More Than 100 suspicious social media accounts posing as Irish users are actively targeting politicians, journalists and news outlets with negative responses in a potential ‘influence operation’ ahead of the European and local elections in June.
An analysis by The Journal of over 150 anonymous accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter, examined how the accounts engaged in attempts to influence opinions on a range of divisive topics in Ireland.
Some accounts show signs of being operated by non-Irish users, despite claiming to be Irish and posting almost exclusively about Irish political issues.
The issue does not appear to be restricted to Ireland, with similar accounts on X posting about divisive topics in other countries in the same way.
An analysis by The Journal of over 150 anonymous accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter, examined how the accounts engaged in attempts to influence opinions on a range of divisive topics in Ireland.
Some accounts show signs of being operated by non-Irish users, despite claiming to be Irish and posting almost exclusively about Irish political issues.
The issue does not appear to be restricted to Ireland, with similar accounts on X posting about divisive topics in other countries in the same way.
Although there is no way of verifying whether any of the accounts are fake, if they are part of a wider campaign or who is behind them, The Journal has been able to investigate their impact on discourse.
It comes amid concerns from TDs and government officials, as well as experts and law enforcement agencies in Europe, about the possible influence of outside groups on the June elections.
Continue reading @ The Journal.
Link not working, Anthony.
ReplyDeleteBarry - it should be sorted now.
DeleteThe first link generally works.
For some reason the second one on occasion plays up.
Thinks it is rushing at this end too much.
Always give us the heads up when you notice it.