Fact Check: Fake Screenshot Going Viral In The Name Of The New York Times

New Delhi (Vishvas News): A screenshot showing the front page of the New York Times newspaper is circulating on various social media platforms. Numerous users are sharing the post, believing it to be authentic. The screenshot features a cartoon accompanied by objectionable remarks in English about PM Narendra Modi, alongside mentions of the Supreme Court and SBI. Vishvas News conducted an investigation and found it to be fake. The viral screenshot claiming to be from The New York Times front page has been edited.

What’s Going Viral?

Facebook user ‘Kadir Bapu’, while posting (archive link) the viral screenshot on his account wrote in the caption, “Election Bond Par International Media The New York Times Bata Raha Hai Ki Raja — Ho Chuka Hai. Modi Ka Parivaar.” (The text of the caption has been written as it is.) Other users are also sharing this post considering it to be true.

Vishvas News Investigation:

Starting our investigation, Vishvas News first examined the viral screenshot. Two notable details caught our attention: it bore the inscription “Report by Educated Billa (@EducatedBilla)” and also displayed “Satire Edition.” These indicators led us to conclude that it was fake.

Taking the investigation further, we scrutinized the X handle of @EducatedBilla. A post containing the screenshot was traced back to March 15. The post explicitly stated that it was a piece of satire, crafted using a paintbrush tool. Vishvas News reached out to the owner of the @EducatedBilla handle regarding the viral screenshot. They confirmed their authorship of the screenshot as satire.

Furthermore, Vishvas News contacted The New York Times via email to gather additional information. We will update this fact-check news once a response is received.