FakeReporter Tracks Disinformation Campaigns Ahead of Israel Election
FakeReporter is monitoring AI bot networks and conspiracy theories targeting the October 27 Israeli election to combat online manipulation.
The Israeli non-profit watchdog FakeReporter is intensifying efforts to combat disinformation and online manipulation leading up to the October 27 election. Led by co-founder Achiya Schatz, the organization is tracking three primary conspiracy theories involving claims of state treason regarding the October 7 attacks, allegations that intelligence leaders withheld information from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and fake news targeting the Arab minority.
Investigations by the group uncovered an AI-powered bot network campaigning for National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and an SMS campaign conducted by the Likud party against Avigdor Lieberman. Schatz noted that the digital town square has shifted toward encrypted messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, which are used for coordinated influence operations by domestic actors and foreign entities, specifically Iran.
To counter these threats, the organization is employing a pre-bunking strategy and will operate a real-time fact-checking situation room on election day. The group also plans to combat false narratives that emerge after the polls close.
