Fake news and AI-made images spread fast on WhatsApp and social media. A few quick checks can stop you from sharing false information.

Checking a news story

1. Check the source. Is it a known, trustworthy outlet? Look for an “About” page and real author names.
2. Search the claim. See whether reliable news sites report the same story.
3. Read beyond the headline. Headlines are often exaggerated.
4. Check the date. Old stories are often reshared as new.
5. Use fact-check sites. Search for the claim along with “fact check”.

Spotting AI-generated images

• Look for odd hands, teeth, ears or jewellery.
• Check for strange or garbled text in the background.
• Notice unnatural lighting or overly smooth skin.
• Run a reverse image search to find the original.

AI images keep improving, so no single sign is proof. Treat surprising images with caution.

Before you share

Pause when a message makes you angry or afraid, or tells you to forward it urgently. Those are common signs of misinformation.