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Campaign via social media: Weizenbaum Institute is asking for donations of TikTok data
Germany🏛️ PoliticsCenteryesterday

Campaign via social media: Weizenbaum Institute is asking for donations of TikTok data

The Weizenbaum Institute in Berlin has launched a new data collection round for its research project 'Dein Feed, Deine Wahl' ahead of regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and the Berlin State Election in September 2026. The study invites TikTok users aged 18 and above to voluntarily share their usage data through a citizen science initiative. The goal is to analyze how TikTok’s recommendation algorithm curates political content in individual feeds and how these information spaces differ by region, age, and political orientation. The project focuses specifically on eastern Germany, excluding data collection for local elections in Lower Saxony. Researchers aim to compare findings with previous data from the 2025 federal election, where over 900 participants contributed. They emphasize that they do not assume TikTok acts as a 'decision-making machine,' but rather examine information mechanisms and potential correlations with user attitudes and voting behavior without asserting direct causality.

Sweden's Fagersta Secondary School became the scene of a violent attack on Friday, leaving several injured, according to local authorities. A man armed with a sword attacked the school, which reopened after its summer break, resulting in multiple casualties. Police confirmed that the suspect was apprehended and that the threat to the public had been neutralized. Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident at Brinellskola, a secondary school located in Fagersta, central Sweden. The attack occurred around 2 p.m. local time, approximately 1200 GMT. The school, which serves students aged 16 to 20, had just resumed operations following the summer holidays. Reports indicated that ambulances, police vehicles, and even a police helicopter were present near the school premises as emergency personnel worked to manage the situation. Healthcare officials stated that two individuals sustained serious injuries during the attack. Jonas Cederberg, the healthcare director in Vastmanland County, provided this update to the press. While the exact nature of the injuries remains undisclosed, the severity of the wounds underscores the gravity of the incident. Swedish media outlets reported that the attacker was male and that he was shot in the leg by police, though this detail has not been independently confirmed. Authorities have since secured the surrounding area, implementing lockdowns at other nearby schools and public buildings to ensure public safety. The town of Fagersta, with a population of roughly 12,000 residents, is situated approximately 170 kilometers northwest of Stockholm, the nation’s capital. The location of the attack highlights the ongoing concerns regarding security in educational institutions across the country. Political leaders have expressed their condolences and solidarity with the victims and their families. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson posted on X, stating that his thoughts were with those affected and emphasizing that the police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack. Magdalena Andersson, head of the opposition Social Democrats, described the news as “terrible” and noted the broader impact such incidents have on society, urging unity among citizens during this challenging period. This incident follows a pattern of violent acts targeting educational institutions in Sweden. In February 2025, a 35-year-old individual killed ten people at an adult education center in Orebro. Earlier, in March 2022, an 18-year-old student fatally stabbed two teachers at a high school in Malmo. These cases reflect a troubling trend of violence within academic settings, prompting renewed calls for enhanced security measures and mental health support in schools. As investigations continue, authorities remain focused on understanding the motivations behind the attack and ensuring the long-term safety of students and staff. The community in Fagersta continues to grapple with the aftermath of the incident, while national discussions on preventing future occurrences gain momentum. The focus remains on providing support to those impacted and reinforcing the resilience of the educational system.

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4 reports

Deutsche Welle (English) logoDeutsche Welle (English)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 902 days ago
Sweden: Several wounded in school sword attack

A person wielding a sword injured several individuals at a secondary school in Fagersta, Sweden, according to authorities. Police confirmed that one individual was arrested and the situation is under control. Healthcare officials stated that two people were seriously wounded. Swedish media reported the attacker was a man who was shot in the leg by police, though this detail has not been independently verified. The incident occurred at Brinellskola, a school with approximately 450 students aged 16 to 20, shortly after the start of the academic year. Emergency services, including ambulances and a police helicopter, responded to the scene, and nearby schools and public buildings were placed on lockdown. Swedish leaders expressed condolences and emphasized national unity in the wake of the attack.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a violent incident without overt ideological slant. While it mentions political figures such as the prime minister and opposition leader, their statements are presented neutrally without commentary on their political affiliations or positions. The focus ison

Why factuality (85): The article provides accurate details about the incident including location, time, and general facts such as the number of injured and the police response. However, it mentions unverified reports about the perpetrator being shot in the leg, which introduces some uncertainty.

