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Fake viral footage is spreading alongside the real horror in Ukraine. Here are 5 ways to spot it

Somerville

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Links and advice on how you might be able to determine the validity of images that show up in your feed. Not just about pics supposedly from Ukraine's present conflict but for any 'strange' images you might come across as you wander the internets.

Fake viral footage is spreading alongside the real horror in Ukraine. Here are 5 ways to spot it

Visuals, because of their persuasive potential and attention-grabbing nature, are an especially potent choice for those seeking to mislead. Where creating, editing or sharing inauthentic visual content isn’t satire or art, it is usually politically or economically motivated.

Disinformation campaigns aim to distract, confuse, manipulate and sow division, discord, and uncertainty in the community. This is a common strategy for highly polarised nations where socioeconomic inequalities, disenfranchisement and propaganda are prevalent.

What are the most common fakery techniques?

Using an existing photo or video and claiming it came from a different time or place is one of the most common forms of misinformation in this context. This requires no special software or technical skills – just a willingness to upload an old video of a missile attack or other arresting image, and describe it as new footage.

Another low-tech option is to stage or pose actions or events and present them as reality. This was the case with destroyed vehicles that Russia claimed were bombed by Ukraine.

Using a particular lens or vantage point can also change how the scene looks and can be used to deceive. A tight shot of people, for example, can make it hard to gauge how many were in a crowd, compared with an aerial shot.

Taking things further still, Photoshop or equivalent software can be used to add or remove people or objects from a scene, or to crop elements out from a photograph.
[. . .]
Here are five simple steps you can take:

1. Examine the metadata
2. Consult a fact-checking resource
3. Search more broadly using the image provided
4. Look for inconsistencies in the image

5. Ask yourself some simple questions

Do you know where, when and why the photo or video was made? Do you know who made it
 
  • Here’s how to view the metadata of video files if you’re using Windows and don’t have third party software available. 1. Locate the video file you wish to view the metadata of. 2. Right-click the file and select “Properties.” 3. Under the “General” tab, you’ll see basic video metadata, such as file size and date created/received.
 
Links and advice on how you might be able to determine the validity of images that show up in your feed. Not just about pics supposedly from Ukraine's present conflict but for any 'strange' images you might come across as you wander the internets.
Thank you. “Trust but verify” is good advice in situations like this.
 
I am still extremely concerned about that snake island piece.

Because it is such an amazing display of bravery and a rallying cry for the population, I couldn’t bear it if it turned out to be fake.
 
I am still extremely concerned about that snake island piece.

Because it is such an amazing display of bravery and a rallying cry for the population, I couldn’t bear it if it turned out to be fake.
My first reaction to that piece was “this could be fake” ditto the superstar Ukrainian fighter pilot etc. Even so, in aggregate the news seems to indicate a great deal of solidarity and patriotism.
 
Was just looking at some photos and postings on this site, comments by those involved. More pics and messages in link.

heartbroking-moments-ukraine-russia-war-5-621897d8c1048__700.jpg
 
More from that site above.

62188cae3e080_xs4diiuuavj81__700.jpg


heartbroking-moments-ukraine-russia-war-14-6218c340b74ac__700.jpg


More then 10 thousand people in Vilnius, Lithuania, walked up to the Russian embassy to demand peace

heartbroking-moments-ukraine-russia-war-4-621896ac2cc0c__700.jpg
 
I am still extremely concerned about that snake island piece.

Because it is such an amazing display of bravery and a rallying cry for the population, I couldn’t bear it if it turned out to be fake.
Nor could I. But if you look at how the larger Ukrainian population as well as their government is conducting themselves, there seems to be a ring of truth to it.
 
My first reaction to that piece was “this could be fake” ditto the superstar Ukrainian fighter pilot etc. Even so, in aggregate the news seems to indicate a great deal of solidarity and patriotism.
The ghost of Kyiv footage appears to be gameplay footage but its hella good propaganda value just like the red baron was.
 
Was just looking at some photos and postings on this site, comments by those involved. More pics and messages in link.

heartbroking-moments-ukraine-russia-war-5-621897d8c1048__700.jpg
I listen to Lithuanians but theres a lot disinformation especially from our resident Lithuanian who only sees us as bodies to throw into his own ethnic feuds.
 
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