Dear Friend,

In the newsletter this week

But first...

Bad information ruins lives; it’s not just a slogan but something we see day in and day out.

That's why it was surprising that Google recently cut funding to Full Fact, leaving us with a significant financial hole to fill.

Some news

This has had a very personal impact over the last month, with the organisation having to let some colleagues, including myself, go.

It might seem odd that I wanted to write this email, but it is because I believe passionately in what Full Fact does and want to leave it in the strongest possible position.

One final favour

I think Google’s decision is influenced by the perceived need to please the current US administration, feeding the harmful new narrative that attacks fact checking and all it stands for. Fact checking has never seen a threat like this.

I’ve got to know many readers over the last two years of writing the newsletter, and if I could ask one final favour of you, it is to take this moment to donate to Full Fact via The Big Give.

Donate £20

Don’t forget, during The Big Give Christmas Challenge it will be doubled to £40 at no extra cost to you, helping keep Full Fact independent, impartial, and secure.

Departing thoughts

The newsletter has been a real labour of love from a team of talented individuals. It’s been an immense source of pride to receive feedback from readers who trust us to give them the facts each week.

I see Full Fact as a lighthouse in a sea of misinformation. At a time when what you see isn’t always what it seems, having good, reliable information isn’t just important, it’s necessary.

So, from those of us who are going and those of us who are staying, thank you for your support. As generative AI models make it easier than ever to spread lies, half-truths and falsehoods, Full Fact will continue to fight back and give people access to information they can trust.

Best wishes,

Craig, Audience Engagement Manager
Full Fact

More fact checks from this week ↓

Has the chancellor kept Labour’s manifesto commitments on tax?

By: Hannah Smith

Last Wednesday, the government confirmed in the Budget that it will extend the freeze on income tax and National Insurance contribution (NIC) thresholds for an additional three years.

The move has led many to accuse Labour of breaking its manifesto pledges.

Read our analysis →

More UK Politics:

At PMQs yesterday, Conservative MP George Freeman said he had been the target of a deepfake video, we've written about this before. The video falsely announced he was defecting to Reform UK.

Are asylum seekers given Freedom Passes for free travel in London?

By: Joshua Salisbury

Viral claims on social media say that asylum seekers are getting Freedom Passes for “cost-free travel across London”.

There is no special provision for asylum seekers.

However, they can apply for a Freedom Pass if they meet the age and disability criteria - the same criteria that apply to all London residents.

Read the fact check →

Image of the Obamas has been edited to promote false claims about Michelle’s gender

By: Nasim Asl

An edited image of Barack and Michelle Obama is being shared on Facebook alongside a false claim that it shows the former US president alongside “Michael before he transitioned”.

This claim is false. Mrs Obama’s face has been altered and her hair changed.

Read the fact check →