New court documents reveal that Russia is keeping a very, very long list of influencers to spread its propaganda.

The Russian disinformation plot revealed in a Justice Department indictment this week may just be the tip of the iceberg, according to newly unsealed court documents.

On Wednesday, the DOJ announced it would seize 32 internet domains linked to a larger Kremlin scheme to promote disinformation and influence the 2024 election. The Russian campaign, known as Doppelganger, uses AI-generated content to create “fake news” boosted through social media with the aim of electing Donald Trump.

Of particular note, the documents released Wednesday included an affidavit that noted a Russian company is keeping a list of more than 2,800 influencers world wide, about one-fifth of whom are based in the United States, to monitor and potentially groom to spread Russian propaganda. The affidavit does not mention the full list of influencers, but is still a terrifying indicator of how deep the Russian plot to interfere in U.S. politics really goes.

  • TheFonz@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    I don’t understand the hubris in online discussions. Do you see me going around debating string theory with anyone? It’s Ok to say ‘I don’t know’. The world would be so much better if we all just were a bit more honest. No one will think less of you. In fact, they’ll respect you more.

    It’s not on us to hold your hand each step of the way to explain how finance regulation works or how difficult it is to move the large sums of money we are talking about. You made the claim AIPAC is circumventing FARA and that anyone can set up a lobby group tied to foreign funds easy like opening up a PayPal account. This betrays total ignorance of how much you understand about finance regulation. In order to even start a conversation we have to unpack all of FARA and everything else tied to finance regulation. I’m not obbligated to ‘show you the sources’ of AIPAC funds because you don’t even understand the foundations of what we’re talking about. So pump the breaks big guy.

    We are not here to hold your wee wee every time you need to pee, but here you are, pissing in the pool so we have to put up with conspiracy theories day in and out.

    • Knock_Knock_Lemmy_In@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      A lot of words just to say that we don’t know anything about AIPACs finances.

      Russia just needs to copy the Israeli lobbying model.

      • TheFonz@lemmy.world
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        2 months ago

        YOU made the claim. Show us the evidence (you won’t) that AIPAC circumvented FARA.

        Either:

        • You have no clue what you’re talking about,
        • You’re intentionally spreading misinfo

        Which is it?

        • Knock_Knock_Lemmy_In@lemmy.world
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          2 months ago

          No. I stated that Russia can follow the AIPAC model, set up ARPAC, funnel money to some American donors and influence the election perfectly legally.

          • TheFonz@lemmy.world
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            2 months ago

            You’re not tracking the convo.

            Its the “funneling money” part you’re not getting. They can’t just PayPal it to their buddy.

            I’m a US citizen living abroad. If I have over 10k in my account it triggers my bank to notify FBAR and they have to report it to the IRS - and that’s not even an America bank!

            At this point we’re looping.

            • Knock_Knock_Lemmy_In@lemmy.world
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              2 months ago

              Overpay for services. Pay for non existing services. Use intermediaries. There are many, many laundering techniques and Russians are not stupid.

              The point is that the shady thing happen at the donor level. The PAC stays clean and above board, and it’s financial practices remain opaque.

              • TheFonz@lemmy.world
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                2 months ago

                Yes. You’re right. If only we didn’t think of that! Damn. Thank you Knock knock. I will pass the info along to AIPAC. Thank you.