Why the West is blind to Russian propaganda today
The West invented social media. But Russia figured out how best to turn it into a weapon for use against Western democratic institutions.
Chris is a foreign desk news editor.
The West invented social media. But Russia figured out how best to turn it into a weapon for use against Western democratic institutions.
What do social media companies offer the media, especially in terms of all-important political reporting? Maybe nothing at all.
The memos contain extensive details of efforts by Russia's intelligence community, directed by Russian president Vladimir Putin, to sway the outcome of the US election.
The goals were "to undermine public faith in the US democratic process" and to "denigrate" Hillary Clinton.
The election of Donald Trump broke new ground in the way information has been used and abused, presenting a historic challenge to the media.
WikiLeaks has blocked me on Twitter and I want to know why. After all, the organisation bills itself as pro-transparency.
The timing of the hack and the target suggest that this could be a form of retaliation for the Russian hacking of US election.
Criminal hackers have found a way to use web-enabled devices like digital recorders and webcams as coordinated launching pads, or botnets, in this attack.
If this technology can boost a message, can it influence an election? And if the technology is decisive, does it overshadow the will of the people?
If the internet is awash in lies and fake news - we must stand up for facts in the political realm, wherever we are.
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