<![CDATA[Eurovision News Spotlight | Fact-Checking & OSINT Network: The Spotlight Review]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/s/the-spotlight-reviewhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!8Acp!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F91084e1a-a179-4577-ab93-e794e882c0ad_1024x1024.pngEurovision News Spotlight | Fact-Checking & OSINT Network: The Spotlight Reviewhttps://spotlight.ebu.ch/s/the-spotlight-reviewSubstackWed, 29 Apr 2026 20:19:23 GMT<![CDATA[Spotlight Review #15: Deepfake Facebook ads and the industrialised scamming of Europe]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/facebook-ai-scam-ads-investigationhttps://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/facebook-ai-scam-ads-investigationThu, 29 Jan 2026 13:27:06 GMTIn the 15th edition of the Spotlight Review, EBU members joined to discuss the long-running problem of scam advertisements running on Facebook and the difficulties in verifying content from Iran’s recent protest movement.

Tim Verheyden (VRT) discussed a recent documentary that aired on the Belgian broadcaster’s investigative Pano programme, detailing a Europe-wide problem of industrialised scamming that has seen victims lose out on hundreds of thousands of euro. The investigation led them to Serbia, where a whistleblower from a call centre detailed the system behind these deceptive AI ads.

(ORF) detailed how their investigation began in Austria, when one of their own newscasters was the subject of a deepfake ad on Facebook. Further investigation revealed a wide network of bot accounts running ads around Europe in different languages to sell bogus supplements and medication, localised with regional trusted news presenters and national versions of a ‘doctor’ advising patients on topics like Covid-19. While some of these ads were taken down, many remain online to this day.

The EBU’s advised members on how to monitor and verify events in Iran, where a nationwide protest movement starting in late 2025 was stalled by an unprecedented government crackdown, the full impact of which is still unknown. As well as a case study detailing how she verified scenes at an overflowing morgue in Tehran, she also gave practical tips and resources to monitor Iran, which is experiencing a nationwide internet blackout that has hampered efforts to report on the country.

Upcoming Spotlight Reviews

If you would like to participate as a speaker in an upcoming Spotlight Fact-Check & OSINT Review, please email bowler@ebu.ch.

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]]><![CDATA[Spotlight Review #14: From Sudan’s chemical weapons to the 'Donor 7069' exposé]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/fact-check-osint-review-14-sudan-donor-7069https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/fact-check-osint-review-14-sudan-donor-7069Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:03:08 GMTIn the 14th edition of the Spotlight Fact-Check & OSINT Review, EBU members joined to explore evolving tactics of digital manipulation and the critical role of cross-border journalistic collaboration.

Quentin Peschard and Derek Thomson (France 24 Observers) delivered a masterclass in forensic investigation, detailing their deep dive into the alleged use of chemical weapons in Sudan. They demonstrated how tracking a fraction-of-a-second serial number on an aerial drop near Sudan’s largest oil refinery exposed foreign importers—evidence now cited by the US State Department at the OPCW.

Belén López Garrido (EBU Investigative Journalism Network) shared the frameworks behind the network’s latest cross-border exposé: the “Donor 7069” investigation. Coordinating 30 journalists across 14 countries, the project revealed how a single sperm donor with a high-risk genetic mutation fathered 197 children.

Drawing on investigations like “Playing with Fire” and “The Missing Children of Ukraine”, she illustrated how the EBU Network synchronizes dozens of reporters across Europe to tackle complex global narratives.

The session provided attendees with the essential forensic tools and collaborative models needed to verify content and combat sophisticated disinformation in today’s media landscape.

Upcoming Fact-Check & OSINT Reviews

If you would like to participate as a speaker in an upcoming Fact-Check & OSINT Review, please email bowler@ebu.ch.

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]]><![CDATA[Spotlight Review #13: Deciphering algospeak, dogwhistles, and coded hate]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/algospeak-dogwhistles-algorithmic-amplification-review-13https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/algospeak-dogwhistles-algorithmic-amplification-review-13Thu, 27 Nov 2025 12:19:22 GMTIn the 13th edition of the SPOTLIGHT Fact-Check & OSINT Review, EBU members joined Maria Flannery and Derek Bowler to dissect the escalating crisis of digital disinformation.

