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As young people protest poor school conditions and the rising cost of living across Europe, misleading videos are spreading online. Footage from Poland in 2017, military preparations in Portugal and a protest in Argentina have all been falsely presented as recent demonstrations in Europe, painting a misleading picture of unrest. Vedika Bahl fact-checks three viral videos to uncover what they really show and how old footage is recycled to spread misinformation and attract clicks.
As young people take to the streets across Europe to protest poor school conditions and the rising cost of living, misleading videos circulating online regarding the demonstrations. Footage from Poland, Portugal and Argentina has been falsely presented as evidence of recent unrest in Europe, with some posts suggesting the continent is descending into chaos. Others may be seeking to attract clicks and engagement.
One viral video, viewed more than a million times on X, appears to show enormous crowds gathered in Poland. Social media users claimed it depicted millions of people taking part in recent protests. But the footage is nearly nine years old.
It shows Poland’s annual Independence Day march and was already circulating online in 2017. The video has repeatedly resurfaced with misleading captions over the years. It was also previously shared as footage of unrest in France and was debunked earlier this year by FRANCE 24’s fact-checking service, The Observers.
Another video has been used to spread false claims about protests in Portugal. Posts on social media claimed the country had deployed its army to suppress demonstrations, warning that Portugal was on the “brink of social explosion”. The footage shows military vehicles driving through the streets of Porto, accompanied by dramatic music.
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