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Shooting down a drone is not legal

National

No, it’s not legal to shoot down a drone

People online have wondered if it’s legal to shoot at mystery drones spotted over New Jersey. It’s illegal under federal law.
National

No, this viral video doesn’t show people shooting at a drone in New Jersey

A viral video appearing to show somebody shooting at a drone in New Jersey is fake. The person who created the video admitted it was a joke.
Technology

No, Tesla hasn't announced plans to create a new phone

Joe Rogan asked Elon Musk about Tesla phone rumors on his podcast. Musk denied its existence, saying creating a new phone would be a “huge pain in the [expletive].”
Business

Yes, discounted shipping partner websites like Pirate Ship and Shippo are legit

The U.S. Postal Service partners with several legitimate online shipping platforms to offer discounted rates.
Social Security

Yes, it’s safe to use Login.gov to access Social Security accounts online

VERIFY readers asked if notifications about setting up accounts with a new website to access their Social Security accounts were legitimate.
Technology

How you can protect your text messages following FBI warning of massive Chinese hack

Encryption scrambles texts into unreadable code, keeping hackers from reading them. Without it, messages in plain text are vulnerable to spying.
Technology

What we can VERIFY about Chinese cyberattack affecting some US cell carriers

The FBI issued a warning about a telecommunications breach. Our team explains how you can protect your data.
Health

No, health data from most period-tracking apps is not protected under HIPAA

HIPAA applies to covered entities, like health care providers that conduct electronic transactions — not the vast majority of apps that track periods and pregnancy.
Health

Data from period-tracking apps is not protected under HIPAA

HIPAA applies to covered entities, like health care providers that conduct electronic transactions — not the vast majority of apps that track periods and pregnancy.
Technology

Yes, racist text messages telling people to report to plantations to pick cotton are real

Racist text messages telling people to report to nearby plantations to pick cotton or become house slaves after the 2024 general election are real.
Donald Trump

No, Trump hasn’t called for a ban on video games

VERIFY readers asked if former President Trump wants to ban video games. An old video clip being shared out of context falsely implies he does.