Verdict:
False. Election security experts and state officials confirm there is no evidence of Starlink being used to influence vote counts, and the claims are baseless.

The Claim:

Posts on social media allege that Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites were used to upload and manipulate votes in swing states during the 2024 US presidential election. Some claims even suggest Russian hackers exploited Starlink technology to favor Donald Trump.

Fact-Check Analysis:

1. Election Infrastructure Security:
   • Voting machines in the United States are typically not connected to the internet, making it impossible for satellite-based technology like Starlink to manipulate vote counts.
   • Swing states, including North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, have robust election security protocols that prevent unauthorized access to vote tabulation systems.
2. Statements from Election Officials:
   • Patrick Gannon, spokesperson for the North Carolina State Board of Elections, confirmed that voting equipment in the state is never connected to the internet.
   • Officials in other swing states also reported no evidence of Starlink being used for any election-related activities.
3. Use of Starlink in Elections:
   • The only documented use of Starlink in election infrastructure occurred in Tulare County, California—a non-swing state. It was limited to connecting electronic pollbooks to voter databases and did not involve vote tabulation.
4. Claims of Russian Hacking:
   • Experts like Genya Coulter from the OSET Institute emphasized that misinformation spread by Russian-linked groups poses a greater threat than direct hacking of election systems.
   • No evidence links Starlink to any vote manipulation or hacking attempts during the election.
5. Starlink Satellite Fireball:
   • A Starlink satellite reentry on November 10, 2024, sparked additional conspiracy theories. However, experts like NASA’s Jonathan McDowell confirmed that such reentries are routine and unrelated to election interference.

Context:

The conspiracy theory about Starlink emerged after Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 election loss, echoing previous election denial claims. Experts like journalist Mike Rothschild attribute these theories to a natural response to unexpected political outcomes.

Conclusion:

The claim that Elon Musk’s Starlink was used to rig the 2024 US presidential election is unfounded. Federal and state officials have confirmed the security and integrity of election infrastructure, and there is no evidence supporting the allegations.

Verdict: False.

The post FACT CHECK: Was Elon Musk’s Starlink Used to Rig the 2024 US Election? first appeared on Factcheck Internet.

Verdict: MISLEADING

Fact:

1. Meta’s Fact-Checking Efforts
   • Meta has historically partnered with third-party fact-checking organizations to moderate content on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. These partnerships aim to label and reduce the visibility of false or misleading posts.
   • While there are reports suggesting a reduction in fact-checking efforts, Meta has not officially announced a complete termination of its partnerships or disinformation moderation.
2. Engagement Metrics and Misinformation
   • Studies confirm that misinformation spreads faster than accurate content on social media, often driving higher engagement.
   • Meta’s algorithms prioritize engagement, which can inadvertently amplify sensational or polarizing content.
3. Comparison to Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter)
   • The claim that Meta is “following Elon Musk’s example” oversimplifies the situation. While both platforms face criticism for reduced content moderation, Meta has not publicly adopted a “free speech absolutism” stance.
4. Ethical Concerns and Public Backlash
   • Meta has faced scrutiny over its prioritization of engagement over user safety. Historical criticism, such as Andrew Bosworth’s 2016 email, underscores the company’s controversial approach to user engagement.

Why the Claim is Misleading:

• The claim suggests a definitive, immediate end to fact-checking on Meta platforms, which is not fully substantiated. While changes in moderation policies may occur, the extent and specifics of these changes remain unclear.
• Assertions about motivations tied to a potential Trump administration and direct comparisons to Elon Musk’s X lack concrete evidence and are speculative.

Conclusion:
The claim contains elements of truth regarding Meta’s prioritization of engagement and challenges with misinformation. However, it exaggerates and oversimplifies the company’s actions and motivations, making it MISLEADING.

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The post FACT CHECK: Is Meta Ending Fact-Checking to Boost Engagement? first appeared on Factcheck Internet.