Full Fact
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Bad information ruins lives. We're a team of independent fact checkers and campaigners who find, expose and counter the harm it does. #FactsMatter
www.fullfact.org
www.fullfact.org
The government has changed proposals for a new Digital ID scheme which was originally set to be mandatory for Right to Work checks in the UK, less than four months after the policy was announced.
We’ve updated our Government Tracker accordingly 👇
We’ve updated our Government Tracker accordingly 👇
Is Labour on track to introduce digital IDs for ‘Right to Work’ checks? – Full Fact
Full Fact looks at the government’s pledge to bring in digital IDs for ‘Right to Work’ checks by the end of this parliament.
fullfact.org
January 15, 2026 at 11:36 AM
The government has changed proposals for a new Digital ID scheme which was originally set to be mandatory for Right to Work checks in the UK, less than four months after the policy was announced.
We’ve updated our Government Tracker accordingly 👇
We’ve updated our Government Tracker accordingly 👇
Thanks to the Guardian, BBC News and the Telegraph for amending their reports saying research showed screen time damages toddlers’ language skills.
(The study showed a correlation between screen time and smaller vocabulary, but not that one *caused* the other.)
(The study showed a correlation between screen time and smaller vocabulary, but not that one *caused* the other.)
Government research doesn’t prove screen time ‘damages’ toddlers’ speech – Full Fact
A study found a correlation between very high screen time and lower vocabulary in two-year-olds, but it didn’t say that one caused the other.
fullfact.org
January 15, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Thanks to the Guardian, BBC News and the Telegraph for amending their reports saying research showed screen time damages toddlers’ language skills.
(The study showed a correlation between screen time and smaller vocabulary, but not that one *caused* the other.)
(The study showed a correlation between screen time and smaller vocabulary, but not that one *caused* the other.)
A video of a woman burning a portrait of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has been shared with claims it was filmed in Iran, amid a deadly crackdown on protests in the country.
But this particular video was actually filmed in Canada.
But this particular video was actually filmed in Canada.
Video of woman burning portrait of Iran’s Supreme Leader was filmed in Canada – Full Fact
A video of a woman in Canada lighting a cigarette from a burning portrait of Ayatollah Khamenei has been shared with false claims it was filmed in Iran amid widespread protests across the country.
fullfact.org
January 14, 2026 at 7:01 PM
A video of a woman burning a portrait of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has been shared with claims it was filmed in Iran, amid a deadly crackdown on protests in the country.
But this particular video was actually filmed in Canada.
But this particular video was actually filmed in Canada.
It’s been widely reported the government has “U-turned” on its plans for mandatory digital ID for Right to Work checks—yet ministers insist there still will be mandatory digital checks.
So what’s going on? Our explainer unpacks what’s changed 👇
So what’s going on? Our explainer unpacks what’s changed 👇
Digital ID: what’s changed? – Full Fact
Reports say the government has dropped plans to require mandatory digital ID to work, yet ministers insist there still will be mandatory digital checks. We look at exactly what has changed.
fullfact.org
January 14, 2026 at 5:25 PM
It’s been widely reported the government has “U-turned” on its plans for mandatory digital ID for Right to Work checks—yet ministers insist there still will be mandatory digital checks.
So what’s going on? Our explainer unpacks what’s changed 👇
So what’s going on? Our explainer unpacks what’s changed 👇
A video of people throwing flaming projectiles has been shared with claims it shows the recent anti-government protests in Iran.
Although there is genuine footage of Iran circulating, this clip actually shows clashes in Greece following a rap concert in November.
Although there is genuine footage of Iran circulating, this clip actually shows clashes in Greece following a rap concert in November.
Video of clashes in Greece shared with claims it shows recent protests in Iran – Full Fact
A viral video shared with claims it shows anti-government protests in Tehran actually shows clashes following a rap concert in Thessaloniki in November 2025.
fullfact.org
January 14, 2026 at 9:01 AM
A video of people throwing flaming projectiles has been shared with claims it shows the recent anti-government protests in Iran.
Although there is genuine footage of Iran circulating, this clip actually shows clashes in Greece following a rap concert in November.
Although there is genuine footage of Iran circulating, this clip actually shows clashes in Greece following a rap concert in November.
A video shared online with captions claiming it shows an asylum seeker giving a tour of their home after being removed from a migrant hotel is misleading.
