally in support of Israel. With anger and defiance in his voice, he says that the looming threat of Hamas is “real” and that this is not a movie. He reminds those listening that Hamas has vowed to replicate the horrific massacre of October 7th, again and again and that the world should wake up to the dangers that the international terror organization presents to the Western world.

Spitfire: DeNiro has had enough of the animals he helped create😂😂

I LOVE watching them eat their own!💯

It was even covered by Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, which triumphantly declared (archive):

Watch as Robert De Niro Confronts pro-Palestinian Protesters in New York

Actor Robert De Niro expressed support for Israel when he confronted pro-Palestinian protested on set of his new film. ‘If you’re going to keep talking nonsense, then you gotta go home’

Recommended : Did Bruce Willis Just Die At Home After Years Of Suffering?!

 

Truth : Robert De Niro Did Not Support Israel Against Palestinian Supporters!

This is yet another example of fake news circulating on social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Robert De Niro Was Acting On ‘Zero Day’ Set

Let me start by confirming that the video is genuine, and shows Robert De Niro saying:

This is not a movie. This is real. Right now, you gotta listen, you gotta work, you gotta get your job done.

Stand by, offer your support, prayers, that’s great. But you gotta do it from behind the barricade. And if you’re going to keep talking nonsense, then you gotta go home.

These people are dangerous, and they say they are going to do it again! Again! We don’t want that. You don’t want that. None of us want that.

Come all, let’s all get serious.

However, it does not show Robert De Niro confronting Palestinian supporters in support of Israel. It actually shows Robert De Niro acting on the set of the Netflix TV series, Zero Day, in New York City on 27 April 2024.

At around 0:13 of the viral video clip, you can see actor Jesse Plemons just behind and to DeNiro’s right.

From about 0:15 onwards in the video, you can see a woman to his left repeatedly looking at a tablet and at Robert DeNiro, as if she was checking to see if he was following the script.

Needless to say – the video has nothing to do with Palestine, or Israel, or the October 7 attack by Hamas.

Fact #2 : ‘Zero Day’ Has Nothing To Do With Israel / Palestine

Just in case you are wondering – Zero Day is an upcoming TV series from Netflix. While its plot is not known, it has been described as a political conspiracy thriller that is centred around a devastating global cyberattack.

In that scene, De Niro’s character, former American President George Mullen, appeared to be talking to firefighters and paramedics carrying wounded people on stretchers, and not pro-Palestinian supporters.

As far as we can tell – Zero Day has nothing to do with Israel or Palestine. It is certainly not based on the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, as the project started in November 2022, and casting started in April 2023.

Recommended : Did Stormy Daniels Wear Mushroom Dress To Trump Trial?!

Fact #3 : Video Was Originally Released Earlier

The viral video clip was released earlier on TikTok, and those posting it did not claim that it had anything to do with the pro-Palestine protests. In fact, they clearly used hashtags referring to the Netflix miniseries, Zero Day.

Even Breitbart – hardly the fount of truth, commented on the original video clip (archive), stating that Robert De Niro was acting at the scene of Zero Day, with Jesse Plemons in the background.

It was only from 1 May onwards that someone added subtitles, and a false overlay stating “Robert De Niro Stands with Israel!

Fact #4 : Robert De Niro’s Rep + Netflix Confirmed It’s Fake

After the video went viral, Newsweek contacted the staff of the Zero Day miniseries, and both Robert De Niro’s rep, and Netflix, confirmed that the viral video clip was fake and had nothing to do with the pro-Palestinian protests.

Stan Rosenfield of Rosenfield Media Group, which represents the award-winning actor, said the video that is circulating that insinuates De Niro is arguing with protesters is “100 percent fake.”

“It is 100 percent a scene from Mr. De Niro’s Netflix TV series, Zero Day, where his character is talking to extras,” Rosenfield told Newsweek Tuesday in a phone interview.

A spokesperson for Netflix also verified that the images were captured during a rehearsal for the series.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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RM500 Bantuan Awal Ramadhan 2024 Scam Alert!

Is the Malaysian government giving every citizen RM500 for Ramadhan 2024?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out why it’s just a scam!

 

RM500 Bantuan Awal Ramadhan For 2024 Scam Alert!

People are sharing links to websites that purportedly offer RM500 from the Malaysian government as Ramadhan 2024 aid (Bantuan Awal Ramadhan).

Terkini : Kerajaan umum satu lagi bayaran bantuan khas Aidilfitri RM1,000 akan disalurkan pada 8 April ini secara berperingkat.

Senarai Penerima : http://sumbangan=xxxx=xxxxx.madani2024.my.id

Latest : The general government another Aidilfitri special aid payment of RM1,000 will be distributed on April 8 in stages.

List of Beneficiaries : http://sumbangan=xxxx=xxxxx.madani2024.my.id

Bantuan Awal Ramadan RM500 Mula Dikreditkan Secara Berperingkat

Ramadan Early Aid RM500 Begins to be Credited Gradually

These scams do not only appear on WhatsApp and Telegram, but also TikTok.

Recommended : Can You Get Free Cash Via MyKasih App?!

 

Why RM500 Bantuan Awal Ramadhan 2024 Is A Scam!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and social media platforms, and here are the reasons why!

Fact #1 : There Is No RM500 Bantuan Awal Ramadhan For 2024

Let me start by pointing out that there is no such thing as the RM500 Bantuan Awal Ramadhan aid for 2024.

On 6 March 2024, the Malaysia Ministry of Finance called it fake news, and warned people against sharing it:

THIS IS FAKE NEWS!

The Ministry of Finance stresses that the Ramadan Aid 2024 claim is FALSE.

Be careful and don’t be easily fooled by such news on social media.

Visit the portal and follow the Ministry of Finance’s official social media channels for the latest and most accurate information.

Recommended : Warning – PDRM Parking Fine Scam Alert!

Fact #2 : Photo Taken From 2023

The photo used in this scam was actually taken from a website posting about the 2023 Ramadhan aid given by Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (Mаjlіѕ Agаmа Iѕlаm Wilayah Pеrѕеkutuаn, MAIWP).

In its official announcement, MAIWP gave a special one-off RM500 Ramadan financial aid on 27 March 2023. However, this financial aid was limited to existing recipients of monthly financial aid from MAIWP.

Not only was this one-time financial aid limited to 2023, there was no application, and the money was automatically given to eligible recipients.

Ramadan 1444H assistance to recipients of monthly financial assistance.

RM500 One Off

The distribution of aid will be implemented in stages on March 27, 2023 (Monday) corresponding to 5 Ramadan 1444H.

Fact #3 : It’s A Phishing Scam

I investigated one of the links, and it appears to be a phishing website registered in Indonesia, using the domain “madani2024.my.id” that was created on 29 February 2024.

This phishing website attempts to trick you into giving up your Telegram account access, by asking for:

  • your phone number
  • your Telegram account password
  • your Telegram OTP

Once the scammers have that information, they can take over your Telegram account, which can then be used to scam

It is likely that the other scammers may try to steal your WhatsApp account, and/or trick you into giving up your bank account login details.

Do NOT click on the links, and do NOT share them with your family and friends!

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Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Will Rare April 8 Solar Eclipse Last For 3-5 Days?!

Will the rare April 8 solar eclipse last for 3-5 days?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Rare April 8 Solar Eclipse Will Last For 3-5 Days!

People are sharing a TikTok video which claims that the rare solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, will cause total darkness for 3-5 days! Here is a transcript of the viral video:

April 8, 2024

3 days of darkness will occur when the earth passes through the photon belt. This is as the earth enters and passes through this belt. There will be no sunlight nor moonlight on the earth’s surface.

Photons are electromagnetic particles that travel at the speed of light and will act as a barrier or temporary shield around the earth preventing the light of the sun or the stars from passing through it.

This is expected to last 72 hours or 5 days. There are no breaks or periods of light during the three days, only darkness.

Recommendations. Stock up on food, water, candles, other essential items. All sunlight will be blocked, and solar panels will not generate energy. Stay at home and avoid travelling for safety reasons.

The sunlight will return on the Earth, marking the beginning of the golden age.

Recommended : Was Kate Middleton cancer reveal an AI Deepfake video?!

 

Truth : Rare April 8 Solar Eclipse Will Last For 7.5 Minutes!

This appears to be yet another example of fake news circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : April 8 Solar Eclipse Will Only Last 7.5 Minutes

Let me start by simply pointing out that the April 8 solar eclipse will not last 3 days as claimed by the viral video. It will only last 7.5 minutes.

Even though it’s only 7.5 minutes long, that is actually an incredibly long period of total darkness, and a very rare event. The last one happening in 1973, and next one will not happen again until 2150.