Maria Flannery used the Hurricane Melissa case study to reveal how view-hungry creators weaponize AI tools (like Sora) and recycle old content to mask the true impact of real-world events.

Derek Bowler explained how algorithmic amplification and sophisticated, covert codes (dogwhistles, algospeak, euphemisms) fuel disinformation and hate speech across the digital ecosystem.

Upcoming Fact-Check & OSINT Reviews

If you would like to participate as a speaker in an upcoming Fact-Check & OSINT Review, please email bowler@ebu.ch.

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]]><![CDATA[Spotlight Review #12: A masterclass in aviation and maritime tracking]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/aviation-maritime-tracking-osint-review-12https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/aviation-maritime-tracking-osint-review-12Thu, 30 Oct 2025 12:53:29 GMTIn the 12th edition of the SPOTLIGHT Fact-Check & OSINT Review, members of the European Broadcasting Union joined Maria Flannery of the Eurovision Social Newswire to learn about using marine and aviation tools in OSINT investigations, and how journalists can protect themselves from the effects of vicarious trauma.

Eoghan Sweeney provides a practical tutorial on leveraging Flightradar24, MarineTraffic, and satellite imagery to conduct powerful OSINT investigations, verify locations, and reconstruct timelines.

Hannah Storm tackles the hidden cost of reporting: vicarious trauma. Learn essential strategies to protect your mental health while handling difficult social news content.

Upcoming Fact-Check & OSINT Reviews

  • November 27, 2025 - 11 CET

  • December 18, 2025 - 11 CET

  • January 26, 2026 - 11 CET

  • February 26, 2026 - 11 CET

  • March 30, 2026 - 11 CET

  • April 28, 2026 - 11 CET

  • May 25, 2026 - 11 CET

  • June 26, 2026 - 11 CET

Register for upcoming sessions

If you would like to participate as a speaker in an upcoming Fact-Check & OSINT Review, please email bowler@ebu.ch.

Thanks for watching this edition of the Eurovision News | Spotlight Fact-Check & OSINT Review. By sharing this post, you can help others identify and avoid misinformation.

]]><![CDATA[Spotlight Review #11: Inside Israel's multi-million-euro campaign denying Gaza famine]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/israel-gaza-famine-denial-investigation-osint-11https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/israel-gaza-famine-denial-investigation-osint-11Tue, 30 Sep 2025 11:55:29 GMTThe 11th SPOTLIGHT Fact-Check & OSINT Review focused on an investigation by members of Eurovision News Spotlight into the Israeli government’s controversial ad campaigns denying the famine in Gaza.

of Deutsche Welle, and of BR24 #Faktenfuchs, and of Eurovision News demonstrated the advanced techniques used during the investigation, including digital verification, fact-checking of video content, and the deployment of Python scripts to secure crucial evidence from Israeli government websites.

Full investigation and publications:

Upcoming Fact-Check & OSINT Reviews

  • October 30, 2025 - 11 CET

  • November 27, 2025 - 11 CET

  • December 18, 2025 - 11 CET

Register for upcoming sessions

If you would like to participate as a speaker in an upcoming Fact-Check & OSINT Review, please email bowler@ebu.ch.

]]><![CDATA[Spotlight Review #10: How VRT exposed the fake AI authors at Elle magazine]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/vrt-elle-magazine-ai-investigation-review-10https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/vrt-elle-magazine-ai-investigation-review-10Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:57:38 GMTIn the 10th edition of the SPOTLIGHT Fact-Check & OSINT Review, members of the European Broadcasting Union joined Maria Flannery of the Eurovision Social Newswire to showcase two powerful investigations driven by fact-checking and OSINT.

Bram Vandendriessche and Tom Buytaert from VRT NWS revealed that their team had exposed fashion giant Elle for publishing articles written partly or entirely by artificial intelligence.

