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NEW: I’ve looked into misleading claims being shared online about what caused local lockdown in Leicester - and where will be next.
Local Facebook groups, partisan pages, lists from newspapers and the Health Secretary have fuelled rumours on social media! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/53248531
Local Facebook groups, partisan pages, lists from newspapers and the Health Secretary have fuelled rumours on social media! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/53248531
Some local councils have come out to counter rumours of imminent lockdowns online!
And @PHE_uk told the BBC: "To use this data in isolation to predict which areas will see significant increases in cases...does not provide a complete picture of what is happening locally."
And @PHE_uk told the BBC: "To use this data in isolation to predict which areas will see significant increases in cases...does not provide a complete picture of what is happening locally."
So what should you be wary of in your local Facebook group and social media feeds right now? A thread
Beware of lists 
A number of national and local news outlets have posted lists of local authorities in England experiencing a rise in coronavirus cases. These stories have been shared by residents on local forums and fuelled misleading claims about imminent lockdowns
However, these lists are often based on weekly case increases "without any wider context" according to Professor Kate Ardern.
Her comments were shared on Facebook by Wigan Council, which countered misleading claims circulating in some local groups with thousands of members
Her comments were shared on Facebook by Wigan Council, which countered misleading claims circulating in some local groups with thousands of members
Think about bias. Posts attributing local lockdown in Leicester to videos of crowds of people taking part in anti-racism protests in the city centre have been shared on Twitter and Facebook.
These have led to racist and abusive comments directed at protesters.
A number of factors could have contributed, including gatherings of people in workplaces, schools, homes and outdoors.
Misinformation is frequently shared as a way of affirming bias or criticising political opponents.
Always check the source and think about the motive!
Misinformation is frequently shared as a way of affirming bias or criticising political opponents.
Always check the source and think about the motive!
Facebook groups can be a breeding group for misinformation! While local Facebook groups are useful places for community discussion, they can be a fertile breeding ground for misinformation - especially over local concerns when a lot of people are already feeling worried.
And partisan groups supporting political causes can also be places where misleading claims confirming bias circulate.
Turn to reliable sources for news and updates - not (just) Facebook groups!
Turn to reliable sources for news and updates - not (just) Facebook groups!
As ever - with input from the brilliant anti-disinformation team @BBCRealityCheck @BBCtrending @BBCMonitoring @O_Rob1nson @Shayan86 @JackAGoodman
Have you seen misleading claims, rumours or speculation in your local WhatsApp or Facebook group?
Get in touch! DMs are open - or email me [email protected]
Get in touch! DMs are open - or email me [email protected]