Fact #2 : April 8 Solar Eclipse Mainly Affects North America

The April 8 solar eclipse does not encompass the entire globe, but mostly North America – covering Canada, United States, and Canada. Hence, some of the media are calling it the Great American Eclipse.

Even then, only a tiny strip of North America will be covered by path of the total solar eclipse. The rest of North America will be covered by varying degrees of darkness, as shown by the map below.

There will be a partial solar eclipse of some parts of Europe, Central America, South America, and Oceania. But the rest of the world is not affected by the April 8 solar eclipse.

Recommended : Did Henry Cavill Help Nephew Prove Superman Is His Uncle?!

Fact #3 : Photon Belt Does Not Exist

The Photon belt does not exist. It is a pseudoscientific myth based on the belief that Earth will soon pass through an immense ring of photos orbiting the Pleiades star cluster, or more specifically – its largest star, Alcyone. Hence, its alternate name – The Rings of Alcyone.

As the myth goes, after Earth passes through this photon belt, the world will end, or humanity will be elevated to a higher plane of existence. This idea was first described in 1950 by German scientist Paul Otto Hesse. However, it has never been shown to be remotely plausible, never mind actually proven.

In any case, the Pleiades cluster is over 400 light years away, so it is impossible for any photon belt surrounding it to affect Earth. In addition, the Pleiades cluster currently moving away from Earth.

Fact #4 : Photons Cannot Block Photons

Now, I’m no physicist, but as far as I know, photons cannot block other photons. So it would be impossible for a photon belt (if one did exist) to block sunlight and starlight from reaching Earth.

Photons are massless particles of electromagnetic energy. Visible light, for example, generates photons, and as you can tell, light does not get cancelled if two people shine a torchlight at each other!

Similarly, heat (thermal energy) also produces photons through thermal radiation and light. But as you well know – placing two lit candles next to each other won’t block the amount of light or heat each candle produces!

In short – even if Earth passes through a band of photons, sunlight and starlight will continue to shine on us.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did Abby + Brittany Hensel Reveal Sex Life As Siamese Twins?!

Did Abby and Brittany Hensel just reveal their sex life as conjoined twins?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Abby + Brittany Hensel Reveal Sex Life As Siamese Twins!

People are sharing a screenshot which appears to show Abby and Brittany Hensel revealing details of their sex life as conjoined twins on X (formerly Twitter).

Because everyone is asking we’re just gonna tell you.

– Yes I have sex with my husband
– Yes I go down on him
Yes my sister Brittany is there
Yes my sister and I orgasm as one, but when I sleep with my husband she’s usually reading a book or listening to a true crime podcast so she just puts the pleasure out of her mind.

This screenshot has gone viral on X, Instagram, and TikTok, with many people making snide remarks:

Just Posting Ls : How’s your sister feel about balls being dragged across her face while she’s reading?

Recommended : Was Kate Middleton cancer reveal an AI Deepfake video?!

 

Truth : Abby + Brittany Hensel Did Not Reveal Sex Life As Siamese Twins!

This appears to be yet another example of fake news circulating on social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Abby + Brittany Hensel Do Not Have X Account

Let me start by simply pointing out that Abby and Brittany Hensel do not have an account on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The @2headsarebetter account on X does not belong to the twin sisters, but rather, Nick Burroughs, who lives in the United Kingdom, and is the Managing Director of PMD Limited.

If they created an account on X, they wouldn’t name it Brittany and Abby Hensel either. In their previous social media accounts, they have always referred to themselves alphabetically – Abby and Brittany Hensel.

Fact #2 : Abby + Brittany Hensel Are Only Active On TikTok

Abby and Brittany Hensel used to be active on Instagram, but appeared to have stopped posting since 11 August 2015.

The twin sisters appear to be only active on TikTok, where they have over 273,000 followers as of 2 April 2024.

Fact #3 : Abby + Brittany Hensel Screenshot Is Fake

The viral screenshot purportedly posted by Abby and Brittany Hensel is fake. The sisters never posted those comments on X, or anywhere else for the matter.

Unsurprisingly, none of those who posted the screenshot ever provided any link to the actual X post, or an archive.

Recommended : Did Henry Cavill Help Nephew Prove Superman Is His Uncle?!

Fact #4 : Abby + Brittany Hensel Only Spoke Out Against Haters

The sisters have been very quiet about their private lives. Abby Hensel actually tied the knot with Josh Bowling, a nurse and army veteran in 2021. But the sisters only revealed it in July 2023. So why would they be so open about their sex life out of the blue?

More importantly, Abby and Brittany Hensel addressed the hatred they received after their wedding announcement:

This is a message to all the haters out there. If you don’t like what I do, but you watch everything I’m doing, you’re still a fan.

Sassy!

Fact #5 : They Were Posted On April 1

I should also point out that the screenshot and comments were posted on 1 April 2024 – April Fool’s Day.

It is highly likely that they were posted as satire, or to troll people on April Fool’s Day for engagement (and $$$).

Unfortunately, it is also very likely that the screenshot will continue to be shared for a long time after this, by people who don’t know better, or those just want to troll for engagement (and money).

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did British Royal Family Warn Of A Major Announcement Soon?!

Did the British Royal Family just say there will be a major announcement soon?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Royal Family Will Make A Major Announcement Soon!

Some people are claiming that the British Royal Family will make a major announcement soon! Here are just some examples:

Global Eye News : The British Royal Family has said there will be a Major Announcement at any moment.

Recommended : Did Kate Middleton hint at divorce by not wearing wedding ring?!

 

No Evidence Royal Family Will Make A Major Announcement Soon!

This appears to be another example of fake news circulating on social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Royal Family Never Said There Will Be Major Announcement Soon

Let me start by simply pointing out that the British Royal Family has not said anything about a major announcement soon.

There was no announcement on its official website, or its official Instagram page, or any official sources.

There may, or may not be, a major announcement soon, but the British Royal Family has not said anything. It certainly did tell people to watch out for an impending major announcement!

Fact #2 : Royal Experts Never Said Anything Either

Not even the usual royal experts / commentators have said that the Royal Family is about to make a major announcement.

They would never have kept quiet about such a juicy gossip. Yet none of them confirmed that any major announcement was forthcoming from the Royal Family.

Recommended : Is Kate Middleton Planning To Retire From Royal Duties?!

Fact #3 : No One Offered Any Evidence

None of those who claimed that the British Royal Family “said there will be a Major Announcement” soon, or at any moment, actually provided any evidence to back up their claims.

That’s because it didn’t happen. Even those who should known better did not appear to have done any basic verification, before posting it on their social media accounts.

Or perhaps, they were merely interested in trolling or gaslighting people for traffic and engagement, because that’s what makes money!

Fact #4 : This Is Just Royal Family Fake News!

This appears to be yet another example of fake news about the British Royal Family, like these examples:

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Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Do Israelis get free healthcare + faster organ transplants in US?!

Do Israelis get free healthcare, and faster organ transplants in the US?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Israelis Get Free Healthcare + Faster Organ Transplants In US!

People are sharing a video, which claims or suggests that Israelis get free healthcare and faster organ transplants in the US!

Stew Peters : 🚨ALERT: Israelis are fast-tracked to the top of the U.S. ORGAN DONATION list and they get the entire operation for FREE.

Again, American taxpayers are paying for Israelis to come to the US, skip to the top of organ donation list, steal American organs, and have American doctors perform the transplants.

Reconsider becoming an organ donor.

Recommended : Does UN Document Show New World Order Goals For 2030?!

 

Truth : Israelis Do Not Get Free Healthcare / Faster Organ Transplants In US!

This is yet another example of fake news circulating on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Israelis Do Not Get Free Healthcare In US

Let me start by simply pointing out that Israelis do not get free healthcare in the US, even though they now

After the October 7 attack by Hamas (but unrelated to it), the United States government granted a 90-day visa waiver for Israelis to travel to the US for tourism or business purposes. However, these Israeli visitors do not get free healthcare.

Even though Israelis can travel to the US without visa for medical treatment, they cannot stay longer than 90 days. Hence, the NIH still recommends that travellers obtain a B-2 temporary visitor’s visa for medical treatment.

But the key takeaway point is that Israelis do not get special benefits like free healthcare, or longer visa-free stays, than citizens of other countries in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Fact #2 : Only Israeli PRs Can Access Medicaid / CHIP

Even Israeli immigrants do not get access to free healthcare in the United States. Only after they become legal permanent residents, or citizens, can they potentially access Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), which offer free or low-cost coverage for those who meet state income and residency requirements.

However, many legal permanent residents are required to wait 5 years after receiving their “qualified immigration status” before they can get Medicaid and CHIP coverage.

