Social Media Algorithms Amplified Disinformation Campaign in Honduras Election
Description
In October 2021, a coordinated network of over 317 fake Twitter accounts leveraged AI-driven algorithms to amplify disinformation about the Honduran presidential election, targeting opposition candidate Xiomara Castro. The campaign spread false narratives to suppress voter turnout and undermine the election's integrity. Social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, removed the accounts only after being alerted, which also raised concerns about inadequate moderation.
Actors
Alleged Deployers
- national-party-of-honduras-supporters
- juan-orlando-hernandez-supporters
- unknown-twitter-users
- unknown-facebook-users
Alleged Developers
- x-(twitter)
- meta
Harmed Parties
- xiomara-castro
- libertad-y-refundacion-(libre)-supporters
- honduran-electorate
- honduras
- democratic-integrity
Classification
Risk Domain
Malicious Actors & MisuseRisk Subdomain
4.1. Disinformation, surveillance, and influence at scale
MIT Risk Profile
Source
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