Panorama (Russian satirical website)

Panorama, also known as IA "Panorama" (ИA "Пaнopaмa"), is a Russian-language satirical website that publishes fictional news stories and satirical commentary, primarily focusing on Russian domestic politics, international relations, and social issues. The site is explicitly labeled as satirical and disclaims any intention to spread misinformation.

Panorama's content typically mimics the style and format of traditional news media, employing realistic-sounding headlines, fabricated quotes from public figures, and invented scenarios. This deliberate mimicry aims to expose the absurdity and contradictions found in real-world news and political discourse, functioning as a form of political commentary.

The website has gained notoriety for its ability to generate plausible-sounding yet entirely fabricated narratives, which are sometimes mistaken for real news by some readers and even picked up and disseminated by other media outlets. This phenomenon underscores the challenges of discerning factual information from satire in the digital age and highlights the potential for satire to be misinterpreted or weaponized.

While its operators maintain its purpose is purely satirical and educational, Panorama's content has been a subject of debate regarding its impact on public discourse and its potential contribution to the spread of misinformation, especially when taken out of context or misunderstood. The website's success in creating believable fake news has also prompted discussions about media literacy and the importance of critical thinking in online environments.