The claim
A video claims that Andrij Yermak paid to be featured on the Time 100 list. It is attributed to the BBC and the research collective “Bellingcat”.
Our conclusion
The claim is false. There is no evidence that Jermak paid for his inclusion on the Time 100 list, nor is there any reporting by the BBC or Bellingcat.
Rumors and a fake video are circulating online that the head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Andriy Yermak, paid millions to be included in the Time 100 list of the most influential people. This video is said to come from the BBC and was researched by “Bellingcat”. The authenticity of the video and the information it contains needs to be urgently verified in order to clarify the credibility of the media institutions involved and to debunk possible misinformation.
The fact check
The research shows that neither the BBC nor “Bellingcat” is aware of such a report. Targeted research on the websites of these organizations confirms that no relevant articles or videos have been published. Journalistic reports and official statements from Bellingcat and the BBC reject the claims as false. Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins and BBC journalist Olga Robinson made it clear on Platform X that the quotes and information attributed in the video are fictitious.
Deeper insights and new insights
The practice of using renowned media brands and investigative networks such as “Bellingcat” in fake news aims to use their credibility to spread disinformation. Such fakes are part of a broader strategy aimed at sowing distrust in the media and manipulating public opinion. The exact identity of the perpetrators of such fakes often remains hidden, making combating such disinformation campaigns even more difficult.
Questions and answers about “Time 100”:
Question 1: Why is it problematic when counterfeiters use reputable names?
Answer 1: It undermines trust in legitimate media and can mislead the public.
Question 2: What do Bellingcat and the BBC say about the fakes?
Answer 2: Both organizations have publicly denied the fakes and emphasized that they had nothing to do with the content.
Question 3: What is the aim of these counterfeits?
Answer 3: They aim to spread disinformation and sow doubt about the integrity and reliability of established news sources.
Question 4: How can citizens protect themselves against such disinformation?
Answer 4: By critically questioning information and only using trustworthy, verified sources.
Question 5: What does “Time” do against such false claims?
Answer 5: Time has not announced any specific actions, but emphasizes its impartiality and careful selection in compiling its list of the most influential people.
Conclusion
It remains important to question sources and pay attention to verified information. Using fact-checking and being aware of the tactics used to spread disinformation can help protect against such manipulations.
Background information: Every year, Time magazine selects 100 people who are among the most influential people in the world. This year Andrij Yermak is there. The final list is compiled by the magazine's editors.
Stay informed and safe online by subscribing to our newsletter . Also register for our monthly online lectures and workshops .
Source: dpa fact checking
You might also be interested in:
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )