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| - AFP's fact-check service debunks misinformation spread online. Here are some of our recent fact-checks: An image was shared hundreds of times in multiple Facebook posts that purports to list a series of "mission goals" for the United Nations. The posts claimed the goals were part of a "new world order". The UN, however, said the list was "completely false" and an expert noted that the supposed goals have long been part of far-right misinformation campaigns. Several false and misleading claims about face masks were shared thousands of times on social media in the United States. The posts asserted that masks violate federal regulations, spread germs and pose health risks, among other claims. Several health and regulatory experts, however, note that masks are safe and can effectively curb the spread of COVID-19. Multiple Facebook posts and an online article shared thousands of times claim that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to automatically delete accounts that post critical comments on the profile of Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. Facebook, however, refuted the claim, saying that no accounts would be automatically deleted for posting criticism on Suu Kyi's profile. A claim that COVID-19 patients in China have stopped going to hospitals and instead "kill the virus" with various heat treatments was shared hundreds of times in multiple Facebook and Twitter posts in June 2020. The claims are false. Chinese media continues to report COVID-19 hospitalisations; experts also warn the purported heat remedies cited in the misleading posts do not cure the disease and are potentially harmful to human health. Two images were shared repeatedly in multiple Facebook and Twitter posts that claim they show leaders of an Indian communist organisation showing support for China and "insulting" the Indian army. The posts circulated following a deadly border clash between Indian and Chinese troops in June 2020. The images, however, have been doctored. The original photos show the politicians advocating for domestic policy changes. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. afp
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