New court documents reveal that Russia is keeping a very, very long list of influencers to spread its propaganda.

The Russian disinformation plot revealed in a Justice Department indictment this week may just be the tip of the iceberg, according to newly unsealed court documents.

On Wednesday, the DOJ announced it would seize 32 internet domains linked to a larger Kremlin scheme to promote disinformation and influence the 2024 election. The Russian campaign, known as Doppelganger, uses AI-generated content to create “fake news” boosted through social media with the aim of electing Donald Trump.

Of particular note, the documents released Wednesday included an affidavit that noted a Russian company is keeping a list of more than 2,800 influencers world wide, about one-fifth of whom are based in the United States, to monitor and potentially groom to spread Russian propaganda. The affidavit does not mention the full list of influencers, but is still a terrifying indicator of how deep the Russian plot to interfere in U.S. politics really goes.

    • just_another_person@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      I’ve seen a lot of seriously obvious and unapologetic shilling for very out there positions around here. The further telltale sign is that when one popular poster starts getting regularly rebuffed and shutdown, backup arrives not long after to pollute a thread with their bullshit.

      • Grimy@lemmy.world
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        2 months ago

        It’s a slippery slope to start assuming people are bots or paid shills. Whos to say everyone that agreed with you at first weren’t bots and then regular people came in and commented their own opinion that went against the first wave of bots?

        Not everyone that thinks capitalism is broken is a paid Russian agent. I’m assuming that is what you are referring too. Some are very extreme in their views but the most likely explanation is that they are a combination of stupid and mad.

          • Grimy@lemmy.world
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            2 months ago

            I’d argue they are still most likely just idiots that got wrapped up in foreign propaganda, and not necessarily paid to post on lemmy of all places.

            I just think calling people bots and shills has no place in honest discourse and the brushstroke always tends to get bigger and bigger.

              • Grimy@lemmy.world
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                2 months ago

                Where in the article does it mention lemmy? As far as I am concerned, we do not have any influencers and we definitely won’t be on the list.

                I’m just saying assuming people are bots is a bad habit. Why not just assume I’m a paid shills and disregard my points? See how easy it is and why it shouldn’t be encouraged?

        • Ensign_Crab@lemmy.world
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          2 months ago

          Not everyone that thinks capitalism is broken is a paid Russian agent. I’m assuming that is what you are referring too.

          Pretty sure they’re making veiled shill accusations at anyone who isn’t 100% on board with arming Netanyahu until his genocide is complete.