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weather5h ago
How natural disasters are exploited to manipulate people online
- 60 Minutes reports that during Hurricane Helene in September 2024, white nationalists and far-right groups arrived to aid and post content to gain followers.
- Graphika researchers say foreign influence networks amplify crisis content by fake accounts linked to China, Russia, and Iran.
- AI-generated images and videos were used to exaggerate disaster impact and influence viewers.
- Disinformation links disaster response to government shortcomings and misused funds to sway opinions.
- Experts warn that crisis content can be tailored to mainstream audiences to avoid turning them off.
- Conspiracy theories spread by online actors can reach broader audiences during disasters.
- Officials note that state-backed and non-state actors coordinate to influence American discourse online.
- Disinformation leverages relief efforts to shape perceptions of effectiveness and aid.
- The report emphasizes a multi-layer approach: content creation, amplification, and audience targeting in disaster contexts.
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