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Israel-Hamas war misinformation on social media is harder to track

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11 months ago

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Researchers sifting through social media content about the Israel-Hamas conflict say it’s getting harder to verify information and track the spread of misleading material, adding to the digital fog of war.

As misinformation and violent content surrounding the war proliferate online, social media companies’ pullbacks in moderation and other policy shifts have made it “close to impossible” to do the work researchers were able to do less than a year ago, said Rebekah Tromble, the director of George Washington University’s Institute for Data, Democracy and Politics.

“It has become much more difficult for researchers to collect and analyze meaningful data to understand what’s actually happening on any of these platforms,” she said.

Much attention has focused on X, formerly known as Twitter, which has made significant changes since Elon Musk bought it for $44 billion late last year.

In the days after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, researchers flagged dozens of accounts pushing a coordinated disinformation campaign related to the war, and a separate report from the Technology Transparency Project found Hamas has used premium accounts on X to spread propaganda videos.

The latter issue comes after X began offering blue check marks to premium users for subscriptions starting at $8 a month, rather than applying the badge to those whose identities it had verified. That has made it harder to distinguish the accounts of journalists, public figures and institutions from those of potential impostors, experts say.

“One of the things that is touted for that [premium] service is that you get prioritized algorithmic ranking and searches,” Technology Transparency Project Director Katie Paul said. Hamas propaganda is getting the same treatment, she said, “which is making it even easier to find these videos that are also being monetized by the platform.”

X is far from the only major social media company coming under scrutiny during the conflict. Paul said that X used to be an industry leader in combating online misinformation but that in the past year it has spearheaded a movement toward a more hands-off approach.

“That leadership role has remained, but in the reverse direction,” she said, adding that the Hamas videos highlight what she described as platforms’ business incentives to embrace looser content moderation. “Companies have cut costs by laying off thousands of moderators, all while continuing to monetize harmful content that perpetuates on their platforms.”

Paul pointed to ads that ran alongside Facebook search results related to the 2022 Buffalo, New York, mass shooting video while it circulated online, as well as findings by the Technology Transparency Project and the Anti-Defamation League that YouTube previously auto-generated “art tracks,” or music with static images, for white power content that it monetized with ads.

A spokesperson for Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, declined to comment on the Buffalo incident. The company said at the time that it was committed to protecting users from encountering violent content. YouTube said in a statement it doesn’t want to profit from hate and has since “terminated several YouTube channels noted in ADL’s report.”

X responded with an automated message: “Busy now, please check back later.”

The deep cuts to “trust and safety” teams at many major platforms, which came in a broader wave of tech industry layoffs beginning late last year, drew warnings at the time about backsliding on efforts to police abusive content — especially during global crises.

We’re left being completely unclear what’s really happening on the ground.

Claire Wardle, co-director of Brown University’s Information Futures Lab

Some social media companies have changed their moderation policies since then, researchers say, and existing rules are sometimes being enforced differently or unevenly.

“Today in conflict situations, information is one of the most important weapons,” said Claire Wardle, a co-director of the Information Futures Lab at Brown University. Many are now successfully pushing “false narratives to support their cause,” she said, but “we’re left being completely unclear what’s really happening on the ground.”

Experts are encountering more roadblocks to accessing social media platforms’ application programming interfaces, or APIs, which allow third parties to gather more detailed information from an app than what’s available from user-facing features.

Some major platforms, such as YouTube and Facebook, have long limited access to their APIs. Over the past year, Reddit joined X in sharply reducing free use of its API, though it waives its charges for noncommercial research. The most basic access to X’s API now starts at $100 a month and can run up to $42,000 a month for enterprise use.

TikTok has taken steps in the other direction. It launched a research API this year in the U.S. as part of a transparency push after having fielded national security concerns from Western authorities over its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.

YouTube said it has already removed thousands of harmful videos and is “working around the clock” to “take action quickly” against abusive activity. Reddit said its safety teams are monitoring for policy violations during the war, including content posted by legally designated terrorist groups.

TikTok said it has added “resources to help prevent violent, hateful or misleading content on our platform” and is working with fact-checkers “to help assess the accuracy of content in this rapidly changing environment.”

