A viral post isn’t a confirmation. Here’s how we check.

We look for original evidence, verify its context, and keep uncertainty visible. Popularity alone does not confirm a claim.

Start with the earliest attributable announcement, interview, or post. Several accounts repeating the same claim are not several independent sources.

Confirmed means a claim is supported by a primary source. Reported identifies attributed reporting. Rumor means the claim remains unverified. Explainer describes our own methods or guidance.

New evidence may strengthen or contradict an earlier report. We update the existing article and record material corrections, rather than quietly removing inconvenient context.

Reviewed by Starter editorial. Updated Oct 6, 2026. Dates refer to this briefing, not the original source publication.