In a surprising turn of events, Calin Georgescu, a far-right candidate, has taken the lead in the first round of Romania’s presidential elections. Georgescu, who was virtually unknown before the campaign, secured 22.9% of the vote, surpassing the center-right opposition leader Elena Lasconi, who garnered 19.2%. The two are set to face each other in the second round on December
In a world where digital manipulation and disinformation campaigns are becoming increasingly common, a recent report by VIGINUM, a French government agency, has accused Azerbaijan of conducting online manipulation campaigns targeting France’s overseas constituencies and Corsica. From July 2023 to October 2024, VIGINUM detected the involvement of social media accounts linked to BIG, a known group, in spreading content hostile
Social media influencers hold a unique and powerful position in our digital society, wielding significant influence over their followers’ perceptions, beliefs, and decisions. Yet, a recent UNESCO report has cast a concerning shadow over the integrity of the information they disseminate, revealing that two-thirds of influencers do not engage in any form of fact-checking. This alarming revelation not only puts
In the age of social media, the rapid spread of misinformation has become a pressing concern, driven not solely by the intentional act of spreading false information but also by the psychological responses those posts provoke. A compelling study by Princeton University’s Killian McLoughlin and colleagues unveiled that misinformation inflicts a potent blend of anger and disgust in social media
Australia has recently introduced a groundbreaking piece of legislation that bans social media access for children under the age of 16, causing significant debate and highlighting major concerns over online child safety. Known as the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, this law is considered one of the most stringent social media controls worldwide, with far-reaching implications
In a recent survey carried out by UNESCO, a startling revelation about the fact-checking habits of digital content creators has emerged, raising concerns about the integrity and credibility of online information. This survey involved 500 influencers from 45 countries and brought to light that a substantial 62% of digital content creators neglect to engage in rigorous and systematic fact-checking before
In a decisive move to combat digital propaganda, Google has recently taken down an extensive pro-China propaganda network known as GlassBridge. This sophisticated network, active since at least 2022, leveraged a multitude of inauthentic websites and public relations firms to propagate Chinese state narratives. The firms involved in this complex operation—Shanghai Haixun Technology, Shenzhen Haimai Yunxiang Media, Shenzhen Bowen Media,
As the digital age continues to evolve, the landscape of the music industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the integration of blockchain technology. This cutting-edge advancement, particularly through the realm of web3, smart contracts, and NFTs, offers groundbreaking possibilities for producers, artists, and fans alike. With the potential to reshape various aspects of the music world, these innovations aim
In the fast-paced world of digital media, content creators constantly face the pressure to produce engaging content, often at the expense of their mental health and professionalism. The recent case involving Asmongold, a prominent content creator who made inflammatory remarks about Palestinians, underscores the challenges creators face in maintaining a healthy balance between their online personas and real-life identities. The
In a shocking development, a hacker has claimed to have obtained records of 489 million Instagram users, which would account for a quarter of the platform’s entire user base. This alarming incident, revealed through a hacker forum where the dataset is reportedly being sold, has sent ripples throughout the tech community. The dataset is said to contain both public and
In a bold and unprecedented step, the Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has introduced legislation to set a minimum age of 16 for accessing major social media platforms. This initiative addresses growing concerns about the detrimental effects of social media on children’s mental health and safety. With platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and
Recent government announcements about substantial cuts to winter fuel payments for elderly citizens in the UK have set off a new wave of phishing scams targeting pensioners. Cybercriminals are using this opportunity to craft fraudulent text messages, falsely claiming to originate from official bodies such as the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) or the Home Office. These messages direct