To get Medicaid and CHIP coverage, many qualified non-citizens (such as many Lawful Permanent Residents, also known as LPRs or green card holders) have a 5-year waiting period. This means they must wait 5 years after getting “qualified” immigration status before they can get Medicaid and CHIP coverage. There are exceptions. For example, refugees, asylees, or LPRs who used to be refugees or asylees don’t have to wait 5 years.

To be clear – Israelis cannot simply fly to the US and get access to Medicaid or CHIP, even if they are applying for residency in the United States.

Recommended : Did WHO Warn Everyone Will Have Cancer Within 20 Years?!

Fact #3 : Israel Has Universal Healthcare!

It is illogical for Israelis to fly all the way to the US for free healthcare, when they already get universal healthcare in Israel!

In Israel, all citizens and permanent residents are covered by its National Health Insurance Law, which guarantees them the right to receive healthcare “within a reasonable time and at a reasonable distance from their place of residence”.

This universal healthcare system is funded by Israeli citizens who pay 3% to 5% of their income, while the government funds the rest. Many new Israeli citizens are entitled to free healthcare for six months to a year.

Fact #4 : Israelis Do Not Get Priority In US Organ Transplants

There is no evidence that Israelis get special priority, or are fast tracked for organ transplants in the US. Neither have those making these claims ever provided any evidence.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), whenever an organ is available, its centralised computer network generates a list of potential transplant candidates who have medical and biologic profiles that are compatible with the donor.

Its system ranks transplant candidates by their biologic information, as well as medical factors, disease severity, and time spent on the waiting list. Those other factors may result in a relatively new candidate receiving an organ earlier than one who spent more time on the waiting list.

However, that does not mean that they are getting fast-tracked, or special priority. It just means that the donor organs may better match them, or they may be prioritised for some other factors like delivery time and distance.

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Was Transgender Caught Playing In Women’s Rugby League?!

Was a transgender woman just caught playing in the women’s rugby league?! Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Transgender Woman Played In Women’s Rugby League!

People are sharing a video on YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), claiming that it shows a transgender man playing in the women’s rugby league!

David Atherton : A trans woman shows why they have no place in women’s sport. This is a Rugby League match.

Recommended : Did Lionel Messi Die Suddenly In Tragic Car Crash?!

 

That Was Not Transgender Woman Playing In Women’s Rugby League!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on YouTube, TikTok and X, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Video Was From September 2022

Let me start by pointing out that the video isn’t new. It was recorded in September 2022, and shows the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII game against Papua New Guinea (source).

Fact #2 : Joanne Lagona Is Not Transgender

The player in the viral video clip that people are accusing of being a transgender woman is actually a Papua New Guinea woman named Joanne Lagona.

Joanne Lagona was a fullback in the Papua New Guinea Orchids women’s national rugby league team, who played in the 2012 Oceania Women’s Sevens Championship, the 2016 Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship, and the 2021 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.

That would not be possible if Joanne Lagona was a transgender woman, because transgender players are not allowed to participate in official women’s rugby matches.

Fact #3 : Joanne Lagona Also Plays Against Men

Joanne Lagona has been playing rugby since she was five years old, and is used to playing against the men. In fact, she plays against men, when there are no women’s competitions in Papua New Guinea.

I am not new to 7s rugby as I have been playing the game at a very young age. At times when there are no women competitions in PNG, I play in the men’s competition. I am used to tough and physical competition.

While she plays against the men, Joanne Lagona is a biological female. People making claims that she is a transgender woman who was born a man, have provided no evidence to back up their claims.

Recommended : Did Andy Delort Collapse From Vaccine Death Spiral?!

Fact #4 : IRL Banned Transgender Players In Women’s Rugby

On 21 June 2022, the International Rugby League (IRL) announced that it does not permit transgender players from participating in women’s rugby league matches.

The IRL is continuing work to review and update rules about transgender participation in women’s international rugby league and will seek to use the upcoming World Cup to help develop a comprehensive inclusion policy.

Until further research is completed to enable the IRL to implement a formal transgender inclusion policy, male-to-female (transwomen) players are unable to play in sanctioned women’s international rugby league matches.

As such, it is impossible for any transgender man to play in women’s rugby matches, at least not in official matches, as shown in the viral video.

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Does Indocafe Instant Coffee Contain Harmful Drugs?!

Was Indocafe instant coffee mix found to contain harmful drugs?! Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Indocafe Coffee Mix Contains Harmful Drugs!

People are sharing a video clip on WhatsApp, TikTok, and social media, claiming or suggesting that Indocafe instant coffee mix was found to contain harmful drugs!

WhatsApp example #1 : Please viral to all your family and friends in your group

Discovery of sachets in Indocafe 3 in 1 coffeemix from Indonesia, mixed with harmful drugs??

Recommended : Is Food Being Fried With Plastic To Last Longer?!

Here is the rough English translation of the commentary in Indonesia / Bahasa Malaysia:

Here are all the drugs. From Indonesia. New coffee from Indocafe, which I will open now. This is new okay, now we open.  Let’s throw this first okay. Empty. Okay. Let’s open. Let’s see if there are still reddish drugs. Oh my God… Oh my God… There’s a lot.

 

Truth : Indocafe Coffee Mix Does Not Contain Harmful Drugs!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS being shared on WhatsApp and online platforms like TikTok and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Many Indocafe Customers Disputed Claim

The video appears to have been posted on TikTok by @dianaz780 on 26 November 2023 (archive).

Many people who commented on the video pointed out that they have never seen such pink-coloured drugs or dangerous substances in their Indocafe coffee mixture, even though some have been drinking it for many years.

Personally, I have also made and drunk this particular Indocafe instant coffee mix, and have never seen such pink-coloured substances before.

Fact #2 : Indocafe Labelled Video As “False”

On the same day, Indocafe advised people on Instagram not to fall for the “hoax”, stating that it has more than 38 years of experience in the industry. Then on 29 November 2023, Indocafe issued a statement (archive) through their lawyer, labelling the video as “false” and “fake news”. Here is the English translation:

In connection with the video currently circulating on social media regarding our product, namely Indocafe Coffeemix, which contains drugs, we hereby deny in the strongest possible terms that this is false and is fake news.

The statement also pointed out that the Indocafe Coffeemix product is monitored by the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM)

Recommended : Can Bak Kut Teh Herbal Soup Cause Liver Damage?!

Fact #3 : Unknown What Those Pink Substances Are

Unless the person who created that video sends the samples to Indocafe (or an independent laboratory) for testing, it is impossible to know what those pink-coloured pieces really are.

Could the instant coffee mix sachets have been tampered with? Or is it possible that these are counterfeit Indocafe coffee mix sachets?

Fact #4 : Pink Substance May Be Annatto

Assuming the sachets were not contaminated or tampered with, what could those pink pieces be? Short of a laboratory test, it would be quite impossible to know.

That said, the ingredients (archive) of this particular Indocafe Coffeemix 3-in-1 product may offer us a clue:

Sugar, Non-Dairy Creamer [Glucose Syrup, Hardened Vegetable Fat, Sodium Caseinate (contain milk protein), Stabilizer (E452ii, E340ii) and Emulsifier (non-animal origin) (E471), Anti-caking Agent (E554), Colour (160b)], Indocafé Instant Coffee.

The three key components of this coffee mix are sugar, non-diary creamer, and coffee. But one of the components of the non-diary creamer is 160b (E160b), also known as Annatto – orange-red food colouring from the seeds of the Bixa orellana tree.

It is possible that the annatto powder may have clumped together with the other components of the creamer, caking them into large pieces in the presence of excessive moisture.

Recommended : Can Bak Kut Teh Herbal Soup Cause Liver Damage?!

Fact #5 : Narcotics Are Expensive

While contamination or counterfeiting might be possible, it is absurd to claim, without evidence, that the pink substances are “dangerous drugs”. For one thing – narcotics are expensive. Who would be so stupid enough to put narcotics into cheap instant coffee mix?

Fact #6 : World Population Is Now Over 8 Billion

Claims that these “dangerous drugs” are being used to kill people and depopulate the world is a ridiculous conspiracy fantasy. Anyone who opens a sachet would immediately see the large pink pieces, thus foiling the dastardly plans of an incompetent evil cabal that has hitherto failed to stop the world from expanding to 8 billion people!

A real “Deep State operative” would have blended the poison to mix evenly with the coffee mix. And a real evil depopulation cabal would have done a better job of stopping population growth! This is nothing more than a silly conspiracy theory.

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did Justin Bieber Just Die In Tragic Car Accident?!