Simon Krona and Henrik Sköld from SVT Verified explain how they used facial recognition and digital forensics to prove that an innocent man had been wrongly framed in the Liverpool hit-and-run earlier this year.

Upcoming Fact-Check & OSINT Reviews

  • September 25, 2025 - 11 CET

  • October 30, 2025 - 11 CET

  • November 27, 2025 - 11 CET

  • December 18, 2025 - 11 CET

Register for upcoming sessions

If you would like to participate as a speaker in an upcoming Fact-Check & OSINT Review, please email bowler@ebu.ch.

Thanks for watching this edition of the Eurovision News | Spotlight Fact-Check & OSINT Review. By sharing this post, you can help others identify and avoid misinformation.

]]><![CDATA[Spotlight Review #9: Verifying the narratives of the U.S.-Iran nuclear site strikes]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/iran-nuclear-strikes-misinformation-review-9https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/iran-nuclear-strikes-misinformation-review-9Mon, 30 Jun 2025 11:46:15 GMTIn the ninth edition of the SPOTLIGHT Fact-Check & OSINT Review, members of the European Broadcasting Union joined Maria Flannery, George, and Jenny Hauser of the Eurovision Social Newswire, who broke down recent fact-checks carried out by their respective organisations.

The team presented real examples from the past month, walked attendees through the fact-checking process step-by-step, and discussed the challenges faced during the fact-checks and how they were overcome.

Fact-checks in this episode

Upcoming Fact-Check Reviews

  • July 31, 2025 - 11 CET

  • August 28, 2025 - 11 CET

  • September 25, 2025 - 11 CET

  • October 30, 2025 - 11 CET

  • November 27, 2025 - 11 CET

  • December 18, 2025 - 11 CET

Register for upcoming sessions now at academy.ebu.ch.

If you would like to participate as a speaker in an upcoming review, please email bowler@ebu.ch.

Thanks for watching this edition of the Eurovision News | Spotlight Fact-Check & OSINT Review. By sharing this post, you can help others identify and avoid misinformation.

]]><![CDATA[Spotlight Review #8: Debunking "Operation Sindoor" and the rise of video game war fakes]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/operation-sindoor-pakistan-kashmir-fact-check-8https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/operation-sindoor-pakistan-kashmir-fact-check-8Thu, 29 May 2025 09:52:21 GMTIn the 8th edition of the SPOTLIGHT Fact-Check & OSINT Review, members of the European Broadcasting Union joined Maria Flannery and George Powell of the Eurovision Social Newswire, as well as Borja Diaz-Merry of VerificaRTVE, who broke down recent fact-checks carried out by their respective organisations.

Also joining this week were Ambroise Carton of RTBF and Antoine Deiana of Radio France, who presented findings from a collaborative OSINT investigation undertaken by their organisations.

Fact-checks in this episode

Upcoming Fact-Check Reviews

  • June 27, 2025 - 11 CET

  • July 31, 2025 - 11 CET

  • August 28, 2025 - 11 CET

  • September 25, 2025 - 11 CET

  • October 30, 2025 - 11 CET

  • November 27, 2025 - 11 CET

  • December 18, 2025 - 11 CET

Register for upcoming sessions now at academy.ebu.ch.

If you would like to participate as a speaker in an upcoming review, please email bowler@ebu.ch.

Thanks for watching this edition of the Eurovision News | Spotlight Fact-Check & OSINT Review. By sharing this post, you can help others identify and avoid misinformation.

]]><![CDATA[Spotlight Review #7: Unmasking the "Operation Matryoshka" fakes targeting Olena Zelenska]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/olena-zelenska-fake-bbc-video-osint-review-7https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/olena-zelenska-fake-bbc-video-osint-review-7Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:19:23 GMTIn the seventh edition of the SPOTLIGHT Fact-Check & OSINT Review, members of the European Broadcasting Union joined Maria Flannery, Thais Porto, and Jenny Hauser of the ESN and Borja Diaz-Merry of VerificaRTVE, who broke down recent fact-checks carried out by their respective organisations.

The team presented real examples from the past month, walked attendees through the fact-checking process step-by-step, and discussed the challenges faced during the fact-checks and how they were overcome.

