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Senate Report Shows Russia Used Social Media To Support Trump In 2016 (bbc.co.uk)

AmiMoJo shares a report from the BBC: Russia used every major social media platform to influence the 2016 US election, the report claims. New research says YouTube, Tumblr, Instagram and PayPal -- as well as Facebook and Twitter -- were leveraged to spread propaganda. Its authors criticize the "belated and uncoordinated response" by tech firms. It is the first analysis of millions of social media posts provided by Twitter, Google and Facebook to the Senate Intelligence Committee. Russia adapted techniques from digital marketing to target audiences across multiple channels, with a particular focus on targeting conservatives with posts on immigration, race, and gun rights. There were also efforts to undermine the voting power of left-leaning African-American citizens, by spreading misinformation about the electoral process.

"What is clear is that all of the messaging clearly sought to benefit the Republican Party -- and specifically Donald Trump," the report says. "Trump is mentioned most in campaigns targeting conservatives and right-wing voters, where the messaging encouraged these groups to support his campaign. The main groups that could challenge Trump were then provided messaging that sought to confuse, distract and ultimately discourage members from voting."

1 of 388 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Yep, new confirmation Russia ran BLM ads by AlanObject · · Score: 5, Informative

    Clinton was a really bad candidate, with terrible poll numbers. .. derp derp derp.

    Where does this horseshit keep coming from? You guys keep repeating it to each other so much that you think it is true. It has absolutely no basis in fact.

    At the time the famous Comey letter was released Clintion was 6-8 points ahead in the polls. (source: 538) That isn't even close. That's a blowout election similar to the one we just went through in the midterms.

    After the Comey letter and the media had a week or two to scream from every orifice about Weiner's laptop she took a hit of 4-5 points. That made it close enough for the Electoral College to work its magic. I have no idea what part the Russian media efforts had in that but whatever effect it has wasn't positive for Clinton. They were totally in it for Trump.

    And she STILL got 3M more votes. The most terrible candidate in history.

    I know this was totally useless but still..