Did Justin Bieber just die in a hospital after a high speed car crash?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2024-01-14 : Refreshed for a new release
Originally posted @ 2023-04-13

 

Claim : Justin Bieber Died Suddenly In High Speed Car Crash!

People are sharing YouTube, Facebook and TikTok videos claiming that Justin Bieber just died suddenly in a high speed car crash, with titles like :

10 minutes ago in Los Angeles, American famous singer Justin Bieber died suddenly in car accident

( RIP ) Justin Bieber died after crashing at over 100mph, coroner’s report reveals

12 Minute ago ( RIP ) Justin Bieber died after crashing at over 100mph, coroner’s report reveals

RIP Justin Bieber… We lost him in a car crash over 100mph if your depressed please reach out.

( RIP ) Justin Bieber died after crashing at over 120mph, coroner’s report reveals

( RIP ) Very Sad 20 Second ago in Chicago, Justin Bieber died after crashing at over 100mph, coroner’s report reveals

7 minutes ago Justin Bieber died in car accident after crashing at over 100mph…. RIP legend…very sad news

Justin Bieber died #justinbieber #justinbieberdied #death #singer #justinbieberupdates #ytshorts

Recommended : Clint Eastwood Just Died On The Way To Hospital?!

 

Truth : Justin Bieber Did Not Die In Car Accident!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created and propagated by people to generate income from page / video views and advertising, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Legitimate Media Outlet Reported His Death

These YouTube / TikTok / Facebook videos have been circulating for days now, but people don’t seem to notice that no legitimate media has reported Justin Bieber’s death.

Justin Bieber is a megastar, with a beautiful celebrity model wife. If something happened to him, not will it be eagerly reported on by celebrity blogs, the worldwide media would no doubt cover it too.

When Justin Bieber revealed that he is suffering from Ramsay Hunt syndrome, the worldwide media breathlessly reported on his condition, including he cancelled the rest of his concerts.

No legitimate media outlet has reported that Justin Bieber died recently from any cause. Why should you believe no-name websites like NewsC60 / Fact Journal Media / NewsC8, or random YouTube / TikTok / Facebook videos?

Fact #2 : Justin Bieber Is Still Alive + Well!

Justin Bieber is still very much alive and well, as of Sunday, 14 January, 2024. Of course, you want “proof of life”, don’t you?

Well, Justin Bieber himself posted a series of photos and videos on Instagram on 7 January 2024, to share how excited he is for 2024:

excited for this next year. New beginnings

One of them is a video of him playing golf. Needless to say – he looks very well, f or someone who allegedly got smashed into pieces in a terrible car accident.

This happened many days, weeks and even months after those YouTube / TikTok / Facebook videos claimed that he died in a high speed car accident! What a miracle!

Obviously, we can confirm that all those videos and articles about Justin Bieber dying from a tragic car accident are FAKE.

Read more : Did Vaccine Injury Force Justin Bieber To Cancel Tour?!
Read more : Did Justin Bieber Get Ramsay Hunt Syndrome From Vaccine?!

Fact #3 : Justin Bieber “Died Suddenly” Photos Were Edited

I analysed this photo used in some of the videos, and confirmed that Justin Bieber wasn’t even involved in that car accident, never mind die in it.

This is actually a photo of a car accident that happened in July 2022, involving Justin Bieber’s step grandmother, Kathy Bieber.

Marty Denham was outside his shop when he heard a loud noise on Lorne Avenue West and saw one vehicle had collided with another.

“I had my back to it, I turned around, there was probably a five-count and the entire car blew up behind them,” he said.

One of the vehicles was consumed by flames almost instantly.

That’s when Denham saw a woman jump out of the car to safety.

“We thought we were watching a person die because we thought the girl was the passenger.”

Denham said one of the people involved in the crash was Kathy Bieber, who is married to the pop star’s grandfather on his dad’s side of the family.

Recommended : Did Bruce Willis Just Die Suddenly At Home / Hospital?!

Here is another popular photo used to show Justin Bieber dying in a hospital after his tragic car crash, but that’s not him in that hospital bed.

That is really a photo of doctors and nurses at the Brooklyn Hospital Center treating a COVID-19 patient, that Victor J. Blue of the New York Times took in April 2020.

Photo credit : Victor J. Blue, New York Times

Fact #4 : Justin Bieber Death Hoax Is Driven By Fake Fact Check Too

This Justin Bieber death hoax is, ironically, also being driven by a fact check article by the MediaMass Project, which appears to regularly update / change the dates.

News of singer Justin Bieber’s death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the January 2024 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports. Thankfully, the singer best known for hit songs like Beauty and a Beat, Boyfriend or Baby is alive and well.

Their claim of a viral R.I.P. Justin Bieber Facebook page is false. There is no such Facebook page. It is their standard fake fact check spiel for fake celebrity deaths.

The statement from Justin Bieber’s unnamed rep confirming that he is not dead is exactly the same as statements from other celebrities whose reps MediaMass claimed were victims of death hoaxes, like Angelina Jolie, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Barry Gibb, Bruce Willis, Celine Dion, Clint Eastwood, Cristiano Ronaldo, Dolly Parton, Harrison Ford, Lionel Messi, Lucy LiuMadonna, Melanie Laurent, Mike Tyson, Morgan Freeman, Oprah Winfrey, Robert Pattinson, Simon Cowell, Sylvester Stallone, Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, Tom Cruise, and Tom Hanks.

He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He’s still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet.

Hidden in the description page for the MediaMass Project is a disclaimer that they are a “satire” website. That’s the usual “cover” for websites peddling fake news.

Regardless of their reasons, anything posted by MediaMass.net must be considered as fake news, until proven otherwise.

Recommended : Was Prince William Caught Seducing Jacinda Ardern?!

Fact #5 : This Is Just Fake Celebrity News

This is yet another example of fake celebrity news created to generate page views and money through advertising, just like these examples:

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Grab Delivery Rider Flew To Singapore To Buy Chicken Rice?!

Did a Grab delivery rider really fly from Thailand to buy chicken rice in Singapore?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Grab Delivery Rider Flew To Singapore To Buy Chicken Rice!

A TikTok video, which allegedly shows a Grab delivery rider flying from Thailand to Singapore, simply to buy chicken rice, has racked up millions of views.

The 27-second video was recorded and posted by a Thai TikToker called Thita Vy, with these comments:

อยากกินขนมโตเกียว พี่เขาจะไปซื้อที่ญี่ปุ่นให้มั้ย 🤓 #วาสนาผู้ใด๋น้อ #grab #grabth

I want to eat Tokyo snacks. Will he go buy it in Japan for me? #grab #grabth

She apparently encountered this Grab delivery rider, while flying from Bangkok to Singapore. At first, she thought someone had ordered food delivery at the airport. But the man allegedly told her that he had been asked by a customer in Thailand to buy chicken rice in Singapore!

The viral video shows the man queuing up for the flight with the signature green Grab thermal bag, while holding a passport with his flight ticket. He is then shown stowing the thermal bag in the plane’s overhead compartment.

Recommended : Massive Crack In Second Penang Bridge Fact Check!

 

Truth : That’s Not (Really) A Grab Delivery Rider!

Now, we all know that chicken rice in Malaysia is tastier (and much cheaper!) than chicken rice in Singapore, Heck, everything is tastier and cheaper in Malaysia! 😉

In fact, Malaysian food is so delicious, someone actually sent a helicopter to collect 36 packets of Nasi Ganja from a famous nasi kandar outlet Ipoh in July 2021! But I digress…

Here is what we know so far about this viral story about chicken rice…

Fact #1 : Video Was Allegedly Recorded At DMK

According to the media outlet, 8world, the TikToker alleged that the incident occurred on 12 October 2023, at the Don Mueang International Airport.

That is plausible because the video shows people boarding an AirAsia flight, and AirAsia flies from the Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Changi International Airport (SIN) several times a day.

Fact #2 : The Man Flew From Bangkok To Singapore

The video shows the man holding a Thai passport, as he is waiting to board the AirAsia flight. It then cuts to the Changi International Airport, where the man is seen checking the green Grab thermal bag.

So the video does appear to show the man taking an AirAsia flight from Bangkok to Singapore. It, however, does not show him actually purchasing any chicken rice.

Fact #3 : Grab Labelled Video As Fictional

After the video went viral, Grab came out to refute the video, calling it “fictional”:

We understand that the fictional video was created by a member of the public independently.

Recommended : Did Penang Bridge Get Hit By Tornado This Morning?!

Fact #4 : Man Was Not A Registered Grab Delivery Rider

In addition, a Grab spokesperson said that it does not offer cross-border food delivery services, and the man in the video was not registered with them as “a delivery partner”:

We do not offer such a service, and the person starring as a delivery partner in the video is not registered with Grab.

