Category: Rumors and Misinformation

How Russia Found Its Way Into America’s Conservative Media

Federal prosecutors say Russia paid an American media company to push pro-Kremlin messages from social media influencers including Benny Johnson, Tim Pool and Dave Rubin.
How Telegram Became a Playground for Criminals, Extremists and Terrorists

Drug dealers, scammers and white nationalists openly conduct business and spread toxic speech on the platform, according to a Times analysis of more than 3.2 million Telegram messages.
Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Defends App in First Comments Since Arrest

Pavel Durov, held in France since last month, blamed “growing pains” for the company’s problems and pledged to make improvements.
How Partisan Media Covered Trump’s Arlington Visit

Liberal outlets criticized Mr. Trump for turning his visit into a photo opportunity, while conservative ones falsely suggested the altercation never happened.
Iran Emerges as a Top Disinformation Threat in U.S. Presidential Race

With a flurry of hacks and fake websites, Iran has intensified its efforts to discredit American democracy and possibly tip the race against former President Donald Trump.
How Pavel Durov, Telegram’s Founder, Went From Russia’s Mark Zuckerberg to Wanted Man

Pavel Durov’s anti-establishment streak helped him create one of the world’s biggest online platforms, which emphasizes free speech. It also put a target on his back.
Telegram’s Top Executive Pavel Durov Reportedly Detained in France

The founder of Telegram, an app with more than 900 million users, was taken into custody by authorities, French media reported.
Beyoncé Rumors Briefly Took Center Stage. Kamala Harris Grabbed It Back.

Unsubstantiated rumors that the star would appear at the Democratic National Convention, perhaps alongside Taylor Swift, created a daylong frenzy. Then the headliner took control.
U.S. Investigating Americans Who Worked With Russian State Television

The F.B.I. raided the homes of two prominent commentators on Russian state television channels as part of an effort to blunt attempts to influence November’s election.
F.B.I. Resumes Communication with Facebook, X and Others On Foreign Disinformation

The Justice Department set new guidelines for agents to share tips with Facebook, X and other platforms after a legal challenge prompted a suspension of that communication.
Elections Officials Battle a Deluge of Disinformation

County clerks and secretaries of state are overwhelmed this year, as they stare down a “perpetual moving target” of new conspiracy theories, political pressure and threats.
Elon Musk Clashes With Keir Starmer Over Riots in UK

Over the past few days, the billionaire has posted incendiary comments about violent protests on the social media platform he controls, drawing the ire of the prime minister.