Hacked Emails Reveal Russian Astroturfing Program

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Hacked Emails Reveal Russian Astroturfing Program

Posted by timothy on Thursday February 9, 2012 @09:45AM from the you're-putin-me-on dept.

gotfork writes "Quoting The Guardian: 'A pro-Kremlin group runs a network of internet trolls, seeks to buy flattering coverage of Vladimir Putin and hatches plans to discredit opposition activists and media, according to private emails allegedly hacked by a group calling itself the Russian arm of Anonymous.' While a similar program has operated in China for a long time, and some commentators have suggested that a similar program exists in Russia, this is the first confirmation."

8 of 153 comments (clear)

Min score:

Reason:

Sort:

Nooo. Really? by ackthpt · 2012-02-09 09:47 · Score: 4, Funny

All those action hero images of Putin weren't real?
My faith in mankind is ruined.
In Soviet Russia internet trolls YOU!

--

A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
In Soviet Russia... by Tim+the+Gecko · 2012-02-09 09:47 · Score: 4, Funny

... bonchski is astroturfed by YOU!
1. Re:In Soviet Russia... by flyingsquid · 2012-02-09 10:17 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  I'd just like to point out that since this activity is taking place in Russia, technically the correct term is not "astroturfing", it should be "cosmoturfing"
The horror! by 0123456 · 2012-02-09 09:49 · Score: 4, Funny

I am disgusted to discover that a politician would hire people to say nice things about them and bad things about their opponents. This must stop at once.
1. Re:The horror! by Dogtanian · 2012-02-09 10:27 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Basically, you should take everything and everyone online with a grain of salt (including me!).
  I bet the Salt Manufacturer's Association paid you to say that...
  
  --
  "Slashdot - News and Chat Sites Deviant". (Click "homepage" link above for details).
Never in the USA by Anonymous Coward · 2012-02-09 09:55 · Score: 5, Funny

This could never happen in the USA.
Re:Darn it. by ackthpt · 2012-02-09 10:03 · Score: 1, Funny

I read that as "astrosurfing program" and it sounded a lot better than a couple of hired goons shilling for Uncle Vlad. Oh well...
The word on the street is that you abuse houseplants and extort cheese from small rodents.

--

A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
I wish to express outrage over this bad reporting by MyLongNickName · 2012-02-09 10:05 · Score: 5, Funny

This poor news coverage by _SLASHDOT_ is clearly aimed at making the Russian People's leader look bad to this _AMERICAN_ audience. As a Russian _MAN_ aged _32_, I can conclusively state that Mr. Putin has been a blessing to my country. I look forward to his continuing to lead us throught _2012_ and in the future.
Signed,
_MyLongNickName_

--
See my journal for slashdot ID's by year. Mine created in 2005. http://slashdot.org/journal/289875/slashdot-ids-by-year