Venezuela’s twin earthquakes in June 2026 have sparked a wave of online misinformation, with misleading videos, some decades old and others artificially generated, being circulated as evidence of the disaster’s impact. As rescue teams work tirelessly to locate survivors in the wake of the quakes, social media platforms have become battlegrounds for false narratives, blurring the lines between reality and fabrication. The most widely shared clip among these falsehoods shows a white apartment building collapsing under its own weight, sending a massive plume of dust and debris skyward. A bystander is seen running away from the scene, seemingly in terror. The video quickly went viral, with users claiming it depicted the devastation wrought by the earthquakes in Venezuela. However, investigations revealed otherwise. A reverse image search traced the footage to Turkey, where it was originally posted by local news outlets in October 2023. The video documented the controlled demolition of a damaged apartment in Kahramanmaraş, a city ravaged by a series of powerful earthquakes earlier that year. Google Street View images corroborated the findings, showing the building intact in 2022 and later confirmed as demolished in 2025. This case exemplifies how footage from unrelated events can be repurposed to mislead audiences about ongoing crises. Another deceptive clip purports to capture an explosion within the Caracas Metro triggered by the recent earthquakes. The video features passengers fleeing from a train onto the platform, with captions suggesting the tremors caused a catastrophic blast. While the footage was indeed recorded in Caracas, it dates back to September 2021. At that time, a Spanish-language outlet reported an electrical system failure at the Los Dos Caminos station. The reuse of this footage underscores how outdated material can be weaponized to create the illusion of real-time catastrophe. Artificial intelligence has further complicated the landscape, with AI-generated videos gaining traction on platforms like X. One such video, which has amassed millions of views, shows two high-rise towers swaying dramatically before toppling in a simulated collapse. The visuals are striking but scientifically implausible. The buildings exhibit unnatural flexibility, and the debris lacks the diversity of materials typically found in real-world structural failures. Vehicles and objects around the collapsed structures remain static, failing to respond dynamically to the simulated disaster. These inconsistencies highlight how AI tools can be exploited to manufacture fear and confusion during moments of crisis. Beyond recycled footage and AI-generated content, there are also instances of older Venezuelan videos being falsely attributed to the current earthquakes. One example involves a clip purportedly capturing a family sheltering during the quakes. Upon closer examination, the video was actually released in 2025, long before the June 2026 earthquakes. It was shared on social media with misleading captions, leading to widespread confusion. Similar tactics have been observed in other regions, where genuine but outdated footage is repackaged to align with current events. These incidents reflect broader patterns of visual misinformation that accompany major disasters. They include the deliberate reuse of footage from unrelated events, the manipulation of historical recordings to appear contemporary, and the deployment of AI to generate hyper-realistic yet entirely fabricated scenarios. Such practices not only distort public understanding but also hinder relief efforts by diverting attention from authentic reporting. As authorities and fact-checking organizations work to debunk these falsehoods, the challenge remains formidable. Misinformation spreads rapidly, often outpacing verification. Yet, the persistence of these tactics underscores the urgent need for greater digital literacy and robust mechanisms to combat the proliferation of harmful content during emergencies. The situation in Venezuela serves as a cautionary tale of how easily truth can be distorted in the absence of clear oversight and public education.
13 reports
France 24 (English)State / PublicCenterFactual 90Objective 9515 days agoAfter twin earthquakes hit Venezuela, social media platforms have seen a surge in misleading content, including recycled footage from past disasters and AI-generated videos. These false claims often mislead the public about the true extent of the disaster. One example is a widely shared video showing a collapsed building, which was later traced back to Turkey in 2023. Another instance involves an older video from Caracas' metro system, incorrectly attributed to the recent earthquakes. Additionally, artificial intelligence is being used to create fake videos that further confuse the situation. These tactics contribute to the spread of misinformation during a critical time when accurate information is essential.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the misinformation surrounding the Venezuelan earthquakes, focusing on the technical aspects of disinformation rather than taking a political stance. It does not favor any particular group or ideology, nor does it frame the issue in a way that suggests a sl
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 95): Factuality is very high with detailed and verified casualty figures. Objectivity is excellent as it presents the situation without bias or emotional language.
Agence France-Presse (AFP)State / PublicCenterFactual 90Objective 9519 days agoA years-old video showing a building collapse in Turkey has been incorrectly associated with potential earthquakes in Venezuela in 2026. This misinformation was identified and addressed by fact-checking efforts. The video, which originally depicted an incident in Turkey, was wrongly used to suggest a connection to future seismic activity in Venezuela. Such false associations can spread panic and misinformation, especially around natural disasters. Fact-checkers emphasize the importance of verifying sources and ensuring accurate information is shared, particularly regarding significant events like earthquakes.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a fact-check on misinformation related to a potential natural disaster, focusing on correcting false claims rather than taking a stance on political issues. It does not exhibit clear bias toward any political side but highlights the need for accuracy in reporting, which is a non
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 95): Factual accuracy is high as the article clearly states the false linking of a Turkey video to Venezuela's quakes. Objectivity is excellent as it presents the fact-checking without emotional language or bias.
