MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 02/03/2026

Fact Check Search

Media Bias Fact Check selects and publishes fact checks from around the world. We only utilize fact-checkers that are either a signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) or have been verified as credible by MBFC. Further, we review each fact check for accuracy before publishing. We fact-check the fact-checkers and let you know their bias. When appropriate, we explain the rating and/or offer our own rating if we disagree with the fact-checker. (D. Van Zandt)

Claim Codes: Red = Fact Check on a Right Claim, Blue = Fact Check on a Left Claim, Black = Not Political/Conspiracy/Pseudoscience/Other

Fact Checker bias rating Codes: Red = Right-Leaning, Green = Least Biased, Blue = Left-Leaning, Black = Unrated by MBFC

MOSTLY FALSE	Claim via Social Media: In January 2026, the U.S. Congress passed a bill that would allow the government to remotely shut down vehicles. Snopes.com rating: Mostly False (Congress passed legislation requiring automakers to install technology that can “prevent or limit motor vehicle operation” if it detects impaired or drunken driving. The legislation does not give the government the ability to control that technology at will. The legislation passed in 2021, and a January 2026 amendment to a budget bill that would’ve prevented it from going into effect was defeated in the U.S. House.) Congress didn’t approve ‘kill switch’ law allowing government to shut off your car remotely. Here’s context
BLATANT LIE	Claim via Social Media: Document shows Jeffrey Epstein had a bank account named “Baal” Lead Stories rating: False (One document that looks like a scanned in fax or document with bank transfer details has the words “Baal. name” in it on a line where one would typically expect to see “Bank Name”, and it is followed by “Wachovia Bank”, the name of a bank. The only “Account name” mentioned in the document is “One Clearlake Centre, LLC”.) Fact Check: NO ‘Baal’ Bank Account In Jeffrey Epstein Bank Transfer Document To JP Morgan — Likely Scanning Error
MISLEADING	Claim by FDA official Vinay Prasad: COVID-19 vaccines do not benefit third parties because they do not halt transmission. FactCheck.org rating: Misleading (Before Omicron, vaccines significantly reduced infection and transmission; current vaccines still reduce spread for a period of time. Their primary benefit remains preventing severe illness and death.) Source: Unpacking the FDA’s ‘Black Friday’ Vaccine Memo
FALSE	Claim via Social Media: Oura, the maker of the Oura ring, shares its users’ biometric data with Palantir Technologies. Snopes rating: False (Oura ring users who work in the Defense Department can choose to share their information with their employer.) Rumor that Oura ring shares health data with Palantir is an exaggeration
FALSE	(International: India): India under lockdown after Nipah outbreak. AFP Fact Check rating: False Posts leap on Nipah outbreak in India to spread false lockdown claim

Disclaimer: We are providing links to fact-checks by third-party fact-checkers. If you do not agree with a fact check, please directly contact the source of that fact check.