The American Sunlight Project (ASP) has exposed a network of nearly 1,200 accounts on X that have been spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda, content favoring Donald Trump, and false information about Kamala Harris. The study, which was shared exclusively with AFP, found that some of these accounts have been active on the platform for over 15 years, signaling potential bot activity. Despite criticism and calls from ASP's co-founder and former Department of Homeland Security disinformation chief Nina Jankowicz, X has yet to take down the network. This has raised concerns about the platform's ability to prevent manipulation and spam as the US presidential election draws near, especially given Tesla CEO Elon Musk's endorsement of Trump and his own history of amplifying political falsehoods on X.
Pro-Russian and Pro-Trump Propaganda Network on Twitter Raises Concerns
Google has reported that the American Sunlight Project (ASP) has uncovered a network of approximately 1,200 accounts on Twitter that have been disseminating pro-Kremlin propaganda, promoting Donald Trump, and spreading false information about Kamala Harris.
Background
The ASP is a research and advocacy organization that focuses on government transparency and accountability. In recent years, it has increasingly focused on the role of social media in spreading misinformation and disinformation.
The Study
The ASP's study, which was shared exclusively with AFP, analyzed nearly 1,200 Twitter accounts. The researchers found that:
Concerns
The ASP's findings have raised concerns about Twitter's ability to prevent manipulation and spam, especially given the upcoming US presidential election. The study also comes amid Tesla CEO Elon Musk's endorsement of Trump and his own history of amplifying political falsehoods on Twitter.
Top 5 FAQs
Q: What is the American Sunlight Project? A: The American Sunlight Project is a non-profit organization that promotes government transparency and accountability.
Q: What did the ASP study find? A: The ASP study found a network of nearly 1,200 Twitter accounts that have been spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda, promoting Donald Trump, and spreading false information about Kamala Harris.
Q: Why is this concerning? A: This is concerning because it raises concerns about Twitter's ability to prevent manipulation and spam, especially given the upcoming US presidential election.
Q: What has Twitter done in response? A: Twitter has yet to take down the network, despite concerns raised by the ASP and others.
Q: What can be done to address this problem? A: Experts recommend that Twitter take steps to identify and remove bots, increase transparency about political advertising, and work with researchers to combat misinformation and disinformation.
The main and X accounts of renowned news agency Reuters have been blocked in India on social media platform X, as users discovered and reported on Saturday. The reason for this block is yet to be officially announced, but it appears to be a result of a legal demand or local laws. Despite the main handle being inaccessible, affiliated handles of Reuters remain accessible. It's unclear whether the block is temporary or permanent and if it's linked to a specific report or legal order against the platform. Stay informed with our latest blogs.
Amidst the ongoing controversy over the assault of a shopkeeper by MNS workers, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde caused a stir with his concluding speech at an event in Pune, where he raised the slogans "Jai Gujarat" and "Jai Maharashtra". While the opposition accused Shinde of being "greedy for power", CM Devendra Fadnavis defended him, stating that it was a customary practice to hail the state where an event is being held. The incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate on Marathi language and pride, ahead of the civic elections in Maharashtra.
At a recent political event, Indian Union minister Amit Shah addressed the crowd in Gujarati language, highlighting the importance of connecting with regional languages in India. Maharashtra politician Eknath Shinde also addressed the gathering, exclaiming "Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat." The event served as a platform for politicians to express their opinions and connect with their audiences in regional languages, showcasing the diverse cultural and linguistic landscape of the country.
In an effort to prevent the division of secular votes and counter communal forces, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has expressed its willingness to join the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. The party's letter to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav highlights their intention and also mentions previous failed attempts. The party has also conveyed this to other senior leaders of RJD, including Tejashwi Yadav, with the hope to “contest the Bihar assembly elections together."
On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of revered Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the inaugural ceremony of the year-long centenary celebrations. In his speech, PM Modi highlighted the eternal nature of Indian civilization and praised Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj as a symbol of this timeless philosophy. The event served as a reminder of the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of India.
The Indian Prime Minister, currently on a five-nation tour, took to social media to pay homage to Swami Vivekananda on the revered monk's death anniversary. PM Modi highlighted Swami Vivekananda's enduring influence on Indian society and his emphasis on serving others and embracing India's rich heritage. Even after a century since his passing, Swami Vivekananda's teachings continue to inspire generations, promoting unity and compassion in a divided world.
In the midst of a controversial video surfacing showing a shopkeeper being assaulted for not speaking Marathi, Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam spoke out in defense of the state's official language and condemned acts of vigilantism. The incident has sparked a larger debate over linguistic identity and regional pride in Maharashtra. While emphasizing the importance of cultural and linguistic respect, Kadam also denounced the manner in which the situation escalated and called for individuals to not take the law into their own hands. A police investigation is currently ongoing.
Karnataka, known for its thriving tech industry, is proposing a bill that aims to address the spread of fake news and misinformation online. However, free speech activists are raising concerns about potential censorship and selective enforcement. The bill has not yet defined what constitutes as "fake news" or "anti-feminist" content, raising fears of potential misuse. The state government has stated that the bill will be open for public opinion before implementation.
Pope Leo XIV took time out of his busy schedule to visit children at the Vatican's summer camp and share some inspirational words. He emphasized themes of diversity, acceptance, and building bridges of friendship. The pontiff also encouraged the children to be advocates for peace and to see everyone as equals.
At the Saryu Jayanti Mahotsav in Ayodhya, CM Yogi Adityanath announced a plan to revive rivers by preventing sewage, drain discharge, and animal waste. He stressed the importance of rivers for the environment and agriculture and highlighted the economic benefits of clean rivers for tourism and local economies. The CM urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of this initiative, emphasizing the link between river health and the well-being of communities.