The Daily The Sunday Read: 'The Agency'
Sep 20, 2020
Explore the shadowy world of the Internet Research Agency, where employees relentlessly churn out propaganda from a St. Petersburg office. Hear gripping firsthand accounts of trolling tactics that shaped opinions on crucial issues like Russia and Ukraine. Discover the chaos wrought by disinformation, including a false alarm that sent shockwaves through society. Delve into the personal toll faced by those targeted by online smear campaigns and the psychological effects of relentless misinformation in today’s digital landscape.
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The Columbian Chemicals Hoax
- A hoax involving a fake chemical explosion in Louisiana was spread on social media and via text.
- The hoax was elaborate, featuring doctored images, fake websites, and even a Wikipedia page.
The Internet Research Agency
- The Internet Research Agency in St. Petersburg, Russia, spreads disinformation online.
- The agency employs hundreds of Russians to post pro-Kremlin propaganda under fake identities.
Inside the Troll Farm
- Ludmila Savchuk, a former employee, worked 12-hour shifts at the Internet Research Agency, creating fake online personas.
- Her job involved spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda and disparaging Ukrainian figures.