SVT Verifierar launches new tool to combat disinformation in Sweden

In an era where facts and truth are increasingly eroded by influence campaigns, disinformation, and AI-manipulated images, news organizations worldwide face unprecedented challenges. Major players like BBC, Sky News, and the New York Times have invested significant resources to ensure quality reporting in this evolving landscape.

In response, SVT News initiated its own efforts in fall 2022, forming a dedicated team to scrutinize propaganda surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Following the events of October 7, 2023, the team’s mission was expanded.

Now known as SVT Verifierar, the team has grown to tackle a wider range of issues beyond war coverage, addressing topics such as gang violence, environmental matters, and health concerns. Their approach combines advanced methodologies with traditional investigative journalism.

As part of this initiative, SVT Verifierar is doubling down on verification processes. The aim is to make verification more prominent across all SVT news platforms, encouraging audience participation in the journalistic process. Today, SVT is launching a new tool called Verifieringshjälpen, allowing users to submit images and clips they encounter online that raise questions. Users can inquire about the authenticity of a picture or the intent behind a shared video clip.

If submissions gain interest from a broader audience, SVT Verifierar commits to thorough investigations and will share its findings. The role of journalism is to counter false information and rumor-spreading, and together with its audience, SVT News is strengthening its capacity to fulfill this mission.