Following the 2024 Brandenburg state election, a chain letter circulated on social media alleging election fraud in Prignitz, specifically targeting votes for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The letter claims significant irregularities, including the disposal of votes in trash bags. However, investigations by the Landeswahlleitung and local authorities found no evidence of such fraud, and the claims are deemed implausible. The article highlights the importance of critically assessing such allegations, which may be part of right-wing or pro-Russian disinformation campaigns, and encourages reliance on verified sources and fact-checks.

In September 2024, German media reported on a supposed 'can ban' in the EU, which was misinterpreted on social media as a ban on all cans. The actual regulation targets Bisphenol A, a chemical used in can linings, due to its potential harmful effects on the immune system. The EU member states voted for this ban in June 2024, allowing manufacturers a transition period to develop alternatives. Limited exceptions apply if no safe alternatives exist. The proposal awaits approval from the European Parliament and the Council. Correctiv clarifies that the misleading headline originated from a blog and emphasizes the factual basis of the regulation.

The article examines discrepancies between initial TV reports and official figures from the Brandenburg state election authority during the 2024 state election. It highlights that early media reports were based on projections and exit polls, while the official website showed interim results that evolved as more votes were counted. The AfD initially appeared to lead in early counts, but the SPD emerged as the strongest party after all votes were tallied. The article clarifies that differences in reporting were due to the timing of vote counts from different districts and the inclusion of absentee ballots, not manipulation. It also notes that AfD voters tend to vote in person rather than by mail, influenced by the party's skepticism towards mail-in voting.

In September 2024, false reports circulated on social media about a white van allegedly involved in child abductions in Esch, Germany. The reports, which included a photo of the van with North Macedonian license plates, were debunked by police authorities in Cologne, Trier, and Wittlich, who confirmed no such incidents occurred. The police urged the public to verify information before sharing it on social media, highlighting the recurring nature of such urban legends involving foreign vehicles. The article emphasizes the importance of consulting police for verification and investigation of such claims.

The article addresses the misinformation circulating on social media regarding the Solingen attack and the alleged involvement of local politicians in a smuggling affair in North Rhine-Westphalia. It clarifies that the investigation, named 'Investor,' targets a smuggling ring accused of illegally bringing wealthy individuals from China and Oman into Germany. The article emphasizes that there is no evidence linking Syrian nationals to the smuggling activities. Solingen's Mayor Tim Kurzbach denies any involvement, and the investigation involves over 30 suspected gang members and 140 individuals allegedly smuggled into Germany. The article highlights the importance of context in media reports and the ongoing cooperation with the authorities.

Following the attack in Solingen, a video circulated online falsely claiming to show the suspect. The video, featuring a man dancing with a knife, was shared widely but was unrelated to the incident. The actual suspect, Issa al H., was apprehended later. The video was traced back to an older YouTube video by Abdul K., unrelated to the attack. The article highlights the spread of misinformation on social media following such events.

The US Department of Justice has seized 32 websites linked to a Russian disinformation campaign known as Doppelgänger, which targeted Germany with propaganda. The campaign, active for over two years, used fake websites mimicking Western media to influence public opinion in favor of pro-Russian policies and against Ukraine. Internal documents reveal the campaign's strategies, including supporting the AfD party and exploiting ethnic and political tensions in Germany. Despite evidence, German authorities have been criticized for inaction. The campaign's digital infrastructure involved both Russian and European IT firms.

In the UK, claims circulated on social media in August 2024 about flyers allegedly distributed by Muslims demanding a public dog ban. These claims, shared over 25,000 times, were debunked as misinformation. The flyers, reportedly found in Manchester and Salford, were linked to a 2016 hoax by a non-existent group 'For Public Purity'. The Manchester City Council confirmed the flyers as false, and the story was spread by websites with pro-Trump or anti-Muslim biases. The misinformation aimed to divide communities, with no evidence of genuine Muslim involvement.

An image circulating on social media, purportedly showing a mass grave for dogs in Turkey, was determined to be AI-generated. The image was shared in the context of a controversial Turkish law easing the killing of stray dogs, which has been criticized by animal rights groups. Experts and AI detection tools confirmed the image's artificial nature, noting inconsistencies and digital artifacts. The incident has sparked discussions and investigations in Turkey, with local authorities denying the mass killing allegations and describing the site as an animal cemetery.

A Facebook page is falsely advertising a playhouse giveaway to lure users into sharing, commenting, and following the page. This is identified as a scam, similar to previous fraudulent giveaways involving e-bikes and tiny houses. The page, named 'Fantastische Produkte,' lacks transparency and legal compliance, such as providing an imprint and clear terms of participation. The article highlights the legal requirements for legitimate giveaways and warns users to be cautious of newly created pages with minimal content. The consumer protection agency of North Rhine-Westphalia and fact-checking organizations like CORRECTIV and Mimikama have reported on these deceptive practices.