A viral video suggests that a global internet shutdown will occur on January 16, 2025, due to sharks chewing through undersea cables, as predicted in an alleged episode of The Simpsons. The video shows widespread disruptions across the U.S., including people unable to use computers, phones, or make payments, with employees at Apple stores writing orders manually.

Verdict:

Fake. The viral video is fabricated, and no such Simpsons episode exists.

The Claim:

A video circulating online claims that a Simpsons episode predicted a global internet shutdown on January 16, 2025. The supposed episode depicts sharks gnawing through undersea cables, causing total internet disruption across the U.S. The scenario suggests that people won’t be able to use their phones, computers, or credit cards, and Apple store employees will be forced to write orders manually. The video ends with a U.S. president addressing the outage, and all characters being affected except Bart Simpson, who escapes the ordeal because he doesn’t have homework.

Fact-Check Analysis:

1. No Such Simpsons Episode Exists:
   The video is a false creation, as there is no Simpsons episode that features a shark-induced global internet blackout. The viral clip was likely fabricated using AI-generated video tools, stitching together random scenes to create a fake storyline.
2. The Use of The Simpsons Prophecy Theme:
   While The Simpsons is often cited for seemingly predicting future events (e.g., Donald Trump’s presidency, the pandemic), this claim does not hold up under scrutiny. The video is not an actual episode of the show, nor is there any evidence to suggest such a prediction was made.
3. Sharks and Undersea Cable Damage:
   While sharks and other marine life have caused damage to undersea cables, such incidents rarely result in global internet outages. The tech industry has taken significant steps to prevent such damage, including wrapping undersea cables in durable materials like Kevlar. The possibility of a “mega shark” causing a global internet disruption is far-fetched and not grounded in reality.
4. How Undersea Cables Are Protected:
   Undersea cables are critical for global internet connectivity, and measures are in place to protect them from environmental damage, including attacks from sea creatures. Even if damage does occur, backup systems and rerouting technology typically ensure that internet service remains uninterrupted.

Context:

The video’s popularity is largely due to the humorous and absurd nature of the claim. It has gained over 5.6 million views, with many social media users making light of the idea, joking about returning to the “80s” or taking a break from work. Some users pointed out the implausibility of the scenario, recognizing that the video is fake and not based on any factual information.

Conclusion:

The viral video claiming a global internet outage caused by sharks chewing through undersea cables is completely fabricated. There is no such episode of The Simpsons, and the scenario depicted is not plausible. While undersea cables have been damaged by marine life, the likelihood of a global internet blackout due to this is minimal, thanks to modern protections in place.

Verdict: Fake

The post FACT CHECK: Global Internet Outage On January 16? The Viral Claim And Its Simpsons Connection first appeared on Factcheck Internet.

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.