Agence France-Presse (AFP)State / PublicCenterFactual 90Objective 9523 days ago Old Malaysia helicopter collision clip falsely linked to Brazil crashA video showing a helicopter collision in Malaysia has been incorrectly shared online as footage of a recent crash in Brazil. The false association was identified by fact-checking organizations, which pointed out that the Malaysian incident occurred several years ago and is unrelated to the Brazilian event. Social media users have been circulating the misleading clip, leading to confusion among the public. Authorities and experts are urging people to verify information before sharing it, especially during times of crisis.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a fact-check on misinformation related to a helicopter crash, focusing on correcting a false link between two incidents. It does not take a stance on political issues but highlights the importance of accurate information dissemination, which is relevant to public policy and the政
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 95): Fact check article clearly identifies a false link between videos, showing high factuality. Objectivity is strong as it remains neutral and informative without taking sides.
Agence France-Presse (AFP)State / PublicCenterFactual 90Objective 8519 days ago Revisions for Es falso que el proyecto de investigación HAARP causara los sismos registrados en Venezuela en 2026 | AFP FactuelThe article addresses claims that the HAARP research project caused earthquakes recorded in Venezuela in 2026. It refutes these claims, stating they are false. The HAARP project is a scientific initiative focused on ionospheric research, and there is no credible evidence linking it to seismic activity. The article emphasizes that such allegations lack scientific basis and are often based on misinformation. It highlights the importance of verifying information before spreading unproven theories.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual correction without taking a stance on the issue. It clearly states that the claim is false and provides context about the nature of the HAARP project, avoiding any biased language or framing.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): Clearly states a building damaged in Taiwan was falsely linked to Venezuela, showing strong adherence to facts. Neutral and concise without emotional language.
Agence France-Presse (AFP)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 9014 days ago Revisions for Video de un sismo en 2025 se asocia falsamente a los terremotos en Venezuela en junio de 2026 | AFP FactuelA fact-checking report by AFP Factuel addresses a video that falsely associates a seismic event in 2025 with earthquakes in Venezuela in June 2026. The video appears to incorrectly link these two separate events, likely creating misleading information about the timing or cause of the Venezuelan earthquakes. The report highlights the inaccuracies in the video's claims and clarifies the distinction between the two unrelated seismic occurrences. This type of misinformation can lead to confusion among the public regarding natural disasters and their causes.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a fact-checking report that aims to correct misinformation without taking a stance on the political implications of the seismic events. It focuses on clarifying false associations rather than promoting any particular viewpoint.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 90): Factuality is high with updated casualty figures. Objectivity is strong as it presents the data without editorializing.
Agence France-Presse (AFP)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 7519 days ago Clip of building damaged by Taiwan earthquake falsely linked to Venezuela tremorA video showing damage to a building caused by an earthquake in Taiwan was incorrectly associated with a tremor in Venezuela. This misinformation spread online, linking the destruction in Taiwan to an unrelated event in Venezuela. The error likely occurred due to the similarity in the visual impact of the earthquakes, leading to confusion among social media users. Fact-checking efforts have since clarified the situation, emphasizing the importance of verifying sources before sharing such content. The incident highlights the challenges of distinguishing between accurate information and viral misinformation during natural disasters.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a fact-check on a misleading association between two seismic events, focusing on clarifying misinformation rather than taking a stance on any political issue. It remains neutral in tone and does not favor one side over another.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): Reports revised death toll of 2,295, consistent with cross-source consensus. Presents information clearly but uses terms like 'bilan révisé' (revised tally) which may imply uncertainty.
L'ExpressIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual 85Objective 7017 days agoThe article discusses the aftermath of deadly earthquakes in Venezuela and examines the role of the United States, suggesting that Washington faces scrutiny over its responsibilities in the region. It highlights the impact of these natural disasters on Venezuelan society and raises questions about international involvement and accountability.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the U.S. as being held accountable for its actions or inactions in relation to Venezuela, which suggests a critical stance toward American foreign policy. This framing implies a left-leaning perspective by emphasizing responsibility and potential culpability of Western powers in a
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): Factuality is high as it details the ongoing suffering and criticism of authorities, consistent with cross-source reporting. Objectivity is lower due to emotional language and focus on victim frustration.
Agence France-Presse (AFP)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 7019 days ago Revisions for El video de una madre que protege a su hijo durante un sismo es de 2025 y no está ligado a Venezuela | AFP FactuelThe article by Agence France-Presse (AFP) reports that a video widely shared online, depicting a mother protecting her child during an earthquake, was created in 2025 and is not related to Venezuela. The piece is part of AFP Factuel, which focuses on fact-checking and debunking misinformation. The video had been circulating on social media, often linked to Venezuela due to its dramatic content, but the article clarifies that it is a fabricated clip with no connection to the country. The report emphasizes the importance of verifying information before sharing it, especially in the context of viral content that can spread misleading narratives.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual correction without overtly favoring any political stance. It aims to clarify a potential misinformation narrative without taking sides on broader political issues, maintaining a balanced approach.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): The article corrects a false claim that a 2025 video was linked to Venezuela, aligning with cross-source consensus. It shows awareness of misinformation but uses emotionally charged language ('falsamente') which reduces objectivity.
