Telegram disinformation: new fake news wave every 2–3 days
During the second half of August, a new fake news post appeared on Telegram every 2 to 3 days. Some posts were republished 3 to 4 times with minimal changes. This information comes from an analysis conducted by the Center for Independent Journalism (CJI), as reported by IPN. The monitoring focused on the disinformation narratives and manipulation techniques used during this period.
The analysis focused on 61 channels with the largest audiences in the Moldovan information landscape. Out of these, 28 are affiliated with well-known media sources or influencers, while 33 have unknown ownership.
One emerging tactic is the spread of videos featuring images and text in English, which are presented as evidence of coverage by foreign journalists regarding Moldova. In reality, these articles either do not exist or significantly differ in content from what is suggested in the posts.
Monitors note that the theme of disinformation has remained largely unchanged. In the second half of August, alarmist narratives circulated, including claims of NATO soldiers intervening after elections, sending Moldovans to fight in Ukraine, and suggestions that Europeans are reluctant to support Moldova's EU accession or to continue financing projects in the country.
Mediacritica, the educational portal of the CJI, reports on bizarre occurrences, such as the misrepresentation of a violent incident in Italy in which a Moldovan citizen was allegedly stabbed by a Ukrainian. This incident was falsely portrayed as a violent reaction to criticism directed at Maia Sandu.
According to the CJI, monitoring has uncovered a disinformation network that employs a strategy of constantly delivering content—almost minute by minute—regardless of whether the information is completely false or partially true. It is crucial that these posts include keywords in negative contexts, particularly focusing on the name "Maia Sandu."
The rise in the frequency of fabricated content is attributed to increased electoral interest, with the main targets being the public holding anti-European views and undecided voters, informs the CJI.
