The Integrity Project

What is The Integrity Project? Here’s a little more about who we are and what we do… 👉 We are: • Apolitical • Truth-seeking • Honest • Unbiased • Informational We post stories about misinformation and disinformation, advocate for media literacy, and support education efforts related to misinformation in our rapidly changing social media landscape. Follow along and check out our website for more resources. Link in bio. 👉 tipaz.org #misinformation #disinformation #integritymatters #theintegrityproject #whoweare

With information coming at us from multiple sources, platforms and now #AI, we encourage you to be mindful of potential #misinformation and #disinformation before liking and sharing unverified posts. 👍 To learn more, visit 👉 tipaz.org

Discover how institutions we recently trusted — medicine, education, justice, journalism — are collapsing under pressure of fast-moving, profit-driven AI, and what can be done about it, in Steven Rosenbaum's 'The Future of Truth: How AI Reshapes Reality' with a forward written by @mariaressa. The new release joins other notable titles related to misinformation by @anneapplebaum, @PeterHotez, @DoctorYasmin, Shannon Vallor, @JonHaidt, Richard @stengel, @karaswisher, @mariannaspring, @GaryMarcus, @GaleSinatra, @Sander_vdLinden, @JeffHorwitz, @StevenBrill, @HC_Richardson, @Annaleen, @sheeraf, @ceciliakang, @sissenberg, @danlevitin, @SpeakStandard, @noUpside, @ShawnOtto, @Moonalice, among many others. 👉 tipaz.org/books-1

What happens when social media spreads a story before the truth is clear? The fatal shooting of 26-year-old Colombian national Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero during an #ICE enforcement operation in #Biddeford, Maine, has sparked nationwide debate and widespread discussion online. Initial statements from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said an ICE officer fired after believing the vehicle posed a threat to public safety, while later reports revealed Durán Guerrero was not the intended target of the operation. As the story developed, conflicting claims and unverified social media posts spread quickly, making it difficult for the public to distinguish confirmed facts from speculation. News organizations have emphasized that investigations by the Maine Attorney General, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security are ongoing, and many details have not yet been finalized. The absence of body camera footage has also fueled questions and #misinformation surrounding the incident. Community members and advocates have called for transparency, while protests in Maine have demanded accountability for the shooting. The case demonstrates how rapidly misinformation can spread during breaking news events and highlights the importance of relying on verified reporting as investigations continue. 👉tipaz.org/latest-news/bi… The Integrity Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Support our work by giving a tax-deductible donation at tipaz.org/donate. We appreciate donations of any amount. Thank you!

Why has this #WorldCup become a breeding ground for online #misinformation and racial abuse? While the 2026 FIFA World Cup has created some pushes toward unity among fans and nations, it has also provided a high-profile platform for racist, xenophobic rhetoric. AI-generated videos and viral, fabricated claims combined with instances of real racial abuse and discrimination have created a storm of confusion and anger among fans and players alike. One AI-generated #TikTok showed Dutch manager Ronald Koeman delivering an explicit, racist rant against the Moroccan team following their victory over the Netherlands. The fake video was posted by an account labeling itself an 'AI football account.' With more than 3 million views, most viewers likely didn't know if the video was real or phony. AI-fueled misinformation and technologies embolden and enable those looking to spread hate speech and messaging during the World Cup. #FIFA's Social Media Protection Service, after analyzing more than 6 million social media posts during the group stage, reported a 13-fold increase in abusive content from the 2022 tournament, with racial abuse accounting for 11 percent of all offensive posts. A wave of online racist attacks on Dutch players following the team’s elimination to Serbian broadcaster Rade Bogdanvić’s televised claim that Black players 'lack concentration beyond 60-80 minutes,' divisive hate speech is taking form across platforms. The most high-profile example is Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla’s misinformed, racist @X tirade targeted at French captain @KMbappe. While insulting his appearance, heritage and background, Amarilla falsely claimed Mbappe was a 'colonized Cameroonian' following France’s victory over Paraguay on July 4. As the tournament concludes this weekend, it is important for viewers to follow credible news sources to avoid #misinformation and for FIFA and digital platforms to confront fake and abusive content at the source. 👉 tipaz.org/latest-news/fr…

Whose job is it to hold tech platforms accountable in the age of doomscrolling and AI? While there is no one right answer, panelists at the 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity argue that advertisers shouldn’t underestimate their power in shaping the online world. In a panel titled 'A Sense of Impending Doomscrolling: Rebooting AI and Social Media' industry veterans urged brands and agencies to prioritize human-centered engagement over overzealous tech adoption. Right now, the internet is a daunting place. Beyond the psychological toll of addictive engagement and doomscrolling, CEO and Founder of W, @anna_zeiter, says that AI bots act as 'an open gate for #misinformation, #disinformation and targeted manipulation.' That being said, driving a healthier digital landscape does not mean abandoning technology, AI or social media. Rather, it requires a shift in mindset. Because advertisers’ budgets essentially fund the internet, responsible media investment is their strongest tool in building up safer digital spaces where real people can consume reliable content. 👉 tipaz.org/latest-news/ca… The Integrity Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Support our work by giving a tax-deductible donation at tipaz.org/donate. We appreciate donations of any amount. Thank you!

