An American social media influencer admitted to being paid $100 by a pro-Kremlin propagandist to post a fake video of Haitian immigrants claiming to vote in the US presidential election. The influencer, known as @AlphaFox78, resides in Massachusetts and has a significant following on social media.
The video, which was debunked by the Georgia Secretary of State, was part of a series of posts orchestrated by the Russian propagandist, Simeon Boikov, who is a registered foreign agent for Russia in Australia. Boikov, known for disseminating pro-Kremlin disinformation, has been linked to previous Russian influence campaigns targeting US elections.
The collaboration between AlphaFox and Boikov sheds light on Russia's strategy of using social media influencers to amplify disinformation. This tactic aims to exploit the trust that followers place in influencers, as highlighted by disinformation expert Darren Linvill.
Despite AlphaFox's deletion of the fake video, various versions of it continue to circulate on social media platforms. The incident underscores the challenges faced by election officials in combating disinformation and preserving the integrity of the electoral process.
As the 2024 election approaches, the impact of foreign influence efforts on social media remains a concern. AlphaFox's experience serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of verifying information before sharing it online to prevent the spread of false narratives.
