6 Steps to Verify Whether News is True or Fake: A Guide Based on UNESCO Principles
In the age of digital media, where information spreads at the speed of a click, distinguishing between what’s true and what’s false has become more important than ever. From social media feeds to blog articles and even mainstream news outlets, misinformation and fake news have the power to influence public opinion, manipulate emotions, and, in some cases, cause real-world harm.
To combat this growing threat, UNESCO has outlined essential steps individuals can follow to verify the authenticity of the news. This blog post explores six practical and essential steps to help you become a more informed, critical, and responsible media consumer.
1. Check the Source
The first and most fundamental step in verifying whether news is true or fake is to check the source of the information. Always ask yourself: Where is this information coming from?
Legitimate news outlets typically have a well-established online presence and a history of credible reporting. If you see an article or post shared on social media, make sure the publication or website is trustworthy. Fake news is often spread through questionable blogs or imitation websites that look similar to real news outlets but are full of misleading or completely fabricated content.
Tips to verify a news source:
- Look at the URL – reputable news websites generally have clean domain names (.org, .com, .net) and do not include strange characters.
- Check the “About Us” section – does the site clearly identify its team, editorial standards, or ownership?
- Search the name of the outlet – has it been cited or criticized for spreading fake news before?
- Be cautious with satirical news – sometimes jokes or satire are mistaken for real news.
Remember, even if something looks professionally designed, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a reliable source of information.
2. Check the Date
Old news stories are often reshared or recycled on social media to give the impression of a current event. This tactic is used to stir emotion, fear, or anger based on past events, making readers believe it’s happening now. That’s why the date of the article or event is crucial in verifying its authenticity.
When you read a headline or post:
- Look at the publication date – is it current, or from months or years ago?
- Look at the timeline within the story – do the facts correspond to the date the article was supposedly published?
- Check if the same story has been recycled – sometimes fake news websites republish old stories with a new title or slightly edited content.
UNESCO emphasizes that time-stamping is an important transparency factor. By checking the date, you help put the content into the proper context, which is critical for accurate understanding.
3. Research the Writer
Not all journalists and content creators are held to the same standards of ethics and accuracy. A major part of assessing the truth of a news item is to research the author or writer. This is especially important for articles, opinion pieces, or investigative reports where the individual’s credibility plays a key role.
Questions to ask when researching the writer:
- Who is the author? Is their name mentioned clearly?
- What is their background? Do they have experience in journalism or a particular field?
- Have they written for reliable sources before?
- Can you find their professional profiles (LinkedIn, Twitter, news profiles)?
If a piece has no author name, that’s a red flag. Responsible journalism always includes transparency around the writer’s identity. If the writer is anonymous or untraceable, think twice before accepting the information as fact.
4. Verify with Other Sources
A hallmark of true information is that it can be verified through multiple reputable sources. If a story is true, chances are, other legitimate media outlets have reported on it. Fake news, on the other hand, tends to rely on isolation—spreading information that hasn’t been confirmed elsewhere.
To verify news with other sources:
- Search keywords from the article to see if it appears on other trusted platforms (e.g., BBC, Reuters, The Guardian, Al Jazeera).
- Use fact-checking websites like Snopes, PolitiFact, or AFP Fact Check.
- Cross-check quotes, events, or statistics to see if they are cited in multiple reports.
If no other reliable news source is reporting the same story, it’s likely to be fake or at least misleading. Cross-verification is one of the most powerful tools in fighting misinformation.
5. Mark Dates and Figures
Accurate reporting relies heavily on specific dates, numbers, and factual data. Misleading articles often use vague language or manipulate statistics to support a false narrative. That’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to dates, locations, figures, and names used in the news content.
Here’s how to approach this step:
- Highlight important facts and figures in the story.
- Double-check those numbers against official sources – government websites, official reports, and reputable databases.
- Watch out for manipulated data – sometimes statistics are taken out of context to promote a biased view.
- Pay attention to names and titles – are the individuals mentioned real? Are quotes attributed correctly?
For example, if a news piece claims “300,000 people attended a protest,” ask: According to whom? Is there evidence, footage, or confirmation from police or neutral observers? If the source of the numbers isn’t clear, treat the information with caution.
6. Analyze Meaning and Intent
Beyond checking facts, it’s equally important to evaluate the intent and meaning behind the message. Not all misinformation is entirely false – sometimes, it’s the way the story is framed that makes it deceptive. This step involves analyzing the tone, language, emotional appeal, and potential bias in the article.
Ask yourself:
- Is the article trying to make you angry, fearful, or outraged?
- Is the language sensationalized or overly dramatic?
- Does the story present both sides or only a one-sided viewpoint?
- Who benefits from this message being spread?
UNESCO advises that understanding intent helps audiences develop media literacy. News that is designed to manipulate emotions, create division, or influence political behavior should be questioned, even if it includes some factual elements. For instance, a photo might be real but used out of context to create a misleading narrative.
One way to practice this is to compare different news outlets reporting on the same issue. Look at how the headlines, images, and quotes differ. You’ll often spot the subtle ways that intent shapes how a story is told.
Final Thoughts: Think Before You Share
Misinformation can travel faster than the truth. Every time we share an unverified article or a sensational post, we risk contributing to the growing problem of fake news. But by applying these six steps—checking the source, date, author, cross-verifying, confirming data, and analyzing intent—you can become a digital defender of truth.
The internet has democratized information, but it has also opened the floodgates to manipulation and propaganda. That’s why UNESCO and other organizations continue to advocate for media literacy education worldwide. The goal is not just to stop fake news but to empower people with the skills to think critically and independently.
As you scroll through your feed today, take a few seconds to ask the right questions. Truth is not always easy to find, but with the right tools, it’s always worth the effort.
Have you ever encountered a piece of fake news that fooled you at first? What tools or methods do you use to verify information online? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your tips on spotting fake news!