'Immediate red flags': questions raised over 'expert' much quoted in UK press
a year ago
- #verification
- #AI
- #journalism
- Barbara Santini, an Oxford-educated psychologist, has been widely quoted as an expert in various topics.
- Concerns have been raised about her qualifications and identity, leading to the removal of her comments from major news outlets.
- Santini's main online presence is as a sex and relationships adviser at an online sex toy outlet, Peaches and Screams.
- The British Psychological Society (BPS) confirmed she is not a member, and her social media presence is minimal.
- Questions about Santini were first raised by the Press Gazette, and attempts to verify her identity were unsuccessful.
- Some reporters received her comments through companies connecting journalists with experts, leading to investigations by these platforms.
- Santini's profiles on expert-journalist platforms like Qwoted were removed due to red flags about her credentials.
- Several news outlets, including Reach and the BBC, have removed articles featuring her comments.
- The case highlights the challenges journalists face in verifying sources in the AI age.
- Experts like Charlie Beckett and Roman Raczka emphasize the need for better verification processes and professional membership checks.