Fake Accounts Using Stolen Images to Push Pro-Trump Content

Fake accounts on platform X are using stolen images of European influencers to pose as pro-Trump American women, spreading political disinformation and conspiracy theories ahead of the US election.

Role of Social Media in UK Race Riots

NPR's Scott Simon speaks to Dr. Marc Owen-Jones, a disinformation researcher, about the role of social media during race riots in the UK.

Iranian Government Hackers Targeting U.S. Officials During Presidential Campaign

Microsoft cybersecurity researchers report Iranian government hackers attacking U.S. officials during the American presidential campaign. Russia still involved in foreign influence, but Iran's operations have surged recently. Iran using cyberattacks more focused on election conduct than swaying voters. Both Iran and Russia experimenting with AI in influence campaigns. Iran creating fake news websites using AI. Russian disinformation operation shows Ukrainian soldiers burning Donald Trump in effigy. Iran mixing brute-force cyberattacks with influence operations. Iran's IRGC linked hacking group targeting U.S. government organizations in swing states.

Crackdown on Social Media in the UK

The British government is cracking down on social media due to disinformation causing civil unrest. A woman was arrested for an inaccurate social media post. A government spy team monitoring for disinformation has been revived. There is tension between the government and social media companies, particularly Elon Musk's Twitter. Critics are concerned about Orwellian implications.

Foreign Influence Campaigns in U.S. Election

Iran, along with Russia and China, is increasing efforts to influence American public opinion before the presidential election through fake news websites and cyberattacks. The Iranian operation targets voters on both the left and right, while Russia produces propaganda videos in support of Trump and Chinese actors spread propaganda through videos and online accounts. Microsoft researchers noted the potential for cyberattacks and increased efforts to divide Americans with propaganda and disinformation leading up to the election.

Failures of Social Media Companies in Controlling Hate and Disinformation

Social media companies have failed to stop the spread of hate and disinformation, leading to dangerous consequences like riots and misinformation. Traditional media is heavily regulated and held accountable for their content, unlike social media platforms.

Far-right Protests in the UK

Far-right protests and clashes with police erupt in the UK following disinformation about a mass stabbing. Violent incidents across England have led to arrests and heightened tensions within the Muslim community. Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a significant challenge in maintaining law and order.

Russian-linked Fake News Outlet and Disinformation

An obscure, Russian-linked fake news outlet falsely named a non-existent person as the suspect in a tragic incident, leading to riots. The outlet is part of a complex web of disinformation operations linked to Russia and uses clickbait tactics to spread conspiracy theories. It has a history of repurposing content and attempting to appear as a legitimate news outlet.

Stacey Abrams vs. CNN Host on Election Doubts

Stacey Abrams accuses CNN host of spreading disinformation about her doubts on 2018 election loss to Gov. Kemp. She clarifies that she never claimed to be the governor of Georgia, but criticized the flawed election process.

Russian Disinformation Effort

The US government disrupted a Russian disinformation effort that used AI-powered bots to create fake social media profiles, funded by a Russian intelligence officer. The bot farm aimed to spread foreign disinformation to influence geopolitical narratives favorable to Russia.

Russian Propaganda Campaign with AI

The U.S. Department of Justice disrupted a Russian propaganda campaign using AI-powered fake social media accounts from RT to spread disinformation in the U.S. and other countries. The bot farm aimed to support Russia's war in Ukraine and other pro-Kremlin narratives.

Russia-based Disinformation Operation Targeting US Election

A network of Russia-based websites is spreading fake stories targeting the US election using AI-powered operations. The operation aims to influence American voters and sow distrust ahead of the election by creating false narratives and spreading disinformation. The operation involves generating thousands of news articles using AI, attributed to fake journalists, and posting them on American-sounding websites. The network has expanded to include stories about UK politics and the Paris Olympics, with the goal of spreading false narratives globally.

White House Response to 'Cheap Fake' Biden Videos

Fox News reports on White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre labeling videos of President Biden as 'cheap fakes' amidst claims of mental decline. The article criticizes the administration for dismissing legitimate videos as disinformation.

Ticketmaster Promoting Tucker Carlson's Speaking Tour

Ticketmaster is facing criticism for promoting Tucker Carlson's speaking tour, which includes right-wing extremists, spreading dangerous rhetoric and conspiracy theories. Carlson has a history of promoting disinformation, lies about Covid-19 vaccines, election fraud, and racist ideas.

