Here we go again. This time the PayPal controversy. In October 2022, PayPal introduced (and later rescinded) language about fining for spreading misinformation in their Acceptable Use Policy. In fact, they did, but the press coverage is another classic example of the fact checking inability of fact checkers.
Kim LaCapria wrote a piece for Truth of Fiction and claimed the event was “Decontextualized.” I think that means it didn’t happen, but it is good that it did. Kim did good research on the source document and even included a brief line on how it all came to a head:
“Former PayPal president David Marcus even blasted the company over the implication that it could seize customers’ money for finding their views objectionable.”
The important point here is that the former PayPal president David Marcus and PayPal itself, removing the language, were both Decontextualizing.
However, the prize goes to Erin Jones, of KHOU’s “Business Verify” section. Claims have recently risen that PayPal put the fine back into the agreement. Erin calls this claim FALSE because it has always been there. Me thinks he/she is missing the larger point.
Some of Erin’s great debunking skills are:
- Not mentioning the former president of PayPal condemning the language.
- He/she did mention PayPal issued a statement that the language “went out in error” and “included incorrect information” about misinformation. But thankfully that didn’t deter his/her “False” classification.
- He/she linked to the document that has the misinformation language:
That language is no longer in the User Policy, but that just means “it has always been there”
Keep in mind I do this on the side for fun, professional fact checkers actually get paid to fall this short!