Bloomberg about exposing a propaganda network of accounts

TikTok exposed a network of accounts spreading propaganda about the war in Ukraine.

TikTok discovered a disinformation network that actively spread military propaganda to more than 100,000 European users in the summer of 2022, writes Bloomberg. The network operated in Russia, but was aimed mainly at residents of Italy, Germany and the UK, respectively, in their native languages. The agency writes:

“About 1,700 accounts that were part of the network were able to spread anti-Ukrainian messages, masquerading as accounts created by local users. Between July and September 2022, these accounts attracted 133,564 subscribers. It is not known whether this network was associated with official authorities. The exposure was made public in a report filed in accordance with the Code of Practice EU on disinformation – a voluntary commitment by online platforms to combat disinformation online”.

On request Bloomberg to comment on the situation TikTok did not respond. The agency explains:

“Disinformation networks have several digital tools in their arsenal to expand their reach by hiding where photos, memes and videos actually come from. markets they want, giving the impression that their accounts are run by local citizens.They can also buy IP addresses to make it look like they are creating accounts from different places of residence, although they are created under the same roof.

The identified network used broadcast synthesis and distributed targeted propaganda statements in languages ​​native to the target countries. TikTok and other major social media platforms have been asked to submit voluntary reports on their practices against disinformation in Europe by the end of January. The codes are linked to the European Union’s new content moderation law, the Digital Services Act.

The filings were first published on Thursday. Every 6 months, large companies will publish new reports.

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