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral tone throughout, presenting facts from various sources without apparent bias. It includes quotes from officials and avoids taking sides or using emotionally charged language.

Deutsche Welle (English) logoDeutsche Welle (English)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 802 days ago
Sweden: One killed in school sword attack

A school in Fagersta, Sweden, was attacked by an individual wielding a sword, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. Authorities confirmed the attacker, an 18-year-old man, was shot during a confrontation and arrested. Initially, police reported three injured individuals, including two severe cases, but later updated the death toll to one. The incident occurred at Brinellskola, a secondary school with approximately 450 students, shortly after the start of the academic year. Emergency services, including ambulances and a police helicopter, responded to the scene, and nearby schools and public buildings were placed under lockdown. Swedish officials, including Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and opposition leader Magdalena Andersson, expressed condolences and emphasized national unity in the wake of the attack.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report of a violent incident without overt ideological framing. While the event involves public safety and governmental response, the tone remains neutral, focusing on the facts provided by authorities rather than taking a partisan stance. The inclusion of political表态(

Why factuality (85): The article provides accurate information based on the primary source, including the number of casualties, the suspect's age, and the timeline of events. It also mentions the lockdown of other schools and the location of the school, which aligns with the primary source. There is no significant devia

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting the facts without apparent bias. It includes quotes from officials and avoids speculative language. While it mentions political reactions, it does so in a balanced manner without taking sides or injecting personal opinion.

heise online logoheise onlineIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 802 days ago
Campaign via social media: Weizenbaum Institute is asking for donations of TikTok data

The Weizenbaum Institute in Berlin has launched a new data collection round for its research project 'Dein Feed, Deine Wahl' ahead of regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and the Berlin State Election in September 2026. The study invites TikTok users aged 18 and above to voluntarily share their usage data through a citizen science initiative. The goal is to analyze how TikTok’s recommendation algorithm curates political content in individual feeds and how these information spaces differ by region, age, and political orientation. The project focuses specifically on eastern Germany, excluding data collection for local elections in Lower Saxony. Researchers aim to compare findings with previous data from the 2025 federal election, where over 900 participants contributed. They emphasize that they do not assume TikTok acts as a 'decision-making machine,' but rather examine information mechanisms and potential correlations with user attitudes and voting behavior without asserting direct causality.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the research objectives and methodology of the Weizenbaum Institute neutrally, focusing on the technical aspects of data collection and analysis. It does not take a clear ideological stance on the role of social media in politics, nor does it favor any particular political group

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the Weizenbaum-Institut's call for TikTok data donations ahead of the Landtagswahlen 2026, aligning closely with the primary source document. It mentions the project name 'Dein Feed, Deine Wahl', the voluntary and anonymized nature of participation, and references the

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, focusing on the research initiative and its goals. The article presents information without overt bias but includes a slight emphasis on regional differences between federal and state elections, which could be seen as a minor editorial tilt.

taz – die tageszeitung logotaz – die tageszeitungIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 60yesterday
Sword attack in Sweden: 17-year-old killed in school attack

An 18-year-old suspect attacked a school in Fagersta, Sweden, killing a 17-year-old girl and seriously injuring three boys. The attacker used a sword and was stopped by police within ten minutes of the emergency call. Authorities suggest he may have been radicalized through social media platforms like TikTok, where his account reportedly praised far-right extremists such as Anders Behring Breivik and Anton Lundin Pettersson. His account included hashtags linked to the 'True Crime Community,' which celebrates violent acts. The suspect had prior legal issues, including a conviction for assault and reports of family violence. Swedish politicians visited the site of the attack during the election campaign.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the incident, including the suspect’s actions, possible motivations, and political responses. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The framing remains neutral, focusing on reported evidence and official stt

Why factuality (75): The article accurately reports the main facts from the primary source document, including the age of the victim, the number of injured, and the suspect's age. However, it adds information about potential radicalization on social media, which is not explicitly mentioned in the primary source. This in

Why objectivity (60): The tone suggests a narrative about radicalization and right-wing influences, which may imply a particular interpretation of the incident. The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'neues Schock' (new shock) and focuses on the suspect’s online activity, potentially influencing reader per

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