How has #misinformation complicated the search for answers in the Nolan Wells case? Since the Mississippi teen's death has drawn widespread public attention, the rapid spread of misinformation online has made it more difficult to separate verified facts from speculation. Social media platforms immediately became filled with theories, accusations, and claims about the circumstances surrounding the case, many of which lacked confirmation from authorities. While online discussions helped bring awareness to the investigation, unverified information also created confusion and fueled public assumptions before officials released confirmed details. False claims involving suspects, evidence, and the timeline of events circulated widely as users attempted to provide answers to unanswered questions. Experts have warned that high profile cases are especially vulnerable to #misinformation because emotional reactions can cause people to share content before checking its accuracy. The case demonstrates the challenges journalists and investigators face in a digital environment where rumors can spread faster than verified reporting. As the investigation continues, relying on credible sources and confirmed updates remains essential to preventing misinformation from influencing public understanding of the case. 👉 tipaz.org/latest-news/no…

Alex Phillips-Breese explores three recent news stories related to #misinformation and #disinformation, explaining how false information can make a bad situation worse like in the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes in Venezuela. Check it out 👇

Once the conduits for #misinformation, can social media platforms now be the solution? Countries around the world are introducing stricter social media restrictions as governments try to protect young users from harmful content and false information online. Australia recently expanded enforcement of its ban on social media for children under 16, while countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom are exploring similar policies. Supporters believe these restrictions could reduce exposure to misleading content and create a safer online environment for young people. Critics, however, argue that users may simply move to other platforms or find ways around the restrictions, allowing misinformation to continue spreading. Media experts say stronger digital literacy education and improved content moderation may be more effective in helping people recognize false claims before they spread. They also argue that social media companies share responsibility for improving transparency and limiting the reach of misleading content. As more countries consider similar policies, the debate continues over whether social media platforms should be trusted to reduce misinformation, or if bans and broader solutions are needed to address the issue. 👉 tipaz.org/latest-news/re… The Integrity Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Support our work by giving a tax-deductible donation at tipaz.org/donate. We appreciate donations of any amount. Thank you!

How uncertain are Americans about vaccine safety? New polling by @KFFHealthNews suggests there is a 'malleable middle' when it comes to Americans’ perception of vaccine #misinformation. While less than 10 percent of adults said they firmly believed in widely-circulated vaccine myths, such as the false claim that #MMR vaccines cause autism in children, many respondents still expressed hesitance. As #vaccination rates decline and cases of vaccine-preventable diseases rise in the U.S., this significant group falling between consistent myth believers (1% of the public) and consistent myth deniers (29%), is a crucial target for public health and safety campaigns. 'Even among parents who are skipping or delaying vaccines for their children, larger shares express uncertainty than consistent, ardent belief, which may present an opening for those looking to dispel vaccine myths,' says Alex Montero, lead author of the study. Moreover, information sources for public health information were found to have a strong sway on respondents' belief in vaccine myths. The poll indicates that adults with a healthcare provider they trust are less likely to believe vaccine myths. On the other hand, adults who frequent social media for health information were more likely to lean into vaccine myths than those who never use it as a source for healthcare advice. 👉 tipaz.org/latest-news/kf… The Integrity Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Support our work by giving a tax-deductible donation at tipaz.org/donate. We appreciate donations of any amount. Thank you!

What is the truth behind the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool controversy? The iconic water feature within the National Mall in Washington has become the center of online speculation as the Trump administration responds to recent damage and ongoing repairs at the historic site. While viral social media posts have claimed the pool was intentionally neglected or secretly drained, the National Park Service says the site has been undergoing planned maintenance and additional repairs following reports of damage to its liner. President Donald Trump has called for increased security around the monument, framing the issue as an example of the need to better protect national landmarks. As the story has gained national attention, misleading posts and videos have spread faster than verified updates, making it difficult for the public to separate fact from speculation. Reporting from The Associated Press and Reuters shows that investigations into the reported damage are ongoing and that several widely shared claims remain unverified. The controversy highlights how quickly #misinformation can shape public opinion when developing stories unfold in real time. As new information becomes available, experts encourage people to rely on official updates and credible reporting rather than viral content alone. 👉 tipaz.org/latest-news/re…

Could you be misled by what you read about the Supreme Court's latest rulings? If on social media, that answer would in the affirmative. The Supreme Court of the United States released several significant decisions last week, including rulings including decisions on birthright citizenship, campaign finance, and transgender athletes, prompting widespread discussion across social media. As news of these decisions spread across social media, experts cautioned that misleading posts and out-of-context claims could cause confusion about what the Court actually decided. Because Supreme Court opinions are often lengthy and legally complex, short videos and viral graphics may omit important details that change the meaning of a ruling. False or incomplete information spreads quickly when users share content without verifying the source or reading beyond the headline. Media literacy experts encourage the public to rely on official court opinions and reporting from trusted news organizations before drawing conclusions or sharing information online. As public discussion continues, verifying claims can help prevent #misinformation from shaping how Americans understand some of the nation's most consequential legal decisions. We've provided a few reliable resources to help you sift fact from fiction. 👉 tipaz.org/latest-news/sc… The Integrity Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Support our work by giving a tax-deductible donation at tipaz.org/donate. We appreciate donations of any amount. Thank you! #scotus @nytimes @amarimow @adamliptak @Cornell