It is certainly plausible for rich folks to go to extreme measures to get their favourite foods. For example, Macau tycoon Stanley Ho famously sent 88 Musang King (Mao Shan Wang) durians on a private plane from Singapore to Hong Kong. Note – the durians were from Malaysia. 😉

That said, it doesn’t make sense for the man to put on a Grab uniform, or bring the Grab thermal bag… especially if he isn’t actually a Grab delivery rider!

Fact #5 : Grab Does Not Offer Cross-Border Food Deliveries

Grab said that it does not offer cross-border food deliveries. The only cross-border delivery service Grab offers is its 100+ Cities Delivery service, which is in beta testing.

Even that option only allows users to “order and send food and physical gifts from GrabFood and GrabMart merchant-partners that are available in the recipient’s city within an hour”.

In other words – the food and physical gifts must already be present in the recipient’s city. The only thing that is “cross-border” is the ability to order from another country.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Viral Video Proves Japanese Food Is Radioactive?!

Were Japanese food products proven to be highly radioactive in a viral video?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2023-10-27 : Added new version, and other updates
Originally posted @ 2023-07-16

 

Claim : Viral Video Proves Japanese Food Is Highly Radioactive!

People are sharing a video on WhatsApp, TikTok and social media platforms, which claims to prove that Japanese food products are highly radioactive!

In the video, a man explains in Cantonese how he tested the radioactivity level of a Japanese food product, and found that it was highly radioactive.

The radiation of Japanese products exceeds the standard. Please note the video instructions above.

日本产品辐射超标。 请注意上面的视频说明

Japanese foodstuffs full of radiation.

Japan has d very toxic nuclear radiation waters to be release or partially released already… be aware…fr d FUKUSHIMA Nuclear plant.

This video is also being promoted by pro-CCP netizens, as well as the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛).

Recommended : Treated Fukushima Water Is Still Highly Radioactive?!

 

Truth : Video Does Not Prove Japanese Food Is Radioactive At All!

This is yet another example of FAKE VIDEOS circulating on WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : The Viral Video Is Several Months Old

Let me just start by pointing out that the viral video is several months old, coming to our attention in the middle of July 2023. The video was certainly recorded and distributed on WhatsApp, TikTok and other social media platforms in early July, if not earlier.

At that time, Japan had not yet released treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power station into the Pacific Ocean. So it is impossible for the video to show radioactive food caused by the release of Fukushima nuclear plant’s treated water.

The Fukushima Nuclear Power Station (NPS) only started releasing its ALPS-treated and diluted water into the sea on the afternoon of Thursday, 24 August 2023 – about 6 weeks after the video first went viral on WhatsApp and social media platforms.

Recommended : Nuclear Radiation Created These Mutant Creatures?!

Fact #2 : The Viral Messages Are Misleading

The viral English and Chinese messages tied to this video are misleading. The man in the video never once mentioned that this food product was from Fukushima, or mentioned the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

With help from Yuh Hui and Adrian Tung, here is the English translation of what the man actually said in the viral video:

This is a radiation monitoring device.

Now, there is Japanese food that I placed on a bench over there. Now, I will walk towards it, and see how much radiation it has.

As I approach the Japanese food, the radiation reading goes up. Now, I place the device here (on the food). See how the radiation reading is very high. This is food from Japan.

See how the device gives a “beep beep” sound, and the screen turns red. The radiation reading is more than 400.

If you ever go to Japan, try not to eat the food there, or buy any food souvenirs for your relatives and friends. It will be terrible if they get radiation poisoning!

This food was given to me by a friend who bought it from Japan. I’m not going to eat it. I will accept it and will throw it away later.

Recommended : Truth About FDA Import Alert 99-33 On Japanese Food

Fact #3 : That Was An EMF Meter, Not A Geiger Counter

The man claimed in the viral video that he was using a radiation monitoring device. The truth is – he was just the ST1393 EMF Meter, which anyone can buy from Amazon for just $31.39. Here are other purchase options :

The ST1393 EMF meter is designed to detect and measure the electromagnetic radiation produced by magnetic and electric fields. It is not designed to detect nuclear radiation like alpha and beta particles, as well as gamma rays.

To detect ionising radiation from nuclear sources, he needs to use a Geiger counter, not an EMF meter.

As the manufacturer advertises, the ST1393 EMF testers is used to detect “electric field radiation” and “magnetic field emission” from mobile phones, hair dryer, computer, TV, printer, etc. It does NOT detect nuclear radiation!

Recommended : Chinese Nuclear Plants Release More Tritium Than Fukushima?!

Fact #3 : EMF Meter Likely Measured Static Electricity

In the video, the EMF meter was seen registering between 292 V/m and 441 V/m. That was the measurement of a static electric field, not nuclear radiation.

If you look closely, the meter says the unit is V/m (volts per meter), and the type is Electric Field. Nuclear radiation is measured in units like Becquerel (Bq) or Curie (Ci) or Sievert (Sv) or Rem (One Sv = 100 rem).

The EMF meter was very likely measuring the static electricity on the Japanese food product’s plastic polymer packaging. If the man tests other plastic packaging, he would likely register similar levels of static electricity.

In case you are worried about the “high” static electricity produced by Japanese food packaging, here are some common static electricity levels:

  • Natural electric field in atmosphere : 100 V/m
  • Electric field during thunderstorms : Up to several thousand V/m
  • Walking on non-conducting carpets : Up to 500,000 V/m
  • High voltage DC power lines : Up to 20,0000 V/m
  • Inside DC-powered electric trains : Up to 300 V/m

In other words – you do NOT need to worry about a few hundred volts per meter of static electricity!

Recommended : Did Man Using Bluetooth Get Electrocuted Near Train?!

Fact #4 : Induction Cooker Not Source Of Electric Field

Some sharp-eyed folks have pointed out that the man placed the Japanese food item on an induction cooker, and posited that the increase in electric field “radiation” was due to EM radiation from the induction cooker.

I have to point out that while it appears to be an induction cooker, it could potentially be a radiant cooker which come in similar designs, with a black glass top. You can only tell them apart when they are operating – the radiant cooker’s heating element will glow red, while induction cookers won’t.

In any case, an induction cooker works by inducing an electromagnetic field to transfer energy to a magnetic pan / pot. So the EMF meter should have registered a magnetic field as well.

Since the video showed no magnetic field, the induction cooker was not powered and would not have affected the results.

Recommended : Did Fukushima Water Kill Thousands Of Fish In Penang?!

Fact #4 : EM Radiation Is Not Nuclear Radiation

Electromagnetic (EM) radiation is a form of radiation, but it is not the same as nuclear radiation.

EM radiation is wide-ranging, and includes everything from visible light to radio waves, microwaves, infrared to X-rays. It is emitted by everything from the sun to computers and smartphones.

Nuclear radiation, on the other hand, consists mainly of Alpha particles, Beta particles, and Gamma rays, that are produced as a result of a nuclear reaction, or radioactive decay.

It is like comparing bicycles with cars. They are both vehicles (radiation), but a bicycle (electromagnetic radiation) is different from a car (nuclear radiation). Getting hit by a bicycle is also very different than getting hit by a car!

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Clint Eastwood Just Died On The Way To Hospital?!

Did Clint Eastwood just die suddenly on the way to the hospital?!

Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2023-10-20 : Updated with a video, new versions + details
Originally posted @ 2023-05-08

 

Claim : Clint Eastwood Died Suddenly From Cancer / Ligma Virus!

People are sharing YouTube videos and articles claiming that Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood just died suddenly in the hospital from a Ligma virus infection, with titles like :

5 Minutes Ago / Clint Eastwood Died On The Way To The Hospital / Goodbye Clint Eastwood

Stopped Breathing 10 minutes ago / Legendary Clint Eastwood dies in hospital…

10 Minutes Ago / Sad News / RIP Clint Eastwood / Goodbye Clint Eastwood

SUDDEN DEATH of terminal cancer! American Actor Clint Eastwood has left fans with great pain.

5 Minutes Ago/ Hollywood Sends Condolences To His Family / We Report Sad News About Clint Eastwood..

Clint Eastwood’s funeral took place, millions of fans were present and in tears.

Clint Eastwood Funeral😭 As of Sources Clint Eastwood is no More

Funeral in Hollywood / Clint Eastwood Officially Dies at 92, Goodbye Legend

25 minutes ago / we send our condolences to the family of Clint Eastwood, goodbye Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood On Life Support After The Deadly Ligma Virus Spreads Through His Body

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Truth : Clint Eastwood Did Not Die On The Way To Hospital!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created and propagated by people to generate income from page views and YouTube advertising, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Clint Eastwood Is Still Alive!

