Fact check: Viral reports about Microsoft acquiring Sony is prank
An article in English and Spanish languages was published on few websites claiming that Microsoft has acquired Sony...
By Satya Priya BN Published on 31 Dec 2020 12:30 PM IST
An article in English and Spanish languages was published on few websites claiming that Microsoft has acquired Sony with all its divisions including PlayStation.
The article claims that Microsoft has once again pulled the portfolio to close the purchase of the year. This time, the American giant has acquired Sony for a figure close to 130 billion dollars. Apparently, the main promoter of the operation was Phil Spencer to reinforce the Xbox catalog.
Therefore, Microsoft returns to the entertainment business by taking over Sony Pictures and Sony Music. In addition, it takes over the mobile phone business and its patents, and the cameras, video, and television division. However, the most interesting piece for Redmond is the PlayStation division and all its studios.
This article was first published in Spanish on `Microsfoters.com'
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Fact Check:
The claim that Microsoft has acquired Sony along with all its divisions is FALSE.
When searched for the recent news sections of Microsoft and Sony websites, we did not find anything related to acquisition or merger. If it were true, all the major mainstream media outlets would have reported this news. But nothing is found in any of the news media.
Online verification trainer and Fact checker Eoghan Sweeney tweeted about this story stating: "Microsoft acquires Sony stuff going around appears to have its origins in a story posted to a Spanish-language website. The story was posted on Dec 28, `Day of the Holy Innocents' in many Hispanic cultures - and celebrated with pranks similar to April Fools' Day."
Like April 1 which is celebrated by playing pranks on others, December 28 is celebrated as Holy Innocents' Day. Especially in Mexico, on this day it is custom to give the youngest child in the household the power to rule the day. From what to eat, where to go, and what to do, the youngest is in charge. In Mexico, it is a day for children to play practical jokes and pranks on their elders. Use #HolyInnocentsDay to post on social media.
https://nationaldaycalendar.
The article on the website Microsofters ends with Ā”Feliz DĆa de los Inocentes! This is the Spanish word for 'Happy Innocents Day'.
So this proves that the article was intended to fool people on the occasion of innocents day celebrated in few countries.
Hence, the claim that Microsoft has acquired Sony is FALSE.