The clip was actually filmed by a property investor to market a house which is up for sale.
The clip was actually filmed by a property investor to market a house which is up for sale.
Property investor’s video falsely shared as ‘migrant showing off new house’ – Full Fact
A clip shared on social media with misleading captions claiming it shows an asylum seeker filming their new accommodation was actually posted by a property investor marketing a house up for sale.
fullfact.org
January 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM
A video shared online with captions claiming it shows an asylum seeker giving a tour of their home after being removed from a migrant hotel is misleading.
The clip was actually filmed by a property investor to market a house which is up for sale.
The clip was actually filmed by a property investor to market a house which is up for sale.
Amid recent speculation over the possible future deployment of British troops to Ukraine or Greenland, our updated explainer takes a look at the current size of the UK’s armed forces 👇
What size are the UK’s armed forces? – Full Fact
A guide to how the number of personnel in the Army, RAF and Royal Navy is counted, and some common claims we’ve seen about these figures.
fullfact.org
January 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Amid recent speculation over the possible future deployment of British troops to Ukraine or Greenland, our updated explainer takes a look at the current size of the UK’s armed forces 👇
A fake interview transcript of a Laura Kuenssberg interview with Nigel Farage in which he storms out of the studio has been shared widely online.
This exchange never happened, and the pictures of it were created with AI.
This exchange never happened, and the pictures of it were created with AI.
Fake transcript of Farage-Kuenssberg clash shared online – Full Fact
A fake transcript claiming to show a heated interview between Nigel Farage and Laura Kuenssberg is circulating on Facebook. The BBC confirmed this didn’t happen, and the pictures of it are…
fullfact.org
January 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM
A fake interview transcript of a Laura Kuenssberg interview with Nigel Farage in which he storms out of the studio has been shared widely online.
This exchange never happened, and the pictures of it were created with AI.
This exchange never happened, and the pictures of it were created with AI.
A video showing soldiers abseiling from a helicopter has been shared online with claims it shows US forces landing in Venezuela.
This video is actually from a US military exercise in North Carolina in June 2025.
This video is actually from a US military exercise in North Carolina in June 2025.
Old video of US military exercise shared with claims it shows soldiers landing in Venezuela – Full Fact
A video showing soldiers jumping onto a large building from a helicopter has been shared online with false claims it shows the recent US strikes on Venezuela. It was actually filmed in June 2025.
fullfact.org
January 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM
A video showing soldiers abseiling from a helicopter has been shared online with claims it shows US forces landing in Venezuela.
This video is actually from a US military exercise in North Carolina in June 2025.
This video is actually from a US military exercise in North Carolina in June 2025.
News reports this week claimed ads for porridge will be restricted by new legislation.
But only ads for products classified as “less healthy” will be restricted - which might include some sweetened porridge products, but not plain oats.
But only ads for products classified as “less healthy” will be restricted - which might include some sweetened porridge products, but not plain oats.
Ads for plain porridge oats have not been banned – Full Fact
News reports this week claimed that ads for porridge will be restricted by new legislation—but the ban only affects porridge products that score highly in a “less healthy” test.
fullfact.org
January 9, 2026 at 5:31 PM
News reports this week claimed ads for porridge will be restricted by new legislation.
But only ads for products classified as “less healthy” will be restricted - which might include some sweetened porridge products, but not plain oats.
But only ads for products classified as “less healthy” will be restricted - which might include some sweetened porridge products, but not plain oats.
A viral video clip that appears to show US President Donald Trump criticising Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership isn’t real.
The audio has been faked using artificial intelligence.
The audio has been faked using artificial intelligence.
Fake video of Donald Trump criticising Keir Starmer’s leadership is AI-generated – Full Fact
A clip that appears to show the US President criticising Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times on social media. But it isn’t real.
fullfact.org
January 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM
A viral video clip that appears to show US President Donald Trump criticising Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership isn’t real.
The audio has been faked using artificial intelligence.
The audio has been faked using artificial intelligence.
We’ve updated our Government Tracker with the latest on plans to build three new National Forests in England, after the government said the second of these will be in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor and that a “competition” will determine the location of the third.
Is the government on course to create three new National Forests in England? – Full Fact
Full Fact takes a look at Labour’s pledge to create three new national forests in England, and to plant millions of trees.
fullfact.org
January 8, 2026 at 7:01 PM
We’ve updated our Government Tracker with the latest on plans to build three new National Forests in England, after the government said the second of these will be in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor and that a “competition” will determine the location of the third.