Clint Eastwood (born Clinton Eastwood Jr. on May 31, 1930) is still alive as of August 31, 2023.

He had not been sighted in public for over 550 days now, but celebrated his 93rd birthday on May 31, 2023. He also began filming his last movie, Juror No. 2, with Nicholas Hoult and Toni Collette in June 2023.

Fact #2 : No Legitimate Media Outlet Reported His Death

These YouTube videos and articles have been circulating for weeks and months, but people don’t seem to notice that no legitimate media has reported his death!

Clint Eastwood may not have been in the public eye for some time now, but he remains a Hollywood legend, not only as an actor but also as a filmmaker.

If he was really hospitalised for a viral infection, or even a fall, it would have been reported by both mainstream media, as well as celebrity blogs.

Yet, no legitimate media outlet or even a celebrity blog reported that Clint Eastwood was hospitalised, much less died from a viral infection. That’s because it never happened!

Recommended : Why Did Johnny Depp Faint + Cancel Budapest Concert?!

Fact #3 : Ligma Virus Does Not Exist

It is impossible for Clint Eastwood to die from a Ligma virus infection, because there is no such virus!

The Ligma virus was created in a 2018 Internet hoax, which claimed that Fortnite game streamer, Tyler “Ninja” Blevins died from it. The fake Ligma virus was simply resurrected and used in the Clint Eastwood death hoax.

Fact #4 : Clint Eastwood Death Photos Were Edited

I analysed the photos used in these videos, and traced the origin of two examples used in many of these videos.

In this example, the fake news creator edited a photo of pallbearers leaving St. Mary Parish after a funeral for two siblings – 7 year-old Sean Munroe, and 8 year-old Lexi Munroe, who died after getting trapped in a wooden hope chest.

The funeral was not only far away in Franklin, Massachusetts, it occurred on January 20, 2014 – many years ago.

To make you think it was Clint Eastwood in that casket, the fake news creator simply added a large, floating picture in front of the man in the front.

Recommended : Did Simon Cowell Just Die In Tragic Car Crash?!

This photo does not show Clint Eastwood dying in the hospital from the Ligma virus. It is really a photo of Ahmet Dobran, an 82 year-old cancer patient who was attacked and robbed by three men.

That violent attack broke his back in three places, and Mr. Dobran died in the hospital five months later, after drifting in and out of a coma.

Not only did this incident happen far away in East London, this photo was taken a few years ago, in January 2018.

Recommended : Did Justin Bieber Just Die In High Speed Car Crash?!

And this photo does not show Clint Eastwood’s funeral procession. It was actually taken many years ago – on 5 October 2017, at the funeral procession for Irish actor Marc O’Shea in Northern Ireland.

Fact #5 : Clint Eastwood Death Hoax Is Driven By Fake Fact Check Too

This Clint Eastwood death hoax is, ironically, also being driven by a fake fact check article by the MediaMass Project, which keeps “updating” the dates in their fake fact check article:

News of actor Clint Eastwood’s death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the October 2023 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports. Thankfully, the actor best known for the movie Invictus and best known for his roles in Dirty Harry or A Fistful of Dollars is alive and well.

Their claim of a viral R.I.P. Clint Eastwood Facebook page is false. There is no such Facebook page. It is their standard fake fact check spiel for fake celebrity deaths.

The statement from Clint Eastwood’s unnamed rep confirming that he is not dead is exactly the same as statements from other reps of celebrities MediaMass claimed were victims of death hoaxes, like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Barry Gibb, Bruce Willis, Celine Dion, Cristiano Ronaldo, Dolly Parton, Harrison Ford, Justin Bieber, Lionel Messi, Lucy LiuMadonna, Melanie Laurent, Morgan Freeman, Oprah Winfrey, Robert Pattinson, Simon Cowell, Sylvester Stallone, Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, and Tom Hanks.

He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He’s still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet.

Hidden in the description page for the MediaMass Project is a disclaimer that they are a “satire” website. That’s the usual “cover” for websites peddling fake news.

Regardless of their reasons, anything posted by MediaMass.net must be considered as fake news, until proven otherwise.

Recommended : Did Sylvester Stallone Just Die Suddenly In Hospital?!

Fact #6 : This Is Just Fake Celebrity News

This is yet another example of fake celebrity news created to generate page views and money through advertising, just like these examples:

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Can StopNCII Remove All Nude / Deep Fake Photos?!

Can the StopNCII website remove all of your nude or deep fake or Photoshopped photos from the Internet?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : StopNCII Can Remove All Nude / Deep Fake Photos!

People are sharing this advice on WhatsApp and social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, claiming that the StopNCI website can remove all of your nude or deep fake or Photoshopped photos from the Internet!

Attention girls! If someone edits your photo with Al or Photoshop to create a nude photo, then you go to stopncii.org and submit the original photo and the edited photo.

They’ll remove the edited photo from all the places on the Internet and your identity will be confidential. Please immediately inform the cyber cell and file a case to take immediate action.

Recommended : Can Mexico Did It Photo Infect Your Phone With Virus?!

 

Truth : StopNCII Cannot Remove All Nude / Deep Fake Photos!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms, and here are reasons why…

Fact #1 : StopNCII Does Not Remove Photos / Videos

First, let me just point out that the StopNCII website is a project by the Revenge Porn Helpline, which is itself a part of the UK-based charity, SWGfL.

StopNCII is not a government organisation, or even a multinational / international organisation that controls what gets posted on the Internet. It does not have any power or authority or even capability to remove a single photo or video.

To be clear – StopNCII cannot remove all of your photos or videos from the Internet. No organisation can.

Fact #2 : You Don’t Upload Photos / Videos To StopNCII

The advice to upload your nude or edited photos or videos to the StopNCII website is nonsensical. So is the claim that you must also upload your original photos or videos.

StopNCII does not require you to upload your nude / edited photo or video, or your original photo or video.

In fact, StopNCII does not even require you to upload a single photo or video. It merely scans the photos or videos that you are concerned about.

Those photos or videos do not leave your devices (computers, tablets, and smartphones).

Fact #3 : StopNCII Only Generates Digital Hashes

StopNCII only scans the photos or videos that you select on your device, and generate their digital fingerprints (hashes). It does not download or keep your nude photos or videos.

Select the image(s)/video(s) on your device that you would like to protect. Remember, your image(s)/video(s) do not leave your device, they will only be scanned so a unique “hash,” or digital fingerprint, can be generated.

Recommended : Can Israel Seismic Wave Card Hack Your Phone?!

Fact #4 : Photos / Videos Are Only Removed On Certain Platforms

StopNCII itself does not remove any photos or videos, whether they are nude or edited. Instead, they rely on a limited number of partner platforms to do that:

  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Reddit
  • Instagram
  • Bumble
  • OnlyFans
  • Threads
  • Pornhub

Only these platforms will receive cases and the digital hashes (fingerprints) from StopNCII.

Fact #5 : Not All Photos / Videos Will Be Removed

Even on those supported platforms, it’s not a guarantee that those photos / videos submitted to StopNCII will be removed.

Those platforms will scan their systems for those digital hashes, and remove them if they are found to have violated their intimate image abuse policy.

This is to avoid the StopNCII system from being abused to remove photos or videos that are not sexual, abusive, personal, or illegal in any way.

Once generated the ‘hash’ will be shared with the participating companies.

Participating companies will look for matches to the hash and remove any matches within their system(s) if it violates their intimate image abuse policy.

The Revenge Porn Helpline reported a 90% removal rate on those platforms since 2015. While that is impressive, that tells us that some 10% of all reported photos or videos were determined not to have contravened the policies of those partner platforms.

Recommended : Can SIM swap attack empty bank account without warning?!

Fact #6 : No One Can Remove All Photos / Videos From Internet

Even if StopNCII is able to partner with every single social media platform, large and small; or Internet service providers, it simply cannot help you remove all of your nude photos or videos from the Internet.

That’s because once released on the Internet, those photos or videos (whether nude or edited) can be transmitted through many means – messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, or email and file-sharing services.

They can also be posted or stored on independent websites / servers on the Internet or the dark web, that no one can shut down. There are revenge porn websites and groups dedicated to this, and it is simply impossible to remove edited / nude photos and videos from those websites and groups.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Fact Check : New WhatsApp Cyber Crime Rules?!

Did WhatsApp just implement new cyber crime rules to help the government monitor and record your calls and messages?! Find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2023-10-08 : Updated after message went viral again.
Originally posted @ 2023-07-03

 

Claim : WhatsApp Has New Cyber Crime Rules!