Impact of Female Personas in Online Scams and Disinformation

Research shows that online scammers, propaganda agencies, and AI chatbots are more successful when pretending to be female due to gender stereotypes. Female profiles receive more engagement and influence, reflecting society's perception of women as warm and agreeable. However, this trend also leads to sexual harassment and threats towards 'female' chatbots. The use of female personas in technology raises concerns about reinforcing sexist stereotypes.

Defense of Dr. Fauci Against Partisan Attacks

Representative Jamie Raskin defends Dr. Fauci against claims of being a partisan actor and states that he is a scientist, not a political figure. Raskin highlights the attacks on Fauci during a Congressional hearing and emphasizes the importance of standing up against disinformation.

Russian Propaganda in Global Elections

Russia has ramped up its propaganda efforts in a busy election year, targeting American voters, European elections, and the Paris Olympics. They use tactics such as deepfake videos, fake news sites, social media manipulation, and artificial intelligence to spread misinformation and undermine democratic institutions.

Russian Disinformation and Cyberattacks Targeting Paris Olympics

Two reports warn of Russian disinformation and possible cyberattacks targeting the Paris Olympics just before the summer games start.

Threats and Violence Following Donald Trump's Guilty Verdicts

After former President Donald Trump's 34 felony guilty verdicts, there has been a surge of violent rhetoric targeting the prosecutors, judge, and jurors involved in the case, reminiscent of threats seen before the Capitol attack. Trump and his supporters are spreading disinformation and inciting violence against those involved in the legal proceedings.

U.S. Aid to Moldova and Geopolitical Concerns in Eastern Europe

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledges $135 million in aid to Moldova for energy security and to counter Russian disinformation. Moldova, with U.S. support, has diversified its energy sources to reduce dependence on Russia. Blinken's visit comes amid concerns of renewed threats from Russia towards Moldova and Georgia.

Former Florida Deputy Sheriff Operating Disinformation Network from Russia

John Mark Dougan, a former deputy sheriff in Florida, is now operating a network of fake news websites from Russia as part of disinformation campaigns against the West. He has a troubled past in the U.S., facing accusations of misconduct and lawsuits. His activities involve fabricating news stories and spreading false narratives to millions of people globally.

AI-generated Misinformation and Deepfakes in Politics

Arizona's Secretary of State Adrian Fontes warns voters about AI-generated deepfakes and fabricated political content ahead of the 2024 election by using a deepfake of himself to demonstrate the threat of misinformation amplified by AI.

Cybersecurity at the 2024 Summer Olympics

The article discusses the increased focus on cybersecurity threats at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and how artificial intelligence is being used to counter disinformation campaigns. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is embracing AI to protect athletes from online harassment and improve the viewing experience for fans. Blackbird.AI's Constellation platform helps identify and analyze harmful narratives online.

Nellie Bowles' experience with cancel culture and disinformation at The New York Times

Nellie Bowles discusses her experience with cancel culture and disinformation experts at The New York Times in her new book 'Morning After the Revolution.' She criticizes the shift from journalism to activism and the bias against conservatives within the paper.

Discussion on AI Technology Between U.S. and China

The Big Weekend Show analyzes possibilities of artificial intelligence influencing voters. Top envoys from the U.S. and China discuss AI technology in closed-door talks. Both sides aim to understand risks of AI becoming weaponized or abused, focusing on deepfakes and disinformation campaigns.

Conservative mockery of NBC News reporter Ben Collins

Conservatives mock NBC News reporter Ben Collins for transitioning to CEO of satirical news website The Onion and embracing disinformation. Collins criticizes Elon Musk and Twitter for promoting lies and conspiracy theories. Despite his left-wing leanings, Collins returns to Twitter to promote The Onion.

Russian Propaganda in America

Russia is exploiting America's debate over Israel's offensive in Gaza by spreading propaganda to aggravate political tensions in the U.S. and tarnish Washington's global image. The propaganda includes fake social media accounts and state media, aiming to undermine the West and divert attention from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Threat of AI-Powered Disinformation to National Security

In 1983, Russian Lt. Col. Stanislav Petrov prevented a nuclear war by refusing to report false information about a U.S. nuclear strike. Today, advancements in AI have made it harder to detect disinformation, posing a threat to national security. AI-driven fake information can lead to nuclear confrontations and other security risks. Strategies to prevent AI-powered disinformation are crucial for protecting democracy, economy, and national security.

