How to verify suspicious information
A short route for checking the source, claim, media and context
1 Types of disinformation
False information
Information that is deliberately false and spread to mislead or influence public opinion.
Manipulation
Real facts are distorted by removing context, hiding key details or leading to a conclusion the source does not support.
Unintentional false information
Inaccurate information shared by someone who believes it is true. Intent may be absent, but harm is still possible.
Deepfake
Synthetic video, audio or imagery that imitates a real person’s appearance or voice.
Clickbait headline
A headline that exaggerates the content and promises more than the text delivers.
Information wave
Coordinated mass distribution of one false narrative through automated or fake accounts.
2 7 verification steps
Check the source
Where did the message come from? Check the domain, the about page, the author and whether the source is official.
Confirm with other sources
Do not rely on one source. Look for confirmation in at least two independent sources. A story published in only one place needs extra scrutiny.
Check the date
Old material is often presented as new. Confirm the publication date and the surrounding events.
Inspect photos and video
Use reverse-image search to see where an image appeared before. For video, compare keyframes and check the original context.
Compare the headline with the content
A sensational headline may not be supported by the text. Read the full item and follow its sources.
Pause before reacting
False information often leans on fear, anger or anxiety. When emotions run high, stop and check the source before sharing.
Who benefits?
Who shared the message and why? This can clarify a possible motive, but it is not evidence on its own.
3 Verification tools
4 What to do with suspicious information
Do not share it
Do not forward unverified information, even with a “just in case” warning. It still gives the claim a new audience.
Report it
Send the material to the Center’s @AntiFakeCenterBot or use the appropriate report category on the platform where you found it.
Share verified information
If you find an official correction or a well-supported check, share the link to the original source.
5 False-information warning signs
- A sensational headline is not supported by the content
- No identifiable author or editorial team
- A claim relies on an “anonymous source” or “experts say”
- Photo or video without context: where, when or by whom it was made
- The wording triggers strong fear, anger or outrage
- The information appears in only one source
- Grammar errors or unusual formatting
- A request to share immediately or “tell everyone”
- A domain imitates a known site, such as gov-kz.info instead of gov.kz
- No publication date, or the date does not fit the context
If three or more signs match, check the information carefully
6 Frequently asked questions
What is false information, and how is it different from a mistake?
False information is deliberately created or spread to mislead people. A mistake does not require that intent.
How can I check whether a message is reliable?
Check the source and publication date, find the original item and compare it with official information. Look for an author and links to verifiable facts.
Where can I report suspicious information in Kazakhstan?
Send the link and context to @AntiFakeCenterBot or through the Center’s report form. The editorial team reviews submissions and may publish a result when the evidence supports a defensible conclusion.
How does the Center for Combating Disinformation work?
Send a link, the exact claim and its context through the report form. The editorial team first checks whether the material can be verified.