Media News Daily: Top Stories for 01/14/2026

IFCN Condemns U.S. Visa Bans on European Fact-Checkers

The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) has denounced the Trump administration’s decision to deny U.S. visas to European public officials and civil society leaders involved in information integrity efforts. The IFCN criticizes the action as censorship and a violation of democratic values, particularly as it targets individuals supporting regulations like the EU’s Digital Services Act. The organization warns that labeling fact-checkers as security threats mimics authoritarian tactics and undermines press freedom. IFCN plans a formal review of these policies’ impacts and is expanding legal and safety support for targeted professionals. (Read More) (Poynter Institute Rating)

BBC Seeks Dismissal of Trump’s $10 Billion Defamation Suit

The BBC intends to file a motion to dismiss President Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit related to an edited 2024 Panorama documentary. While the BBC acknowledged and apologized for the edit, it disputes that the changes amounted to defamation or caused harm. Trump’s legal complaint, the BBC argues, fails to demonstrate actual malice or justify a Florida court’s jurisdiction. A leaked internal memo critical of the edit previously led to the resignations of the BBC director general and head of news. (Read More) (Sky News Rating)

California Appeals Ruling Striking Down Deepfake Political Ad Law

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is urging the 9th Circuit Court to reinstate AB 2655, a law aimed at combating deceptive political deepfakes online. The legislation, struck down by a district judge last year, would have required large platforms to allow users to report and remove materially deceptive political content. Judge Mendez ruled the law conflicted with Section 230 protections for online platforms. Opponents like X Corp (formerly Twitter), Rumble, and Babylon Bee argue the law would suppress political speech. Bonta argues the state has the authority to enforce such requirements. A response from challengers is due by February 11. (Read More) (MediaPost Rating)