“My biggest worry is the offline consequence,” said Nora Benavidez, the senior counsel and director of digital justice at the media watchdog Free Press. “Real people will suffer more because they are desperate for credible information quickly. They soak in what they see from platforms, and the platforms have largely abandoned and are in the process of abandoning their promises to keep their environments healthy.”

Real people will suffer more because they are desperate for credible information quickly. They soak in what they see.

Nora Benavidez, FRee Press senior counsel and director of digital justice

Another obstacle during the current conflict, Tromble said, is that Meta has allowed key tools such as CrowdTangle to degrade.

“Journalists and researchers, both in academia and civil society, used [CrowdTangle] extensively to study and understand the spread of mis- and disinformation and other sorts of problematic content,” Tromble said. “The team behind that tool is no longer at Meta, and its features aren’t being maintained, and it’s just becoming worse and worse to use.”

That change and others across social media mean “we simply don’t have nearly as much high-quality verifiable information to inform decision-making,” Tromble said. Where once researchers could sift through data in real time and “share that with law enforcement and executive agencies” relatively quickly, “that is effectively impossible now.”

The Meta spokesperson declined to comment on CrowdTangle but pointed to the company’s statement Friday that it is working to intercept and moderate misinformation and graphic content involving the Israel-Hamas war. The company, which has rolled out additional research tools this year, said it has “removed seven times as many pieces of content” for violating its policies compared with the two months preceding the Hamas attack.

Resources remain tight for examining how social media content affects the public, said Zeve Sanderson, the founding executive director at New York University’s Center for Social Media and Politics.

“Researchers really don’t have either a wide or deep perspective onto the platforms,” he said. “If you want to understand how those pieces of misinformation are fitting into an overall information ecosystem at a particular moment in time, that’s where the current data-access landscape is especially limiting.”

 

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Trump could cash out his DJT stock within weeks. Here’s what happens if he sells

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3 weeks ago

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August 23, 2024

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Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.

Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.

Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.

Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.

Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.

Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.

Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.

As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.

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Arizona man accused of social media threats to Trump is arrested

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3 weeks ago

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August 23, 2024

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Cochise County, AZ — Law enforcement officials in Arizona have apprehended Ronald Lee Syvrud, a 66-year-old resident of Cochise County, after a manhunt was launched following alleged death threats he made against former President Donald Trump. The threats reportedly surfaced in social media posts over the past two weeks, as Trump visited the US-Mexico border in Cochise County on Thursday.

Syvrud, who hails from Benson, Arizona, located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson, was captured by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed his arrest, stating, “This subject has been taken into custody without incident.”

In addition to the alleged threats against Trump, Syvrud is wanted for multiple offences, including failure to register as a sex offender. He also faces several warrants in both Wisconsin and Arizona, including charges for driving under the influence and a felony hit-and-run.

The timing of the arrest coincided with Trump’s visit to Cochise County, where he toured the US-Mexico border. During his visit, Trump addressed the ongoing border issues and criticized his political rival, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, for what he described as lax immigration policies. When asked by reporters about the ongoing manhunt for Syvrud, Trump responded, “No, I have not heard that, but I am not that surprised and the reason is because I want to do things that are very bad for the bad guys.”

This incident marks the latest in a series of threats against political figures during the current election cycle. Just earlier this month, a 66-year-old Virginia man was arrested on suspicion of making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and other public officials.

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Trump Media & Technology Group Faces Declining Stock Amid Financial Struggles and Increased Competition

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3 weeks ago

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August 20, 2024

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Trump Media & Technology Group’s stock has taken a significant hit, dropping more than 11% this week following a disappointing earnings report and the return of former U.S. President Donald Trump to the rival social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. This decline is part of a broader downward trend for the parent company of Truth Social, with the stock plummeting nearly 43% since mid-July. Despite the sharp decline, some investors remain unfazed, expressing continued optimism for the company’s financial future or standing by their investment as a show of political support for Trump.

