🚨QAnon and the rabbit hole election!
I spoke to @KattyKay_ and Christian Fraser @BBCWorld about QAnon’s efforts to target Joe Biden with disinfo.
And how the conspiracy theory is spilling into local Facebook groups in swing states like Michigan using SaveTheChildren👇
QAnon conspiracy theorists have been plugging unfounded claims that Biden’s family is connected to Epstein in a bid to link Biden with child trafficking.
His brother does own an island near to Epstein’s - but there is 0 evidence he had anything to do with Epstein’s abuse👇
As this conspiracy theory becomes increasingly popular, it spills out from hardcore conspiracy theory groups and profiles onto the average facebook feed.
Now screenshots of QAnon influencers using SaveTheChildren hashtag are shared in local groups like this one in Michigan👇
It’s hard to quantify the impact conspiracy theories like this have on elections.
But it means this kind of political disinfo is reaching more people who were not exposed to it - and that might influence them not to vote for one candidate or propel them to vote for another!
Plus this conspiracy theory continues to spill out onto the streets - eg. at the anti-lockdown rally in London where Q flags and SaveTheChildren placards featured.
A real worry is QAnon leads to violence offline in the US - or elsewhere!
If you’re seeing QAnon or SaveTheChildren in your local or parent Facebook group - get in touch! Marianna.spring@bbc.co.uk 📧
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