From exported lies to verified truths: the transnational dynamics of misinformation and fact-checking in platformized public spheres

Abstract

This study examines the role of fact-checkers in fostering transnational public discourse by analyzing 3,151 fact-checks from 2022 across countries in Europe and Latin America: Germany, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Venezuela. Integrating public sphere theory with mis-disinformation research, it investigates the scope of verifications (transnational attentiveness), thematic convergence, transnational interconnectedness, and platform scrutiny. While 47% of fact‑checks address domestic issues, 53% engage with cross‑border content, underscoring fact‑checkers’ global responsiveness. Shared topics—including vaccines, the Russia–Ukraine war, COVID-19, and defamation of international figures—indicate emerging transnational verification agendas. Nonetheless, mutual observation remains limited and shaped by proximity, ­diaspora ties, and historical relationships. Fact-checkers focus mainly on mainstream platforms like Facebook and X, while under-monitoring video- and image-based platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. The results highlight the need for coordinated, multi-stakeholder strategies to address the global spread of misinformation, with fact-checkers playing a vital—though partial—role.