Techcrunch sums up what it says is “probably the biggest hoax in the history of Facebook” and is one of the most discussed stories in the blogosphere.
After Arash Derambarsh put himself forward for – and won – an election set up by a Facebook group for a worldwide president he went to the press.
The story was picked up by TV channels and newspapers, including TF1, LePoint, L’express, FranceInter, Le Parisien which all covered the story as if it was real.
“A simple user managed to generate the biggest prank in the history of Facebook and the press bought it,” writes Ouriel Ohayon. “Hilarious, ridiculous, but also worrying and sad for the French press (a big chunk of it) whose credibility has been hit hard.”
Related
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
