Russian Bots and ESPN
A New Disinformation Tactic
Russia's disinformation strategy is now changing with the advent of bots masquerading as ESPN sports reporters. These bots create a combination of authentic sports news content as well as disinformation and political commentary.
All of the files associated with the accounts referenced in the video are available here.
Based on the data, I believe that the Twitter accounts of:
https://twitter.com/JazzyLynnRose
https://twitter.com/RRichardsESPN
https://twitter.com/AndysnatchNFL
https://twitter.com/Vinnymo247
Are fake accounts that are run by Russian operatives. The JazzyLynnRose account has been suspended by Twitter.
Great video. Love it when, he shows his homework.
This is fantastic Ryan, and especially loved what you said at the end. I have a couple of questions: do you think these bots target and post on others' accounts? Thinking of the trashy responses I see on a few well-known journalists' or politicians' twitter accounts. Secondly, do you think the west does the same in russia or china? And yes I know it would be more difficult as their social media is controlled and restricted.