1. Ask critical questions instead of simply sharing information

False or misleading news items or images are often shared by private individuals not because they want to cause harm, but because they are concerned. But such news items or images may help to spread uncertainty or create panic. The more emotional or dramatic the content, the more often it is shared. That is why it is so important to remain calm and not add to the confusion. Don’t share content without checking it first. Don’t share any content that seems questionable.

2. Check the information source and who sent it

It is always helpful to check questionable content against at least two other sources. Current news is available from the public service news media and reputable daily and weekly newspapers and magazines. Many media outlets have fact-checking departments which regularly examine the authenticity of photo and video material from the conflict regions as soon as it appears. You can also find information on the official websites and social media channels of government institutions. You should always check who published the photo, video or news content. Is it the same person who created the content, or has the content already been repeatedly reposted by others? If a social media account uses the account holder’s real name, that can be an indication that the account is authentic. Platform providers may indicate whether individual accounts are independent or government-sponsored, which can also help in determining how reliable the content is. When using social media, rely on the verified accounts of official bodies and institutions, which display a blue check mark. Inspect websites’ publication data: they should include a complete address, along with the name of the person responsible for the website content, and not just an anonymous email address, for example.

3. Use fact-checking services

Public service media and other independent organisations check false information and correct it. The independent research institute Correctiv, for example, documents and analyses disinformation about the war in Ukraine currently in international circulation (in German): https://correctiv.org/faktencheck/hintergrund/2022/02/22/diese-falschinformationen-und-geruechte-kursieren-zum-ukraine-russland-konflikt/