The headline “Antarctica Sealed Off by US After Drone Captures Something No One Was Supposed to See” is a fictional and sensationalized claim with no basis in reality. There have been no credible news reports, official statements, or scientific announcements from the U.S. government or any international body to support this story. The claim is a recurring piece of online misinformation, often circulated on conspiracy theory websites and social media platforms.

The premise of the U.S. unilaterally “sealing off” Antarctica is also impossible under international law. Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, which was established in 1959. This treaty designates the continent as a scientific preserve and explicitly prohibits military activity, mining, and nuclear explosions. It ensures that the continent remains a demilitarized zone and promotes international cooperation for scientific research. The treaty’s provisions mean that no single country, including the United States, has the authority to claim sovereignty over any part of Antarctica, nor can they seal off the entire continent.

The story is a classic example of a hoax that combines real-world elements—like the remote, mysterious nature of Antarctica and the use of drone technology—with a fictional narrative about a forbidden discovery. In reality, scientists from dozens of countries continue to conduct research on the continent, openly sharing their findings. The “something no one was supposed to see” remains firmly in the realm of fiction, while the real discoveries being made in Antarctica, from ancient ice cores to new biological life, are far more compelling.