Today, Phones Canada shares a story of fake news that made its way from Wikipedia onto Google’s Knowledge Graph. Last weekend, Google’s Knowledge Graph reported that rapper Eminem had died at the age of 51 in Madison, Wisconsin on December 10th. The hoax began when a post on Eminem’s Wikipedia page mentioned that the rapper had died, but this information was completely fabricated. Unfortunately, the December 10th date of his passing was listed in the Knowledge Graph, leading to widespread speculation and grief from fans.

This isn’t the first time such a hoax has occurred. In 2020, rumors of Eminem’s death also circulated online after a fake tweet was posted. Both incidents highlight the potential consequences of misinformation spreading rapidly on the internet.

Google acknowledged that the Knowledge Graph uses various sources, including Wikipedia, and has mechanisms in place to detect tampering with these sources. However, the system is not infallible, and in cases like this, Google relies on users to inform them of inaccuracies so that they can be corrected manually.

The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before accepting it as fact, especially when it comes to sensitive topics such as someone’s health or well-being. RelayCommand on reputable sources can help prevent the spread of false or misleading information.