People are sharing this warning about WhatsApp implementing new cyber crime rules, to help the government monitor and record all calls and messages!

Tʜᴇ ɴᴇᴡ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ʀᴜʟᴇs ғᴏʀ WʜᴀᴛsAᴘᴘ ᴀɴᴅ WʜᴀᴛsAᴘᴘ Cᴀʟʟs (Vᴏɪᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ Vɪᴅᴇᴏ Cᴀʟʟs) ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇ ɪᴍᴘʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛᴇᴅ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛᴏᴍᴏʀʀᴏᴡ: –

Recommended : How To Block Facebook Ads + Pay Scammers!

 

Truth : WhatsApp Does Not Have New Cyber Crime Rules!

And here is why this is nothing more than yet another Internet hoax :

Fact #1 : Only China Can Do This

The only country that has accomplished most of what was shared above is China, but it took them decades to erect the Great Firewall of China.

It’s not just the massive infrastructure that needs to be created, it also requires legislation to be enacted, and considerable manpower and resources to maintain such a system.

That’s why China is leaning heavily on AI and cloud computing capabilities to automatically and quickly censor information it deems “sensitive”.

However, no other country has come close to spending the money and resources on a similar scale, although Russia, Cuba, Vietnam, Zimbabwe and Belarus have imported some surveillance technology from China.

Fact #2 : WhatsApp, Instagram + Facebook Messenger Have End-to-End Encryption

All three Facebook-owned apps now run on the same common platform, which provides end-to-end encryption.

End-to-end encryption protects messages as they travel through the Internet, and specifically prevents anyone (bad guys or your friendly government censor) from snooping into your conversations.

That is also why all three apps are banned in China…

Recommended : Can SIM swap attack empty bank account without warning?!

Fact #3 : Governments Generally Have No Control Over Those Apps

Outside of authoritarian countries like China and Russia, governments generally have little to no control over social media and instant messaging apps. Even then, their control is generally limited to banning access if they don’t get their way.

The ability to keep conversations and messages safe and private is key to the success of instant messaging apps, in particular. So WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal would never allow governments access to user messages or voice calls, never mind record and monitor them for governments!

In fact, by implementing end-to-end encryption, these companies themselves do not have access to your messages and calls.

Fact #4 : WhatsApp Does Not Have Three Check Marks!

WhatsApp messages only have two ticks / check marks to notify users about the status of their messages:

: The message was successfully sent.
: The message was successfully delivered to the recipient’s phone or any of their linked devices.
: The recipient has read your message.

There is no third check mark, as claimed by the viral message.

Fact #5 : Governments Won’t Tip You About Investigations

It is illogical for WhatsApp to inform you when the government is checking your information, or when it has started proceedings against you.

In fact, it doesn’t make sense for any government to inform you by instant messaging check marks! If the government is charging you with a crime, it will send police officers, not check marks on WhatsApp!

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Why Viral Video Does Not Show Bangkok Mall Shooting!

The video which appears to show a gunman shooting at people does not actually the recent Siam Paragon mall shooting in Bangkok!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Viral Video Shows Bangkok Mall Shooting!

People are sharing a video on WhatsApp and social media platforms, claiming that it shows the recent Siam Paragon mall shooting in Bangkok!

Recommended : Did Putin Threaten To Release 9/11 Satellite Evidence?!

 

Truth : Viral Video Does Not Show Bangkok Mall Shooting!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Video Was Posted In Douyin

I traced the video that was posted to Douyin – China’s version of TikTok. The original poster (OP) is a Douyin user called Master ho (@yzz945201314), and here is the direct link to the video.

Fact #2 : Video Was Posted In August 2023

Master ho posted the video on 9 August 2023. The Siam Paragon mall shooting in Bangkok only occurred on 3 October 2023almost two months later.

So there is simply impossible for the viral video to be of the Siam Paragon mall shooting in Bangkok.

Fact #3 : Video Was Recorded In Phuket In June 2023

Even though the viral video was only posted to Douyin in August, it was originally recorded more than a month earlier – on Friday, 28 June 2023.

It was also not recorded in the Siam Paragon Mall in Bangkok. Rather, it was recorded in the Domestic Terminal of the Phuket International Airport.

If you look carefully at the video, you will notice the airport check-in counters, and people carrying luggages. The video was obviously recorded at an airport, and not a mall.

Recommended : US Gov Stole $50 Trillion Of Gold + Oil From Iraq?!

Fact #4 : Siam Paragon Shooter Was Only Armed With Pistol

The Siam Paragon mall shooter was an unnamed 14 year-old teenager from the nearby private secondary school – The Essence.

The boy was only armed with a modified Glock 9mm pistol, and did not have any long guns with him.

The shooter in the viral video was not only armed with a handgun, he also had what looked like an automatic rifle.

Fact #5 : It Was An Active Shooter Drill

The viral video does not show any actual crime, or gun violence taking place. It was an emergency security drill to simulate a response to an “active shooter” in the Phuket International Airport. In the photo above, you can even see a man taking photos or videos of the drill!

The drill was called “Full-scal exercise of Phuket International Airport Emergency Plan (PEMEX 2023), and conducted on the second floor of the Domestic Terminal, at around 11 PM – -after boarding for the final departing domestic flight had cleared the area.

The exercise was designed to simulate the coordinated response of security and anti-terrorism personnel to an active shooter taking hostages in the domestic terminal area. Thai agencies and personnel that took part in this PEMEX 2023 exercise included:

  • Thai Provincial Police Region 8
  • Sakhu Police
  • Phuket Airline Operations Committee (AOC)
  • Airports of Thailand ground service company (AOTGA)
  • Airports of Thailand private security company (AOT AVSEC)
  • Vachira Phuket Hospital
  • Phuket Provincial Public Health Office
  • Subdistrict Administrative Organisations (OrBorTor) for Mai Khao, Sakhu, and Thepkrasattri.

Recommended : Did US Army Lose + Recover Stolen Sarin Gas Rockets?!

Fact #6 : There Are Many Clues In The Video

The truth is – anyone who analyses the video will realise that there are many “issues” with this video:

  • the gunshots do not sound like real gunshots
  • gunshots ring out even when the gunman isn’t shooting
  • none of the victims are bleeding
  • the person recording the video is bravely standing up to record the video for almost 2.5 minutes
  • the person recording the video can be heard laughing at around 0:18 in the video
  • at around 1:30, another man can be seen recording the scene from the upper floor

Fact #7 : OP Likely Reposted From A Different Source

The Douyin poster, Master ho, does not appear to be the person recording the video. He mistakenly labelled the location as Songkhla Airport – more accurately known as the Hat Yai International Airport in the Songkhla Province.

泰国宋卡机场发生枪击事件,听说是演习农 因 因 因

A shooting incident occurred at Songkhla Airport in Thailand. It was said that it an exercise.

However, he clearly stated in the description, and his subsequent comments, that it was just a drill.

Whoever copied this video from his Douyin account is certainly aware that the video was of an airport drill, and posted almost 3 months earlier.

The only conclusion we can draw from this is that – whoever copied the video to share in October 2023, is intentionally trying to mislead people.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Was Bill Gates Destroyed In ABC News Interview?!

Was Bill Gates just destroyed in an ABC News interview with Sarah Ferguson?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2023-10-07 : Updated with new information after video went viral again
Originally posted @ 2023-03-08

 

Claim : Bill Gates Was Destroyed In ABC News Interview!

People are sharing a TikTok video with the title “Bill Gates caught in corner”, which shows Bill Gates getting destroyed in a recent ABC News interview.

Here are the accompanying subtitles from the interview, but it’s rather long, so feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

ABC News : So Mr Gates, in your own words, what have you contributed to the world?

Bill Gates : Um I’m not sure if you’re aware, but I created the world’s most popular computer operating system.

Recommended : Is Bill Gates Releasing Millions of GMO Mosquitoes?!

 

Truth : Bill Gates Was NOT Destroyed In ABC News Interview!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created to go viral on TikTok, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : ABC News Interviewed Bill Gates On Jan 31, 2023

First, let’s start by sharing some basic context on the ABC News interview with Bill Gates.

The interview was conducted by Australian Broadcasting Corporation journalist, Sarah Ferguson, on her current affairs show – 7.30, and released on Tuesday, 31 January 2023.

Fact #2 : ABC News Did Not Destroy Bill Gates In That Interview

Anyone who watches the actual ABC News interview of Bill Gates will be puzzled by the viral video and claim, because Sarah Ferguson never “destroyed” Bill Gates.

