Hacked Emails Reveal Russian Astroturfing Program

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."

Comments

Never in the USA

[Anonymous Coward]

This could never happen in the USA.

Now, in the US!

[zooblethorpe]

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.

Indeed. In fact, I've got a lovely bridge to sell to anyone who thinks that something similar isn't already happening in the US, or really, in just about any Internet-savvy nation.

I wish to express outrage over this bad reporting

[MyLongNickName]

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_

Re:In Soviet Russia...

[flyingsquid]

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"

Re:The horror!

[Dogtanian]

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...