MBFC's Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 08/31/2026

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

TRUE	Claim via Social Media: A federal judge ruled certain AI-generated child sex abuse material is protected by the First Amendment. Snopes rating: True (In his decision, Judge John Z. Lee of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, referred to two U.S. Supreme Court decisions from 1969 and 2002. The first says people have the right to keep obscenity in the privacy of their homes and the second says child sex abuse material that does not depict real children is not child pornography and is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The judge also said that while he is bound by precedent, he is concerned by “the lines these cases draw.”) Judge ruled certain AI-generated child sex abuse material is protected by First Amendment. Here’s context
BLATANT LIE	Claim by Chiropractor Eric Berg: Black seed oil is “the #1 most anti-inflammatory food in the world,” and “one little teaspoon” reduces joint inflammation “better than ibuprofen.” Science Feedback rating: Unsupported (Some small studies suggest black seed oil may help with blood sugar control or certain inflammatory conditions when used alongside conventional treatment, but there is no evidence it works better than ibuprofen or can treat disease on its own.) No evidence that black seed oil is “most anti-inflammatory food in the world,” contrary to chiropractor Eric Berg’s claim Eric Berg Rating
MOSTLY TRUE	Claim via Social Media: Artificial intelligence companies are scanning millions of books, some of which are rare, and destroying them. Snopes rating: Mostly True (A review of internal documents at Anthropic, one of the most prominent artificial intelligence companies, revealed the corporation bought millions of books in bulk, with a focus on “less common” and high-quality books, to “destructively scan” them in the context of a confidential effort known as “Project Panama.” A judge ordered that these documents be unsealed in the context of a copyright lawsuit.) Are AI companies scanning and destroying millions of books, including rare titles?
FALSE	Claim by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Obesity is falling partly because people are eating more “real foods” and “good foods.” FactCheck.org rating: False (Experts said there is little evidence Americans have made major dietary improvements, and some said increased use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is a more plausible factor.) Kennedy Distorts Stat in Celebrating Obesity Drop
FALSE	(International: South Korea): South Korean leader awarded former president’s assassin national merit. AFP Fact Check rating: False Honour given to Korean War soldier, not former leader’s killer who shares same name

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.

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