FactCheckNI is Northern Ireland’s first and only dedicated not for profit fact checking and training service. Accuracy matters.

Joined March 2015
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In a world full of noise, clarity matters more than ever. From the economy to public health, the information we trust shapes the decisions we make every day. Before you share, react, or believe it; ask: what are your views based on? #FactCheckNI #MediaLiteracy #FactChecking #NorthernIreland
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We examined a claim by DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley that people of Somali descent are more likely to commit crimes than other immigrant groups in the UK. Our analysis found that the available data does not provide a reliable basis for making that comparison. Read the full fact check ⬇️ factcheckni.org/articles/imm… #factcheck #northernireland #belfast
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The scenes in Belfast over the last 24 hours have been shocking. A serious violent crime deserves a serious response through the justice system. But targeting entire communities because of the actions of one individual is not justice. At a time when emotions are running high, facts matter. Our explainer is worth reading. It highlights that the vast majority of people who migrate to the UK do so legally, and that many come to work, study, join family, or seek protection. It also challenges common misconceptions about what migrants are entitled to. We can be concerned about public safety, expect accountability when crimes are committed, and still reject racism and collective blame. Northern Ireland knows better than most where division, fear and scapegoating can lead. Let’s not repeat those mistakes. #Belfast #NorthernIreland
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In the hours after a major incident, information travels fast. Unfortunately, rumours, speculation and misinformation often travel even faster. Following the recent stabbing in Belfast, police and community leaders have urged people not to share graphic footage, unverified claims or rumours that could cause further harm to families, communities and ongoing investigations. Bad information doesn’t just create confusion. It can fuel fear, division, stereotyping and hostility. Before you share: ✔️ Where is this information from? ✔️ What evidence supports it? ✔️ What context might be missing? ✔️ Am I responding to facts or reacting to emotion? A few seconds spent checking can prevent real-world harm. Let’s choose facts over rumours and responsibility over reaction. #FactCheckNI #NorthernIreland
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🚨 FACT CHECK 🚨 A WhatsApp message claiming a woman in Limavady lost consciousness after being handed a business card by a group of foreign nationals is circulating online. We found no evidence the incident occurred. Similar rumours have appeared around the world for years and have repeatedly been debunked. Read more: factcheckni.org #FactCheckNI #Misinformation #ThinkBeforeYouShare
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🚧 Was the redevelopment of the A5 stopped by the Climate Change Act? The claim has been widely repeated in political debate, but what do the facts say? Our latest fact check examines the court ruling, the Climate Change Act, and the wider reasons behind delays to one of Northern Ireland’s most significant infrastructure projects. Read more 👇 factcheckni.org/articles/pol… #FactCheckNI #A5 #ClimateChange #FactCheck
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Northern Ireland’s renewable energy story is more complicated than “we stalled after 2016.” Our latest prebunk breaks down what the data really shows about wind power growth, why the 80% by 2030 target matters, and how misleading claims can shape the debate. Read more: factcheckni.org/articles/gre… #GreenEnergy #Renewables #NorthernIreland #ClimateFacts #FactCheckNI
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🚑 “Less than 20% hit target response times” true or misleading? 👉 Verdict: It’s complicated The figure reflects real data, but context matters. How targets are defined, which cases are included and how the stats are framed can change the story. 🔎 Full fact check: factcheckni.org/articles/hea…
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📊 What’s really happening to Northern Ireland’s population? Our FactCheckNI analysis shows a clear shift; not sudden decline, but long-term ageing: 👶 In the 1970s, there were nearly 3× as many under-10s as over-70s. Today, over-70s outnumber young children. 📉 Under-10s ↓ ~27% since 1971; even as the total population ↑ ~25% 🎂 Median age has risen from 32 to 40 👨‍👩‍👧 Children now make up 20% (down from 24%) 👵 65 now 18% (up from 13%) 🌍 And this isn’t unique. Similar trends are seen across the UK, Ireland and other developed economies. 👉 Get the full picture: factcheckni.org/articles/dem…
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Are beef cattle numbers in NI at a 55 year low? 🤔 Our latest fact check digs into the data behind the claim 👇 factcheckni.org/articles/far…
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Around 3% of adults in Northern Ireland are classed as problem gamblers. But what does that actually mean; and how is it measured? Our latest fact-check breaks it down 👇 🔗 factcheckni.org/articles/gam…
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⚠️ 40% of women in NI wrongly believe smear tests check for ovarian cancer; but they don’t. Understanding the difference could save lives. Get the facts ⬇️ factcheckni.org/articles/hea…
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So much is said about immigration in the UK, but how much of it is accurate? FactCheckNI has put together a clear explainer that cuts through the noise and sets out the facts Let’s elevate the conversation with accurate evidence and insights - not myths and fears. 🔗Read now: factcheckni.org/articles/exp…#FactCheckNI #MigrationFacts
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Behind every statistic is a real human impact. What does the £3.4bn cost of mental ill health in Northern Ireland really represent? FactCheckNI explains 👇 factcheckni.org/articles/men…
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