Pro-Russian bots target Harris on X
A recent study revealed the presence of hundreds of pro-Russian bots on the social network X, formerly known as Twitter, specifically targeting the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. These accounts, often referred to as sleeping agents, have been active for several years and continue to spread misinformation, particularly related to the 2024 U.S. presidential elections.
X’s response to misinformation
The company X, led by Elon Musk, expressed its vigilance in light of these new revelations. In a statement, a spokesperson for the platform emphasized that the security team is particularly attentive to any manipulation on the platform implemented by malicious actors. Despite this, these bots seem to have escaped any form of moderation, allowing a proliferation of misinformation about the Democratic candidate.
An alarming study on the presence of pro-Russian bots
A study conducted by the American Sunlight Project (ASP) highlighted the activities of over 1,200 accounts identified as pro-Russian bots. These accounts have generated more than 100 million posts since their creation up to July 2024, spreading propaganda favorable to Moscow, associated with pro-Trump content and false information concerning Kamala Harris.
False allegations spread by the bots
The posts from these bots go as far as to claim that Harris would be a puppet under the orders of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in the event of her election. Such assertions are intended to harm her credibility and create a negative image in the minds of voters. Furthermore, some accounts circulate claims, disputed by Elon Musk, that the Democrats orchestrated the arrival of illegal migrants to the United States to influence the outcome of the presidential election.
Elon Musk’s commitment and moderation challenges
Before acquiring Twitter, Musk promised to fight against bots or “die trying.” However, since his arrival at the helm of the platform, significant reductions in moderation teams have been observed, raising questions about the effectiveness of this promise in light of the increasing misinformation spread by these bots. The challenge remains significant, as malicious actors continue to manipulate interactions on the social network to serve their own agendas.
