MISLEADING: ‘PH News Updates’ brings factual news online

A Tiktok account under the name “PH News Updates” posts viral content featuring claims on politics and entertainment, often painted as breaking news.

CLAIM:

The account posts its content as factual news updates, frequently implying that it is from actual public officials, and presents it as sensational and relatable.

RATING: MISLEADING

CONCLUSION:

The user shares disinformation while using sensational wording and viral songs, distorting the actual meaning and depth of the news update.

THE FACTS:

• Its headlines are often written in a clickbait or exaggerated tone, partnered with viral hit songs, where, for instance, in a post on Sara Duterte, the content shared ‘Sara Duterte will not run for the 2028 presidential elections because she is scared,’ even if no verified statement confirms this.
• Its content is repeatedly framed in a controversial way, even when it is either a part of a developing story or is not yet verified.
• Its profile picture also used Philstar’s logo, fooling people into believing its posts at first glance.
• The account consistently targets the algorithm with viral content without credible or trustworthy sources, making it hard to validate claims.

THE BOTTOMLINE:

Without full context, audiences of this TikTok account are receivers of contradictory information and disinformation. Viewers are encouraged to verify claims shared by this account before believing it.