Is your social media feed misrepresenting real tragedy? In the wake of two tragic earthquakes that hit #Venezuela on June 24, false claims, misleading footage and other #misinformation are flooding social media alongside authentic imagery of the disaster, causing confusion and mistrust among the public. Various images and videos are circulating of buildings collapsing following a 2023 earthquake in Turkey, with users falsely associating the footage with recent events in Venezuela. Besides misleading footage of damaged infrastructure, false claims of rescues have also circulated. Among the tens of thousands of people reported missing following the earthquakes is a child named Lucas Gámez. A viral Instagram post shared on June 28 alleged that the boy was 'rescued alive from the rubble of a building in Caraballeda,' claiming confirmation of his safety from his parents. However, that same day, Gámez’s mother shared a video to her own Instagram story affirming that her son was still missing. This spread of misinformation is not only misleading, but undermines the real tragedy and loss experienced by those in impacted areas of Venezuela. 👉 tipaz.org/latest-news/ve… With @Poynter Institute. ntegrity Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Support our work by giving a tax-deductible donation at tipaz.org/donate. We appreciate donations of any amount. Thank you!

Kiera Dunlevy, a Boston University senior and one of The Integrity Project's newest media interns, shares a few of this week's #misinformation headlines. Listen. Share. Follow. 👉 tipaz.org/latest-news With @BU_Tweets

With all eyes on the #WorldCup, why do related false narratives and fake images on social media matter? Because those with an agenda know you're watching, and are using the increased engagement to spread #misinformation, especially fake fan photos, bogus political appearances, and false player quotes. The @euronews story below highlights several examples: • a fan that was digitally altered to resemble Adolf Hitler • a miscaptioned clip attributed to Swedish footballer @BergvallLucas • a fake Iran squad tribute image • a manipulated @Keir_Starmer photo • a fake image of @netanyahu in the stands Euronews says these fakes were viewed by millions across social media platforms, and identified using reverse-image checks, comparisons to original footage, and AI-watermark detection such as SynthID. Media research groups like MIT @medialab and @uwcip say it is important not to accept any post at face value and to consider its source before liking or sharing. 👉 tipaz.org/latest-news/eu… The Integrity Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Support our work by giving a tax-deductible donation at tipaz.org/donate. We appreciate donations of any amount. Thank you!

Should we be taking the threat of ‘cognitive warfare’ more seriously? According to Lithuanian Minister of National Defense @robertas_kaunas, #disinformation creates confusion, cynicism and doubt which poses a national security risk on par with conventional and cyber warfare. With close geographic proximity to Russia, the small Baltic nation has heightened its response to the evolving, tech-driven surge of misinformation in the region. Recently, fake social media accounts likely linked to Russian disinformation networks spread false claims that Russian drones crashing on Lithuanian soil were actually launched by Ukraine. Kaunas emphasizes that weaponized disinformation has evolved beyond planting one isolated piece of false information. Using social media algorithms and #AI tools, it has become easier than ever to mass-disseminate disinformation, strategically undermining overall public trust. Kaunas warns that these instances of cognitive warfare are not confined to Eastern Europe: 'What is tried against Lithuania today may reach any country tomorrow.' 👉 tipaz.org/latest-news/po… The Integrity Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Support our work by giving a tax-deductible donation at lnkd.in/gkDeCPcE. We appreciate donations of any amount. Thank you!

Is TikTok influencing your skin health? A new study by the @UAlberta suggests social media is heavily influencing sun safety habits, especially among #GenZ. While 87 percent of the nearly 1,000 #TikToks analyzed in the study encouraged safe sunscreen use, the remaining 13 percent of videos spreading harmful #misinformation tended to garner higher engagement. From downplaying the risks associated with sunburn to spreading unfounded claims of microplastics and cancer-causing chemicals found in sunscreen, skincare myths thrive on platforms like #TikTok. This viral misinformation is having a real effect on public health. Skin cancer rates are rising globally, and Marisa Garshick, MD, a dermatologist at @MDCDermatology, says she is seeing more and more concerning diagnoses in her younger patients. With one-third of the young generation’s representatives failing this year’s American Academy of Dermatology annual sun safety survey, 36 percent of Gen-Z respondents admitted to relying on influencers for their primary source of skincare advice. Experts warn to practice extreme caution when taking health advice from social media, encouraging users to be wary of content that evokes extreme emotions and promotes fringe ideas rather than scientific findings. 👉 tipaz.org/latest-news/su… The Integrity Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Support our work by giving a tax-deductible donation at tipaz.org/donate. We appreciate donations of any amount. Thank you!