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Social media users voiced fears about election manipulation during 2019 campaign

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5 years ago

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An internal Elections Canada report shows the agency’s social media tracking during the 2019 federal election spotted multiple messages questioning the legitimacy of Canada’s elections — claims that non-Canadian citizens might be voting illegally, that foreign elements were influencing the vote and that the voting system itself was “rigged.”

During the 2019 election, and for the first time ever, Elections Canada monitored public online chatter to combat disinformation campaigns. The monitoring team was assembled in response to claims of foreign interference in the U.S. presidential election and the U.K.’s Brexit referendum.

The final summary report, released by Elections Canada, suggests that at least some Canadians had profound doubts about the system’s integrity.

One social media posting described elections as “a ‘gong show’ on par with ‘North Korea and Russia,” according to an Elections Canada social media monitoring report dated Oct. 24.

“Others asserted that [Elections Canada] should be ‘monitored’ by an independent audit firm since [the 2019 general election] included ‘a lot of things that do not pass the sniff test.’ Another user claimed that EC is ‘compromised.'”

The agency said it’s reviewing the social media monitoring initiative to determine what the agency will do with it in the future. Elections Canada said the monitoring effort gave it insight into voters’ concerns and the spread of election misinformation online, allowing it to release accurate facts during the campaign.

 

Daily social media monitoring reports were sent out to various Elections Canada staffers throughout the election. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

 

Between August and the end of October, 2019, a team of 20 people at Elections Canada searched publicly available posts on popular platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, 4chan and Tumblr. The agency used key words to search for false messaging about where, when and how Canadians could vote.

The group came across posts sharing inaccurate information about the voting process, including posts citing the wrong date for the election. The team also warned social media platforms about 28 instances of inaccurate information shared online and social media accounts impersonating Elections Canada.

After the election, the agency also sent letters to various digital platforms saying they needed to do more to protect the public.

“In those letters, Elections Canada also noted that there is still work to do be done regarding the collection and treatment of user data collection and the spread of inaccurate information on digital platforms,” agency spokesperson Sonia Molinski told CBC News.

The team’s daily findings were compiled into a report that was sent out to different departments within Elections Canada and the Commissioner of Canada Elections’ office. Elections Canada is now working on post-election reports that will include information on the major online trends the agency detected.

CBC News sifted through the 700-page-plus compilation report and pulled out three key issues that lit up social media during the campaign.

Worries about non-citizens voting

One of the most common concerns Election Canada spotted on social media was the fear that non-citizens might cast ballots illegally.

In the spring, Elections Canada reported it was removing 103,000 individuals from the federal voters’ registry because they were not Canadian citizens. That sparked news stories and a heated online debate about whether voters should be compelled to show proof of citizenship at the polls.

Under the Canada Elections Act, it’s illegal for a non-citizen to vote knowing they are not eligible. Some on social media said the system shouldn’t rely on trust and called for stricter voting rules, such as a requirement to show a passport before casting a ballot.

“I think this election is rigged, just like the last one was,” wrote one person on Facebook, according to the agency’s report on Oct 11. “How many illegal ballots were cast? Why they don’t insist on [people] carrying a passport or at least their citizenship papers?”

Another person claimed to have voted with a library card and voter information card while wearing a scarf and sunglasses to show how “ridiculous” they felt the ID requirements are.

“It works! Ridiculous! Anyone could vote in my place … Why do we have photo ID and not required to use it in our country’s MOST important event?”

A news story about a permanent resident who had mistakenly received a voter information card in the mail set off another round of hysteria online. Some people online found it “deplorable,” according to an Oct. 18 report.

Elections Canada said it’s conducting a thorough review of any potential election violations — cross-referencing data it collected during the election with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s lists of permanent residents and foreign nationals. It plans to verify that information by opening thousands of bags of election documents in ridings across the country to filter out any data capture errors.

“Based on its initial assessment, Elections Canada has no evidence to suggest that the outcomes in any ridings would have been affected by instances of non-citizens voting in the 2019 federal election,” said Molinski.

Foreign interference

Elections Canada also spent time responding to calls for the agency to investigate alleged cases of foreign interference.

Those calls ramped up after bombshell images and footage of Liberal leader Justin Trudeau wearing brownface and blackface surfaced in mid-September.

 

Some people on social media were troubled by the release of photos of Justin Trudeau in brownface by a “foreign controlled media outlet.”

 

“Some users found it ‘suspicious’ that the photo resurfaced in the middle of an election period and labelled it ‘foreign interference,'” says an Elections Canada report dated Sept. 19. “One user claimed that the photo was released by ‘foreign powers’ that want to ‘hijack the Canadian election.'”

The next month, outrage erupted online after former U.S. president Barack Obama went on Twitter and asked his “neighbors to the north” to elect Trudeau to another term.

 

 

“Some users speculated that Obama received money in exchange for that endorsement,” said the agency’s report dated Oct. 16.  “Another set of users speculated what [Elections Canada’s] and the public’s reaction would be if U.S. President Donald Trump or Russian President Vladimir Putin chose to endorse a candidate in [the election]; many speculated that there ‘would be no end to the outrage.'”

Others took aim at Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg after the 17-year-old visited climate rallies in Edmonton and Vancouver in October.

“One user asked what [Elections Canada] was ‘doing about all this obvious interference’ and a second user wondered if it was possible to ‘get an injunction’ to keep Thunberg ‘out of the country’ due to the impending election,” said the agency’s report.

 

Social media users attacked climate activist Greta Thunberg, accusing her of “meddling” in Canada’s election by attending climate marches in Canada. (Maggie MacPherson/CBC)

 

Elections Canada ended up explaining to some social media users that election law permits people outside of the country to express opinions on topics related to Canada’s election.

Privacy concerns

Elections Canada also faced criticism over its collaborations with social media platforms. The agency rolled out a series of short videos in September and October on Facebook and Snapchat explaining voter information cards, how to register and how to vote. One social media user called it a “deliberate attempt to undermine” Canadian democracy, according to the Elections Canada report from Sept. 25.

One women’s rights advocate criticized the campaign on Twitter, saying that something felt “off” about the campaign and accusing Elections Canada of using Facebook and Twitter ads to spread “misinformation.”

The advocate “said she’s not on the voter registry because she’s a victim of stalking and felt it was ‘bad for democracy’ for Elections Canada to frame voter registration as something voters ‘need to do’ in order to vote,” says the Sept. 22 Elections Canada report. “Her main concern was with voters, who for privacy reasons, wish not to be on the national list of electors.”

Another person noted online that the individual shown in the Snapchat ad was wearing a red shirt: “Just saying! No influence here.” Others speculated that the Facebook campaign was a data mining operation.

Elections Canada said it assured social media users that it does not share voter information with any social media platforms.

Elections Canada said that its Facebook campaign led to more than 988,222 visits to the online registration service and 474,495 registry confirmations, additions and updates.

Elections Canada said it will release the overall cost of its social media monitoring team when it reports on the cost of the election, but didn’t cite a specific date.

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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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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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