You can read all about her interview and even watch the video in an article written by Sarah Ferguson and her colleague Myles Wearring. In her interview, she only asked Bill Gates about:

  • COVID-19 conspiracy theories
  • Elon Musk buying Twitter
  • the rise of artificial intelligence
  • climate change and renewable energy
  • his association with Jeffrey Epstein
  • his philanthropy, and pledge to give away most of his wealth

Sarah Ferguson ended the interview by thanking Bill Gates, who only nods. He never quit the interview in frustration as shown in the viral video.

Fact #3 : Gates Foundation Called Viral Video Fake

The media department for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation labelled the viral video as fake:

We confirm that the audio in this altered video is fake.

Recommended : Did Philippines Issue Arrest Warrant For Bill Gates?!

Fact #4 : Viral Video Was Edited Using Artificial Intelligence

The viral video was created by a TikTok creator called bdti989, who posted it with the caption:

How dangerous AI can be 😱
#BillGates #billgates #microsoft #Microsoft #followformore #follow #msdos #uops #ups #ops #world #interview #interviews #artificialintelligence #ai

bdti989 also stated several times that he edited the ABC News interview using artificial intelligence. It is basically a deep fake video.

Yes, it’s AI generated!

Fact #5 : Fake Video Was Not Satire

While some people are trying to justify the creation and/or sharing the video as “satire”, that is not true. Even the content creator himself did not call it satire.

bdti989 does not appear to create satire. His account is full of typical edited news content pushing right wing conspiracies, not satire.

Most of his videos aren’t particularly popular, typically with less than 3,000 views. Only his AI-generated fake video of the ABC News interview of Bill Gates has gone viral, with over 1.4 million views.

It is likely he created it to test his ability to create fake videos using artificial intelligence. Hopefully, it does not inspire him to create more of such deep fake videos to increase the popularity of his TikTok channel.

Fact #6 : Bill Gates Was A Notable Programmer

Regardless of what we may think of Bill Gates as a businessman and/or person, he was well regarded as a programmer. Both Gates and Paul Allen developed Altair BASIC – a BASIC programming interpreter for the MITS Altair 8800 and S-100 computers.

Paul Allen would famously write a bootstrap program for it during a flight to demonstrate their Altair BASIC interpreter, but Bill Gates would famously win the bet on who could write the shortest possible bootstrap program.

Fact #6 : MS-DOS Was Not Created By Gary Kildall

Gary Kildall (wrongly named as Gary Kildahl in the fake video) was the creator of the CP/M operating system that was once considered by IBM for its first PC.

Bill Gates not only did not steal MS-DOS from Gary Kildall, it was Gates who suggested that IBM should purchase CP/M-86 from Kildall for its forthcoming PC.

However, Gary Kildall famously went flying on his private plane instead of meeting IBM representatives, and they failed to reach an agreement.

Fact #7 : MS-DOS Was Based On 86-DOS

MS-DOS (wrongly named as Emma’s DOS in the fake video) was based on 86-DOS from Seattle Computer Products.

After IBM and Digital Research failed to reach an agreement on CP/M-86, IBM lead negotiator Jack Sams asked Bill Gates to find a usable operating system for the IBM PC. Gates later proposed using 86-DOS.

Microsoft then purchased a non-exclusive licence for 86-DOS in December 1980 for US$25,000, and hired Tim Paterson to port it to the IBM PC, so it would work on the Intel 8086 processor. IBM would submit over 300 change requests before accepting the final port.

It was only in July 1981 – a month before IBM released the PC, that Microsoft purchased all rights to 86-DOS from Seattle Computer Products for US$50,000. Microsoft then licensed the modified 86-DOS to IBM, and it became PC DOS 1.0.

In short, MS-DOS (rebranded from PC DOS) was based on 86-DOS, which was a different operating system from CP/M invented by Gary Kildall.

Kildall would later persuade IBM to offer CP/M-86 with the PC. That would not be possible if Kildall really sold CP/M to Microsoft “for a couple of dollars” as the fake video alleges.

Recommended : Is Interpol Investigating Bill Gates For Murder?!

Fact #8 : COVID-19 Vaccines Have Been Proven Safe + Effective

Anti-vaccination proponents are not interested in your health, which is why they keep lying about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.

The truth is – COVID-19 vaccines were only approved AFTER they have undergone extensive safety and efficacy tests, involving tens of thousands of volunteers.

And even after receiving Emergency Use Authorisation and full FDA approval, they continue to be monitored for safety and efficacy.

The reason why doctors and health authorities STRONGLY advocate vaccination is because the vaccines have been PROVEN to protect the vast majority of people from getting COVID-19 in the first place.

And even if you do get infected after vaccination, the vaccine will protect you against hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Was There Mass Looting At London’s Oxford Street?!

Was there mass looting at London’s Oxford Street, as part of a crime wave in Western countries?!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Mass Looting At London’s Oxford Street!

Pro-CCP netizens, as well as the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛), are sharing a video which appears to show mass looting at London’s Oxford Street, with claims that this is part of a crime wave in Western countries!

Looting London, Oxford St

Also happens in US,France and Australia.Now,also in Sweden.

Recommended : China Unveils New Incentives For Wumao + CCP Uncles!

 

Truth : There Was No Mass Looting At London’s Oxford Street!

This is yet another example of misinformation and propaganda created by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛), and shared by anti-West netizens, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Video Originated In TikTok

First, the video originated in TikTok, with the poster describing it as a “mass looting stunt” that was planned on social media:

Chaos erupts on Oxford Street amid reports of ‘mass looting stunt’ planned on social media #london #oxfordstreet #clash #chaos #looting #stunt #shopping #shops #uk #news #fyp #foryoupage

Fact #2 : It Only Targeted JD Sports

The so-called looting did not occur at multiple stores at London’s Oxford Street. Rather, it only targeted one store – the JD Sports outlet nearest to Oxford Circus.

There are actually three JD Sports outlets along Oxford Street, but the outlet at 197-203 Oxford Street is the closest to Oxford Circus.

Recommended : Were French People Caught Urinating On African Child?!

Fact #3 : It Was A TikTok + Snapchat Stunt

This was not the typical looting that has been going on in certain cities like San Francisco, for example.

The truth is – this was initiated by posts on TikTok and Snapchat calling on users to take part in an “Oxford Circus JD Robbery” at 3 PM on Wednesday, 9 August 2023.

The TikTok and Snapchat posts encouraged yobs (British slang for louts) to follow the dress code of balaclavas and gloves, with the warning – “Don’t come if you can’t run. Don’t come if you’re loud. Don’t come with any weapons“.

London mayor, Sadiq Khan, even issued a warning about the TikTok craze:

I am worried about this nonsense we have seen on TikTok encouraging people to go to Oxford Street.

Recommended : Did Asian Lady Shoot American Bully At Gas Station?!

Fact #4 : There Was No Looting

The viral TikTok and Snapchat posts caught the attention of the Metropolitan Police, which sent dozens of police officers to proactively prevent the “mass looting” event, should it actually take place.

We are aware of online speculation about opportunities to commit crime around Oxford Street. There will be a significant number of our officers in the area over the next 24 hours.

Mounted police officers on horses patrolled Oxford Street, while police officers formed human shields around shops. In the end, hundreds of teenagers gathered outside the JD Sports outlet, but no actual looting took place.

Just after 3 PM, two young men were detained outside McDonald’s near JD Sports. By 8 PM, the Metropolitan police issued 34 dispersal orders and arrested nine people.

Four people were arrested on suspicion of breaching the dispersal order, one person was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal, one person arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, and one person was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.

Earlier in the afternoon, officers arrested two people in Essex for conspiracy to commit robbery following online social media posts.

However, no actual looting took place at JD Sports or any other store along Oxford Street that day.

Recommended : Did Woman Smash Bottles Of Alcohol In Lawless US?!

Fact #5 : Most People Were There To Take Photos / Videos

While several people were arrested at the “mass looting” event, it appears that most people were there to take photos or videos of any looting that might actually occur due to the “TikTok craze”.

When British media interviewed people at the scene, many said that they were just there to record the “event”:

Harry, 14, from Islington : I’m not here to steal anything, I’ve been raised better than that. I just want to record it.

CJ, 16, from Hertfordshire : We’re not here to steal stuff – there’s loads of famous people making videos. We just saw loads of police and want to see what it’s about.

Many teenagers shared the photos and videos they took on TikTok and Snapchat, some of which appear in the video above.

Fact #9 : This Is Just CCP Propaganda

This is really nothing more than yet another example of CCP propaganda created / promoted by the infamous Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛).

All of the wumao articles that I looked at so far have proven to be false in most instances. So please watch out for such false claims. Here is just the latest dozen,.

Please help us fight fake news – SHARE this article, and SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

Recommended Reading

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Please support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or donating to our fund. Thank you!