Agence France-Presse (AFP)State / PublicCenterFactual 80Objective 9023 days ago Revisions for Old Malaysia helicopter collision clip falsely linked to Brazil crash | AFP FactuelA video showing a helicopter collision was incorrectly associated with a recent crash in Brazil. The footage originally depicted an incident involving a Malaysian helicopter that occurred years earlier. This error has since been corrected by the source, clarifying that the two events are unrelated. The confusion likely arose due to similarities in the visual content of the crashes. The correction highlights the importance of accurate information dissemination, especially in the wake of tragic events.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a fact-checking report that corrects misinformation without taking a stance on the issue. It provides balanced information, explaining the nature of the error and its implications without favoring any side.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 90): Factuality is high as it clarifies a misinformation claim. Objectivity is strong as it presents facts without bias or emotional language.
France 24 (English)State / PublicCenterFactual 75Objective 7014 days ago Venezuela: The search for missing loved ones continues in aftermath of twin earthquakesThe article references a YouTube video from France 24 that discusses the ongoing efforts to locate missing individuals in Venezuela following a series of twin earthquakes. However, the content cannot be viewed due to technical issues related to browser extensions blocking the video player. The video is part of France 24’s coverage of disaster response in the country.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a natural disaster and humanitarian response, which is a non-political event. While Venezuela's political situation may influence disaster management, the framing of the report does not show clear ideological leaning. The emphasis is on the immediate crisis rather than any pre
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 70): Lacks detailed information, but the title accurately reflects ongoing search efforts. Minimal commentary or analysis is present.
LibérationIndependentProgressiveFactual 70Objective 6021 days agoThe article titled 'Séismes meurtriers : le Venezuela, pays de malédictions' by Libération discusses the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela, highlighting the country's ongoing struggles. The piece frames the nation as a place marked by misfortune, suggesting a pattern of natural disasters exacerbated by socio-economic challenges. While the article reports on the immediate impact of the quakes, including casualties and infrastructure damage, it does not provide detailed information on relief efforts or international responses. The tone appears critical of Venezuela's situation, potentially reflecting broader concerns about governance and disaster preparedness.
Bias read (Progressive): The article uses emotionally charged language ('pays de malédictions') which implies a negative judgment toward Venezuela's circumstances. This framing suggests a critique of the country's conditions, possibly aligning with leftist perspectives that emphasize systemic issues over individual blame.
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 60): The article uses emotionally charged language like 'pays de malédictions' and frames the earthquake as part of a broader narrative about Venezuela's troubles. While it reports on the event, it lacks neutrality and presents a biased view.
Agence France-Presse (AFP)State / PublicCenterFactual 65Objective 7021 days ago Revisions for Un video de una celebración en una playa de España se difunde como si mostrara una protesta en Albania | AFP FactuelAn AFP Factuel article highlights a case where a video of a celebration at a Spanish beach was mistakenly shared online as if it depicted a protest in Albania. The error underscores the potential for misinformation to spread rapidly, especially when visual content is misinterpreted or mislabeled. The article serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying the authenticity and context of multimedia content before sharing it widely. While the incident does not involve any direct political controversy, it raises concerns about the accuracy of information dissemination in the digital age. The focus is on the technical and informational aspects rather than any political stance.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual correction regarding a video's misrepresentation without taking a clear ideological position. It focuses on the issue of misinformation rather than promoting a specific political agenda. The framing remains neutral, emphasizing the need for verification over partisan立场
Why these scores (Factual 65 · Objective 70): The article reports on a video being misused to suggest protests in Albania when it actually shows a celebration in Spain. It highlights the misinformation but lacks detailed context on the broader implications. The tone remains neutral, though some ambiguity exists regarding the full scope of the i
Agence France-Presse (AFP)State / PublicCenterFactual 60Objective 9020 days ago Video of demolition in Turkey misrepresented as Venezuela earthquake footageAn AFP fact-check article reveals that a video showing demolition work in Turkey was incorrectly shared online as footage from a recent earthquake in Venezuela. The misleading content circulated on social media platforms, leading to confusion among viewers who believed it depicted disaster relief efforts in Venezuela. The article highlights the importance of verifying visual content before sharing, especially during times of crisis when misinformation can spread rapidly. AFP emphasizes its role in providing accurate information and debunking false narratives to prevent public misunderstanding.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual correction without overtly favoring any political stance. It focuses on the issue of misinformation and the responsibility of media outlets to verify content, which is a neutral journalistic concern rather than a politically charged narrative.
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 90): Factuality is lower due to the misinformation about the video content. Objectivity remains high as the article focuses on presenting the facts without taking sides.
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