Messaging Platform

Tue, Sep 5, 2023

Anti-Ukraine Telegram network targets audiences in nine languages

Network is linked to a former member of the Security Service of Ukraine

by Givi Gigitashvili

Disinformation Facebook

Thu, Aug 17, 2023

Prigozhin-owned media outlets experienced narrative whiplash during and after Wagner mutiny

Online outlets operated by Prigozhin’s Patriot Media Group initially supported his actions, but switched to pro-Putin rhetoric once the mutiny ended

by Givi Gigitashvili

Conflict Disinformation
Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin leaves the headquarters of the Southern Military District amid the group's pullout from the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, June 24, 2023. (Source: Reuters/Alexander Ermochenko)

Thu, Aug 17, 2023

How Russian pro-war Telegram channels addressed the Wagner mutiny

Wagner-affiliated Telegram channels saw tremendous growth as some pro-war channels vacillated on which side to support

by Givi Gigitashvili, Ani Mejlumyan, Roman Osadchuk

Propaganda Russia
A still image from a bodycam footage, released by Russia's Defence Ministry, shows what it said to be crew members kneeling down in a cockpit during an operation held by Russian navy officers to board the Palau-flagged Sukru Okan vessel with the help of a Ka-29 military helicopter in the Black Sea on August 13, 2023, in this image taken from video published August 15, 2023. Russian Defence Ministry/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT. WATERMARK FROM SOURCE.

Thu, Aug 17, 2023

Russian War Report: Tensions escalate in the Black Sea as the Russian navy forcefully inspects a civilian cargo ship

Russia escalated tensions beyond Ukraine again this week when its navy forcibly inspected and fired warning shots at a civilian cargo ship.

by Digital Forensic Research Lab

Telephone with messaging apps. “Protecting point-to-point messaging apps: Understanding Telegram, WeChat, and WhatsApp in the United States” cover image.

Mon, Aug 14, 2023

Protecting point-to-point messaging apps: Understanding Telegram, WeChat, and WhatsApp in the United States

A year-long project on protecting users' data and privacy that analyzes the growing use of point-to-point messaging platforms in the United States and the implications their design and governing policies have for user privacy and free speech.

by Iria Puyosa

People attend a vigil at St Peter's church in Nottingham, UK after three people were killed in the city center, June 13, 2023. (Source: Reuters)

Fri, Aug 4, 2023

UK murders spur xenophobic narratives and conspiracy theories

The murders, allegedly committed by an immigrant of West African descent, led to broader campaign of dehumanization of migrants and calls for closed borders

by Meghan Conroy, Tessa Knight

Civil Society Human Rights
People in Taunton, UK watch on a large screen the funeral service for Barnaby Webber, one of the victims of the Nottingham attack, July 14, 2023. (Source: Reuters)

Fri, Aug 4, 2023

Nottingham murders serve as rallying point for far-right UK influencers

Anti-immigrant influencers weaponized immigration status of the accused murderer to spread racist, Islamophobic rhetoric

by Meghan Conroy, Tessa Knight

Civil Society Europe
Photo of the late Orthodox priest, Iona Ignatenko, whose image was used in a Facebook scheme to get people to subscribe to dubious Telegram channels.

Tue, Aug 1, 2023

Clickbait Facebook pages trick Ukrainians into following dubious Telegram channels

Pages employ bait-and-switch tactics and cascading subscription requests to lure people to join more channels

by Roman Osadchuk

Facebook Telegram
SCREENCAP: RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN SPEAKS AT RUSSIA-AFRICA FORUM AT ST. PETERSBURG, SAYING RUSSIA IS READY TO USE REGIONAL CURRENCIES FOR SETTLEMENTS WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Thu, Jul 27, 2023

Russian War Report: Kremlin seeks stronger ties in Africa as Wagner eyes Niger coup

As Russian president Vladimir Putin attends the Russia-Africa Summit, he and his government are making moves to solidify regional cooperation. Amid this, Wagner seeks to capitalize on the coup in Niger.

by Digital Forensic Research Lab

Mon, Jul 24, 2023

Pro-Russia actors target Armenia with anti-Ukraine propaganda

Suspicious quotes magnified by pro-Russian sources used to undermine Ukraine's reputation in Armenia

by Ani Mejlumyan, Roman Osadchuk

Armenia Conflict

Thu, Jul 20, 2023

Russia moves conscription and contract soldier recruitment online

Russian public services portal Gosuslugi becomes cornerstone for military recruitment, including delivering online conscription notifications

by Valentin Châtelet, Eto Buziashvili

Advertising Conflict

Thu, Jul 20, 2023

Russian War Report: Wagner is still in business in Africa

Despite their Russia-based forces being relocated to Belarus after their failed mutiny, Wagner Group is still alive and active in Africa, including ahead of a referendum in the Central African Republic.

by Digital Forensic Research Lab