In a rapidly evolving story, speed and efficiency are crucial. Eoghan Sweeney demonstrated how picking out key details and leveraging AI in a targeted manner can save valuable time.

Fact-checks in this episode

Upcoming Fact-Check Reviews

  • May 29, 2025 - 11 CET

  • June 27, 2025 - 11 CET

  • July 31, 2025 - 11 CET

  • August 28, 2025 - 11 CET

  • September 25, 2025 - 11 CET

  • October 30, 2025 - 11 CET

  • November 27, 2025 - 11 CET

  • December 18, 2025 - 11 CET

If you would like to participate as a speaker in an upcoming review, please email bowler@ebu.ch

Thanks for watching this edition of the Eurovision News | Spotlight Fact-Check & OSINT Review. By sharing this post, you can help others identify and avoid misinformation.

]]><![CDATA[Spotlight Review #6: Deciphering the Trump 'pink triangle' controversy]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/trump-pink-triangle-controversy-fact-check-6https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/trump-pink-triangle-controversy-fact-check-6Thu, 27 Mar 2025 13:56:04 GMTIn the Sixth edition of the SPOTLIGHT Fact-Check Review, members of the European Broadcasting Union joined Maria Flannery, Thais Porto of the ESN and Fabian Dilger of BR24’s #Faktenfuchs, who broke down recent fact-checks carried out by their respective organisations.

The team presented real examples from the past month, walked attendees through the fact-checking process step-by-step, and discussed the challenges faced during the fact-checks and how they were overcome.

Members were also joined by Eoghan Sweeney, who gave attendees a detailed tutorial on the power of Google Lens in open-source investigations.

Fact-checks in this episode

Upcoming Fact-Check Reviews

  • April 24, 2025 - 11 CET

  • May 29, 2025 - 11 CET

If you would like to participate as a speaker in an upcoming review, please email bowler@ebu.ch

]]><![CDATA[Spotlight Review #5: Debunking the Brigitte Macron rumors and viral podcast misinformation]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/brigitte-macron-candace-owens-fact-check-review-5https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/brigitte-macron-candace-owens-fact-check-review-5Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:22:25 GMTIn the fifth edition of the SPOTLIGHT Fact-Check Review, members of the European Broadcasting Union joined Maria Flannery, Jenny Hauser and George Powell, who broke down recent fact-checks carried out and published by the Eurovision Social Newswire.

The team presented real examples from the past month, walked attendees through the fact-checking process step-by-step, and discussed the challenges faced during the fact-checks and how they were overcome.

Fact-checks in this episode

Upcoming Fact-Check Reviews

  • February 27, 2025 - 11 CET

  • March 27, 2025 - 11 CET

  • April 24, 2025 - 11 CET

  • May 29, 2025 - 11 CET

]]><![CDATA[Spotlight Review #4: Debunking AI-Generated ICE Photos and Immigration Myths]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/ai-ice-immigration-photo-fact-check-review-4https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/ai-ice-immigration-photo-fact-check-review-4Thu, 30 Jan 2025 12:15:23 GMTIn the fourth edition of the SPOTLIGHT Fact-Check Review, members of the European Broadcasting Union joined Maria Flannery, Thais Porto and Thomas Hougaard, who broke down recent fact-checks carried out and published by the Eurovision Social Newswire.

The team presented real examples from the past month, walked attendees through the fact-checking process step-by-step, and discussed the challenges faced during the fact-checks and how they were overcome.

