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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Instead of a deepfake tsunami, the election on social media was activists shaping & manipulating conversation with tested tactics (including AI). I investigated with BBC’s Undercover Voters, holding social media companies to account. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…
The concept of the “social media election” is dead. Instead, the world is constantly shaped by what’s happening on our feeds and group chats. This election was one in which the same old questions about social media regulation went unanswered. Listen here! bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0…
Hours before polls opened I spotted a clip going viral on X falsely suggesting @wesstreeting had used abusive language over war in Gaza - with a group of profiles under the clip lending it credibility.
Bot or Not? I’ve tracked down people posting about Reform branded ‘bots’. Lots genuine voters, others failed to prove they’re authentic. Reform UK says lots of support is real but is in touch with sites about fakes. Next Undercover Voters investigation. bbc.com/news/articles/…
I spotted comments on posts pushed to my Undercover Voters. I didn’t find posts or accusations in same way about other parties. Some I spoke to are real Reform supporters - while others had holes in stories or didn’t prove they’re authentic.
For online, News at Ten, Newscast.
Other investigations with the UK undercover voters include unpicking tactics of a network of left-leaning X accounts smearing politicians with deepfakes and comments. X has taken action against some of the accounts and posts. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…
It’s my birthday - and next ep of Why Do You Hate Me pod, where I investigate extraordinary cases of online hate!
With exclusive access to Premier League troll-busting team, I explore rise in hate targeting both players & their families - like Neal Maupay. bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0…
For the Radio 4 podcast, I go inside the Premier league team tracking down players’ abusers, talk to striker Neal Maupay about social media abuse & tracks down the man they helped convict for threatening him. Also a series for iPlayer, online & News at Ten.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0…
For the first time, the troll-busting team speaks to a reporter. I quiz them on finding anonymous trolls - and striking balance between protecting freedom of expression & dealing with hate. I also track down Maupay’s troll for answers. Online series here. bbc.co.uk/news/uk-682933…
Social media has been awash with false claims, conspiracies and hate surrounding what's happening in Israel and Gaza - and questions over whether inauthentic accounts are manipulating the conversation.
The denial playbook is out in full force online, used to cast doubt on whether some Israeli hostages are really civilians - or claiming Palestinian people in Gaza are faking injuries.
“80% of online abuse received by BBC journalists is directed at one woman: the corporation’s 27-year-old disinformation correspondent.”
Brilliant to speak to Sunday Times Mag on investigating disinfo, hate, social media & Radio 4’s Marianna in Conspiracyland pod! New ep later.
Go buy a paper or read here! Wonderful to be interviewed by @phoebeluckhurst & photographed by Sane Seven.
Trolls are the price of investigating and exposing world of social media, conspiracies and hate! Grateful to editors and teams who support me. thetimes.co.uk/article/the-bb…
@phoebeluckhurst V exciting that Radio 4’s Marianna in Conspiracyland has been a hit - including with younger audiences!
All eps on BBC Sounds - bonus episode later. Thanks to commissioner @Rhiroberts & Nathan Jones & top team @CloseEm @SamBonham @OLaceEvans @philipkmar bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m…
EXCL - UK conspiracy theory newspaper sharing calls for trials & executions has links with far-right and German publication connected to a failed coup, the BBC can reveal.
My Radio 4 pod Marianna in Conspiracyland takes me from Totnes across UK to Berlin. tinyurl.com/mvdrhsw4
🚨 10 ep Radio 4 pod series revealing radicalisation of UK conspiracy theory movement, interrogating paper at its heart & exposing connections and harm on BBC Sounds.
At extreme end, there were conspiracy theory driven riots at US Capitol and a German coup attempt. What is happening in the UK? iPlayer doc with the pod too.