One such investor, Todd Schlanger, an interior designer from West Palm Beach, explained his commitment to the stock, stating, “I’m a Republican, so I supported him. When I found out about the stock, I got involved because I support the company and believe in free speech.” Schlanger, who owns around 1,000 shares, is a regular user of Truth Social and is excited about the company’s future, particularly its plans to expand its streaming services. He believes Truth Social has the potential to be as strong as Facebook or X, despite the stock’s recent struggles.

However, Truth Social’s stock performance is deeply tied to Trump’s political influence and the company’s ability to generate sustainable revenue, which has proven challenging. An earnings report released last Friday showed the company lost over $16 million in the three-month period ending in June. Revenue dropped by 30%, down to approximately $836,000 compared to $1.2 million during the same period last year.

In response to the earnings report, Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes emphasized the company’s strong cash position, highlighting $344 million in cash reserves and no debt. He also reiterated the company’s commitment to free speech, stating, “From the beginning, it was our intention to make Truth Social an impenetrable beachhead of free speech, and by taking extraordinary steps to minimize our reliance on Big Tech, that is exactly what we are doing.”

Despite these assurances, investors reacted negatively to the quarterly report, leading to a steep drop in stock price. The situation was further complicated by Trump’s return to X, where he posted for the first time in a year. Trump’s exclusivity agreement with Trump Media & Technology Group mandates that he posts personal content first on Truth Social. However, he is allowed to make politically related posts on other social media platforms, which he did earlier this week, potentially drawing users away from Truth Social.

For investors like Teri Lynn Roberson, who purchased shares near the company’s peak after it went public in March, the decline in stock value has been disheartening. However, Roberson remains unbothered by the poor performance, saying her investment was more about supporting Trump than making money. “I’m way at a loss, but I am OK with that. I am just watching it for fun,” Roberson said, adding that she sees Trump’s return to X as a positive move that could expand his reach beyond Truth Social’s “echo chamber.”

The stock’s performance holds significant financial implications for Trump himself, as he owns a 65% stake in Trump Media & Technology Group. According to Fortune, this stake represents a substantial portion of his net worth, which could be vulnerable if the company continues to struggle financially.

Analysts have described Truth Social as a “meme stock,” similar to companies like GameStop and AMC that saw their stock prices driven by ideological investments rather than business fundamentals. Tyler Richey, an analyst at Sevens Report Research, noted that the stock has ebbed and flowed based on sentiment toward Trump. He pointed out that the recent decline coincided with the rise of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, which may have dampened perceptions of Trump’s 2024 election prospects.

Jay Ritter, a finance professor at the University of Florida, offered a grim long-term outlook for Truth Social, suggesting that the stock would likely remain volatile, but with an overall downward trend. “What’s lacking for the true believer in the company story is, ‘OK, where is the business strategy that will be generating revenue?'” Ritter said, highlighting the company’s struggle to produce a sustainable business model.

Still, for some investors, like Michael Rogers, a masonry company owner in North Carolina, their support for Trump Media & Technology Group is unwavering. Rogers, who owns over 10,000 shares, said he invested in the company both as a show of support for Trump and because of his belief in the company’s financial future. Despite concerns about the company’s revenue challenges, Rogers expressed confidence in the business, stating, “I’m in it for the long haul.”

Not all investors are as confident. Mitchell Standley, who made a significant return on his investment earlier this year by capitalizing on the hype surrounding Trump Media’s planned merger with Digital World Acquisition Corporation, has since moved on. “It was basically just a pump and dump,” Standley told ABC News. “I knew that once they merged, all of his supporters were going to dump a bunch of money into it and buy it up.” Now, Standley is staying away from the company, citing the lack of business fundamentals as the reason for his exit.

Truth Social’s future remains uncertain as it continues to struggle with financial losses and faces stiff competition from established social media platforms. While its user base and investor sentiment are bolstered by Trump’s political following, the company’s long-term viability will depend on its ability to create a sustainable revenue stream and maintain relevance in a crowded digital landscape.

As the company seeks to stabilize, the question remains whether its appeal to Trump’s supporters can translate into financial success or whether it will remain a volatile stock driven more by ideology than business fundamentals.

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