Fact-checks in this episode

Eurovision News | Spotlight
Photo purporting to show U.S. immigration officer grabbing girl at school is AI-generated
CLAIM A photo purporting to show a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer grabbing a crying girl was shared on social media on January 24…
Read more
a year ago · Thais Porto Zenklusen
Eurovision News | Spotlight
Image said to be related to current fighting in DRC is from 1994
CLAIM A photo was shared on X of a young child crying while standing next to a seemingly lifeless body. The photo was posted with hashtags and a caption claiming that the image is related to the current violence and unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo…
Read more
a year ago · Thomas Normann Hougaard
Eurovision News | Spotlight
Narayana Murthy article about ‘limited interaction between girls and boys’ is not genuine
CLAIM A screenshot widely circulating on Indian social media accounts purported to show a Hindustan Times article titled: “Narayana Murthy advocates limited interaction between young girls and boys for success…
Read more
a year ago · Maria Flannery

Upcoming Fact-Check Reviews

  • February 27, 2025 - 11 CET

  • March 27, 2025 - 11 CET

  • April 24, 2025 - 11 CET

  • May 29, 2025 - 11 CET

]]><![CDATA[Spotlight Review #3: Debunking the Pam Bondi AI fakes and Rachel Maddow edits]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/pam-bondi-ai-fake-rachel-maddow-osint-review-3https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/pam-bondi-ai-fake-rachel-maddow-osint-review-3Fri, 29 Nov 2024 08:07:51 GMTIn the third edition of the SPOTLIGHT Fact-Check Review, members of the European Broadcasting Union join Maria Flannery and Thomas Hougaard, who break down recent fact-checks carried out and published by the Eurovision Social Newswire.

The team presented real examples from the past month, walked attendees through the fact-checking process step-by-step, and discussed the challenges faced during the fact-checks and how they were overcome.

Fact-checks in this episode

Eurovision News | Spotlight
Photo purporting to show scantily-clad potential U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi running is altered
CLAIM A photo circulating on social media claims to show Pam Bondi, Donald Trump’s pick to be Attorney General, jogging while wearing nothing but her underwear…
Read more
a year ago · Thomas Normann Hougaard
Eurovision News | Spotlight
Video of Rachel Maddow breaking down while reporting on Musk meme is not genuine
CLAIM Footage posted to YouTube purported to show MSNBC host Rachel Maddow breaking down on air as she reported on an X post by Elon Musk in which he speculated about buying the news network…
Read more
a year ago · Maria Flannery
Eurovision News | Spotlight
Image claiming to show Hezbollah capture of IDF soldiers in Lebanon is over 6 years old from Gaza
CLAIM An image posted to X on November 24 purported to show Israeli soldiers being captured by Hezbollah in Lebanon, appearing with the caption: “More Israeli Hostages…
Read more
a year ago · Maria Flannery

Upcoming Fact-Check Reviews

  • January 30, 2025 - 11 CET

  • February 27, 2025 - 11 CET

  • March 27, 2025 - 11 CET

  • April 24, 2025 - 11 CET

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]]><![CDATA[Spotlight Review #2: Verifying the Liam Payne Hotel Video and Hurricane Milton Fakes]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/liam-payne-hotel-video-hurricane-milton-osint-review-2https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/liam-payne-hotel-video-hurricane-milton-osint-review-2Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:45:20 GMTIn the second edition of the SPOTLIGHT Fact-Check Review, members of the European Broadcasting Union join Maria Flannery and Thomas Hougaard, who break down recent fact-checks carried out and published by the Eurovision Social Newswire.

The team presented real examples from the past month, walked attendees through the fact-checking process step-by-step, and discussed the challenges faced during the fact-checks and how they were overcome.

Fact-checks in this episode

Upcoming Fact-Check Reviews

  • November 28, 2024 - 11 CET

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]]><![CDATA[Spotlight Review #1: Debunking Taylor Swift follower myths and Imane Khelif fakes]]>https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/taylor-swift-imane-khelif-fact-check-osint-review-1https://spotlight.ebu.ch/p/taylor-swift-imane-khelif-fact-check-osint-review-1Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:20:21 GMTIn the first edition of the SPOTLIGHT Fact-Check Review, members of the European Broadcasting Union join Maria Flannery and Thomas Hougaard, who break down recent fact-checks carried out and published by the Eurovision Social Newswire.

The team presented real examples from the past month, walked attendees through the fact-checking process step-by-step, and discussed the challenges faced during the fact-checks and how they were overcome.

Fact-checks in this episode

Upcoming Fact-Check Reviews

  • October 31, 2024 - 11 CET

  • November 28, 2024 - 11 CET

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