Posts shared hundreds of times on Facebook falsely claim that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage MP was named on Time Magazine’s list of 100 most influential people of 2025.
Nigel Farage was not included on Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential people – Full Fact
Despite claims on social media, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was not included on Time magazine’s TIME100 list for 2025.
fullfact.org
January 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Posts shared hundreds of times on Facebook falsely claim that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage MP was named on Time Magazine’s list of 100 most influential people of 2025.
A video which appears to show an MP in the House of Commons questioning why Israel’s PM cannot be captured and brought to court like Nicolás Maduro has been shared widely and had millions of views.
But the footage isn’t real—it’s AI.
But the footage isn’t real—it’s AI.
Video appearing to show MP’s question in Commons about capture of Maduro is AI – Full Fact
A widely shared clip seems to show a question about why Israel’s PM cannot be captured and brought to court in a similar manner to the Venezuelan leader. But the footage isn’t real.
fullfact.org
January 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM
A video which appears to show an MP in the House of Commons questioning why Israel’s PM cannot be captured and brought to court like Nicolás Maduro has been shared widely and had millions of views.
But the footage isn’t real—it’s AI.
But the footage isn’t real—it’s AI.
A viral image that appears to show the Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in custody being led away from a plane isn’t real.
It was made using artificial intelligence - here’s how we know: fullfact.org/world/pictur...
It was made using artificial intelligence - here’s how we know: fullfact.org/world/pictur...
January 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM
A viral image that appears to show the Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in custody being led away from a plane isn’t real.
It was made using artificial intelligence - here’s how we know: fullfact.org/world/pictur...
It was made using artificial intelligence - here’s how we know: fullfact.org/world/pictur...
Alex Burghart is the latest member of the Conservatives’ shadow cabinet to claim unemployment is up “every single month” under Labour.
But that’s not quite right - here’s what the figures show:
But that’s not quite right - here’s what the figures show:
Unemployment has increased under Labour, but it hasn’t risen ‘every single month’ – Full Fact
Conservative shadow cabinet minister Alex Burghart claimed on LBC that unemployment has gone up “in every single month” under Labour, but that’s not quite right.
fullfact.org
January 7, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Alex Burghart is the latest member of the Conservatives’ shadow cabinet to claim unemployment is up “every single month” under Labour.
But that’s not quite right - here’s what the figures show:
But that’s not quite right - here’s what the figures show:
At #PMQs Keir Starmer said “more protections” for renters are coming this year.
Our Government Tracker is monitoring progress on Labour’s promise to end no-fault evictions 👇
Our Government Tracker is monitoring progress on Labour’s promise to end no-fault evictions 👇
Is the government on track to end ‘no fault’ evictions? – Full Fact
Full Fact takes a look at Labour’s manifesto pledge to “immediately” abolish Section 21 evictions in England.
fullfact.org
January 7, 2026 at 12:23 PM
At #PMQs Keir Starmer said “more protections” for renters are coming this year.
Our Government Tracker is monitoring progress on Labour’s promise to end no-fault evictions 👇
Our Government Tracker is monitoring progress on Labour’s promise to end no-fault evictions 👇
🗣️"With plummeting public trust – not just in the parties on offer but in politics as a whole – it is time to raise the alarm about how vulnerable our elections are to manipulation and misinformation."
From our CEO, Chris Morris, in @politicshome.bsky.social today.
From our CEO, Chris Morris, in @politicshome.bsky.social today.
It’s time to get serious about election integrity
As old political certainties crumble, elections become harder to call.
www.politicshome.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:54 AM
🗣️"With plummeting public trust – not just in the parties on offer but in politics as a whole – it is time to raise the alarm about how vulnerable our elections are to manipulation and misinformation."
From our CEO, Chris Morris, in @politicshome.bsky.social today.
From our CEO, Chris Morris, in @politicshome.bsky.social today.
A video showing explosions and missile strikes has been shared alongside claims about the recent US military operation in Caracas, Venezuela.
But the footage is over a year old and is unrelated to recent events in Venezuela.
But the footage is over a year old and is unrelated to recent events in Venezuela.