AI-driven Disinformation and National Security

AI-driven disinformation poses a significant threat to national security, including the risk of nuclear conflict based on fake intelligence. Recent advancements in AI technology have made it increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and fake information, creating challenges for decision-makers in crisis situations.

Meta Platforms' Facebook and Instagram under investigation for failing to counter disinformation

Brussels to probe Meta Platforms' Facebook and Instagram for failing to counter disinformation, concerns over political advertising undermining electoral process, European Commission expected to make statement soon

Crisis of Faith in Democracies

A survey by the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance shows that voters in many countries are losing faith in their democracies and institutions, with only 11 out of 19 countries surveyed believing the most recent election was free and fair. The report highlights concerns about governance, access to justice, and the rise of disinformation.

Brazil's Supreme Court vs. Elon Musk

Brazil's Supreme Court is taking a strong stance against online disinformation, leading to a clash with Elon Musk. The court's actions have sparked a global debate on democracy and its role in fighting fake news.

Public Opinion on Political Violence in the U.S.

One in 5 U.S. adults believe violence may be necessary to address domestic political divisions, with Republicans more likely to support this idea. Experts warn against this dangerous mindset and emphasize the importance of countering disinformation and authoritarian tactics.

Far-right German MPs questioned over alleged pro-Russian links

The far-right Alternative für Deutschland party plans to question two of its MPs about alleged links to a pro-Russian disinformation network in Europe. The MPs deny involvement.

Disinformation Campaigns Surrounding the Princess of Wales

China, Russia, and Iran are believed to be fueling disinformation about the Princess of Wales to destabilize the nation, leading to concerns about hostile state actors spreading wild conspiracy theories and online rumors. The UK government is taking steps to address the spread of disinformation and conspiracy theories online.

Media Bias and Disinformation

Jonathan Weisman of the New York Times spread disinformation about Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno being white when he is actually Colombian. The article also discusses media bias against Trump and potential fake news flood if he does well in the polls.

Impact of AI-generated Deepfakes on Global Elections

AI-generated deepfakes are being used to undermine elections globally, becoming more sophisticated and accessible. Governments and organizations are struggling to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation through AI technology.

Royal Photo Controversy

A manipulated image of Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales sparked internet rumors and conspiracy theories, revealing the fragility of the digital landscape. Kate admitted to editing the photo, leading to further speculation. The incident highlights the need for transparency and honesty in the age of disinformation.

Impact of Misinformation in Media on Political Processes

Biden Campaign Co-Chair Rep. James Clyburn expressed concern about the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation in the media, highlighting challenges in setting the record straight and ensuring accurate reporting on Joe Biden's achievements.

Texas Billionaire John Arnold Joins Meta Board, Raises Concerns About Censorship

Texas billionaire John Arnold joined the board of Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, raising concerns about censorship of 'misinformation' and impact on free speech rights. Arnold Ventures has donated millions to organizations dedicated to combatting alleged disinformation, including leftist news outlets and projects promoting censorship.

Impact of Free Speech on Disinformation Campaigns

MSNBC legal analyst Barbara McQuade discusses how America's commitment to free speech makes it uniquely vulnerable to disinformation campaigns, promoting her book 'Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America.'

Accusations Against Axios for Spreading Disinformation

Axios is accused of spreading disinformation about the demographic profile of former President Trump's supporters, with claims of lies and conspiracy theories. The article criticizes Axios for alleged bias and inaccuracies in reporting.

Russian Disinformation Campaigns Targeting U.S. Elections

Russia is spreading disinformation to damage President Joe Biden and Democrats in advance of the 2024 election, using online accounts and bots. Experts are concerned about interference through deepfake audio or video and hack and leak tactics. Russia's disinformation campaigns exploit divisions in American society, with potential threats to the 2024 election including hyper-personalized attacks. While software can detect deepfakes, it is often inaccurate. The Kremlin's tactics include spamming false emails and cyberattacks. U.S. officials emphasize that the biggest threat comes from within America's polarized society.

Border Security Legislation

Sen. John Fetterman suggests Democrats consider bringing H.R. 2 onto the table to challenge Republicans on border security.