A video shared with claims about US military strikes on Venezuela actually dates from 2024 – Full Fact
An old video showing explosions is being shared alongside claims about the recent US strikes on Venezuela. But the footage is unrelated and was filmed in Israel in October 2024.
fullfact.org
January 5, 2026 at 4:25 PM
A video showing explosions and missile strikes has been shared alongside claims about the recent US military operation in Caracas, Venezuela.
But the footage is over a year old and is unrelated to recent events in Venezuela.
But the footage is over a year old and is unrelated to recent events in Venezuela.
Videos with thousands of shares on social media claim that people’s savings over £5,000 could be redirected into a national debt repayment fund from January 2026.
But the Treasury confirmed this isn’t true.
But the Treasury confirmed this isn’t true.
No, savings above £5,000 aren’t being taken to pay off the national debt – Full Fact
Claims circulating online that savings over £5,000 could be redirected into a national debt repayment fund from January 2026 are not true.
fullfact.org
December 30, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Videos with thousands of shares on social media claim that people’s savings over £5,000 could be redirected into a national debt repayment fund from January 2026.
But the Treasury confirmed this isn’t true.
But the Treasury confirmed this isn’t true.
Full Fact’s Head of AI, @mrdudders.bsky.social, reflects on how AI has shaped misinformation this year—and how our own AI tools are helping fight back.
December 29, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Full Fact’s Head of AI, @mrdudders.bsky.social, reflects on how AI has shaped misinformation this year—and how our own AI tools are helping fight back.
Videos claiming that a new law will require digital ID for purchases above £20, and could see fines for repeated cash payments, are false.
There is no evidence of any such policies being introduced.
There is no evidence of any such policies being introduced.
No, you won’t need digital ID for cash payments over £20 in the new year – Full Fact
Videos circulating online claim that from 2026 purchases above £20 will need digital ID verification, and repeated cash payments could result in fines. But neither of these claims are true.
fullfact.org
December 28, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Videos claiming that a new law will require digital ID for purchases above £20, and could see fines for repeated cash payments, are false.
There is no evidence of any such policies being introduced.
There is no evidence of any such policies being introduced.
Videos on Facebook claim a new law bans music being played in moving cars.
As you may have guessed, this isn’t true. It appears to be yet another example of the fake stories about personal freedoms we’ve seen all over social media lately.
As you may have guessed, this isn’t true. It appears to be yet another example of the fake stories about personal freedoms we’ve seen all over social media lately.
No, a new law isn’t being introduced to stop people playing music while driving – Full Fact
Videos shared on Facebook make false claims about a supposed new law banning music in moving cars and a new monthly electricity charge.
fullfact.org
December 27, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Videos on Facebook claim a new law bans music being played in moving cars.
As you may have guessed, this isn’t true. It appears to be yet another example of the fake stories about personal freedoms we’ve seen all over social media lately.
As you may have guessed, this isn’t true. It appears to be yet another example of the fake stories about personal freedoms we’ve seen all over social media lately.
A video which has been shared thousands of times on social media appears to show a British soldier confronting a police officer over “arresting people for words”.
But the clip is fake and has been created with AI.
But the clip is fake and has been created with AI.
Video of soldier shouting at police officer is AI-generated – Full Fact
A video shared thousands of times on social media appears to show a British soldier confronting a police officer, but is AI-generated and not genuine.
fullfact.org
December 27, 2025 at 9:00 AM
A video which has been shared thousands of times on social media appears to show a British soldier confronting a police officer over “arresting people for words”.
But the clip is fake and has been created with AI.
But the clip is fake and has been created with AI.
We’ve seen claims online that asylum seekers are being given Freedom Passes for free London travel.
They may be eligible if they meet location, age or disability criteria which apply to all Londoners. There’s no special provision for asylum seekers.
They may be eligible if they meet location, age or disability criteria which apply to all Londoners. There’s no special provision for asylum seekers.
Are asylum seekers given Freedom Passes for free travel in London? – Full Fact
There is no specific provision for asylum seekers to get free travel in London but they may be eligible for Freedom Passes like any other Londoner.
fullfact.org
December 24, 2025 at 2:02 PM
We’ve seen claims online that asylum seekers are being given Freedom Passes for free London travel.
They may be eligible if they meet location, age or disability criteria which apply to all Londoners. There’s no special provision for asylum seekers.
They may be eligible if they meet location, age or disability criteria which apply to all Londoners. There’s no special provision for asylum seekers.