+Asma Abidi is a journalist and a junior researcher based between Tunis and Bonn in Germany.
+She collaborated with different platforms such as http://correspondents.org, wirmachendas.jetzt,Deutsche Welle Arabic and more.
+She had also collaborated with Media Development organizations such as ...

Verification Handbook: equipping journalists to combat media manipulation

01 Oct 2023  |  en.ejo.ch  |  English  |  Media Manipulation

The latest edition of the Verification Handbook, published by the European Journalism Centre, aims to equip journalists with the skills to combat disinformation and media manipulation. It includes contributions from experts like Craig Silverman, Claire Wardle, and Brandy Zadrozny, covering topics such as social media investigation, visual content verification, and the identification of bots. The handbook also addresses the complexities of information disorder and provides tools and techniques for digital investigations. It is praised as a valuable resource for journalists facing the challenges of modern media manipulation.

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Media Manipulation Disinformation Journalism

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Luis Assardo is a journalist and researcher based in Berlin, Germany.
Founder of Confirmado, where he coordinates a team that fight misinformation. For 24 years has worked in paper, broadcast and online media. The last 10 has been leading digital newsrooms. Is an award winner for his ...

The Netcenters: Manipulation Business

01 Oct 2023  |  Medium  |  Spanish  |  Social Media Manipulation

The article explores the evolution of Netcenters from early online forums to sophisticated digital manipulation tools used in political campaigns. It highlights various cases in Guatemala and Mexico, detailing how these centers operate, their impact on public perception, and the ethical concerns they raise. The text calls for legislative action and public awareness to combat these practices.

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Social Media Manipulation Political Campaigns Digital Marketing

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I am journalist based in Warsaw, Poland.
Over 25 of experience in media. I wrote for newspapers (Gazeta Wyborcza, Rzeczpospolia), magazines (PRESS, SENS, Slużba Zdrowia, websites/ online media (OKO.press) and others. 
In last years mostly I write for OKO.press - polish well know online media team ...

Premier 'talks to the media'. It was a PR stunt with professional clappers

03 Oct 2023  |  oko.press  |  Polish  |  Media Manipulation

The article criticizes Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki for staging a PR event with controlled media representatives who avoid asking difficult questions. It highlights the involvement of various media figures and organizations, including Orlen, Polsat, and PAP, in government propaganda. The piece portrays the event as a manipulation tactic to present the government in a favorable light while avoiding scrutiny from independent journalists.

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Media Manipulation Political Campaign Government Propaganda

Opinionated

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JEFF J. BROWN, Editor, China Rising, and Senior Editor & China Correspondent, Dispatch from Beijing, The Greanville PostJeff J. Brown is a geopolitical analyst, journalist, lecturer and the author of The China Trilogy. It consists of 44 Days Backpacking in China – The Middle Kingdom in the 21st ...

Cem Caner is a journalist based between London, United Kingdom, and Mersin, Türkiye. A graduate of King's College London, Cem is fluent in English and Turkish, with professional proficiency in Russian and German. He has reported on current affairs, socio-political issues, and cultural stories, ...

A review of Internet Democracy in 2025

01 Mar 2025  |  dannycemcaner.blogspot.com  |  English  |  Digital Manipulation

The article examines the role of the internet and social media in democracy, highlighting how platforms like Facebook and Twitter have been used by authoritarian regimes to manipulate public opinion and suppress dissent. It discusses instances in Honduras, Turkey, Gaza, and Myanmar where digital manipulation has had severe consequences, including rigged elections and ethnic violence. The piece argues that while the internet has the potential to empower democratic movements, the indifference of tech companies and the prioritization of profit over public good have made digital democracy a fragile illusion.

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Social Media Influence Digital Manipulation Internet Democracy

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Anuj Chopra is a journalist based in Kabol, Afghanistan.

Hijacking news: Fake media sites sow Ukraine disinformation

24 Mar 2025  |  www.thestar.com.my  |  English  |  Media Manipulation

The article highlights the spread of disinformation through fake media sites linked to Russian influence, targeting Ukraine and undermining public trust in mainstream media. It details how these sites mimic legitimate news outlets to lend credibility to false narratives, with specific examples involving fabricated claims about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. Researchers and organizations like NewsGuard and AFP are actively identifying and debunking these false reports, emphasizing the growing challenge of disinformation in the digital age.

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Media Manipulation Disinformation Ukraine Conflict

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Colombian journalist, editor and researcher based in Spain.

Opacity, 'Twitter Troops' and Alliances with Russia: How Maduro's Government Spreads Disinformation

08 Dec 2022  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Social Media Manipulation

The Venezuelan government, particularly the Ministry for Communication and Information (Minci) and state media, has been spreading disinformation on various topics including negotiations with the opposition, the case of Álex Saab, official figures, pandemic management, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Reports by ProBox and Transparency Venezuela highlight the use of 'Twitter troops' to manipulate social media narratives and monetary incentives for promoting government hashtags. The government's digital and communication strategies are also aligned with Russia, sharing narratives and terminology to support Russian actions in Ukraine. Additionally, the Venezuelan government has been opaque in providing official statistics and information to the public, with significant gaps in the publication of official documents, health bulletins, and economic data.

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Social Media Manipulation Disinformation Government Policy International Relations

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Experienced multimedia journalist and award-winning podcast producer. Bilingual in Russian, French, and English. Interest and understanding of environmental, human rights and social justice issues as well as Russia and the former Soviet states politics.

Experienced journalist able to do lives and reporting for print, radio and tv. I have reported for media outlets from more than fifteen countries, including for ARTE/ZDF, BBC News, The Guardian, Süddeutsche Zeitung, The Sunday Times, NRC Handelsblad, Deutsche Welle en De Groene Amsterdammer.

In Serbia, reality shows and the government are under fire

17 May 2023  |  De Groene Amsterdammer  |  Dutch  |  Media Manipulation

Tens of thousands protested in Belgrade against media glorification of violence and the government following two mass shootings, one at a school, with 17 fatalities. Many hold President Aleksander Vučić partly responsible, citing his government's erosion of political rights and civil liberties, and media control. Opposition parties, including Ne Davimo Belgrade, demand the resignation of two ministers, a ban on violent TV shows, and the shutdown of Happy and Pink TV's national frequency. Critics argue these channels promote vulgarity, violence, and misogyny, and serve as propaganda tools for Vučić's Serbian Progressive Party. The protests were misrepresented by pro-government media as violent, while Vučić accused the opposition of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.

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Violence in Media Media Manipulation Political Protests

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Peter Guest is a writer, editor, producer and photographer, based in Southeast Asia. His work has appeared in Nikkei Asian Review, the Atlantic, Newsweek, the Financial Times, Wired, the Guardian, the Wall Street Journal and others. He has reported from more than 40 countries across five continents,...

A Vancouver-based freelance journalist, covering the Iranian community in Canada, as well as topics related to art, culture, and the latest social media trends.

Opinion: Iranian state media turned my North Shore News story into propaganda

12 Sept 2024  |  North Shore News  |  English  |  Media Manipulation

The article discusses how the Islamic Republic News Agency manipulated a North Shore News story about Nima Bookstore to fit its propaganda narrative, censoring sensitive topics like the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. It highlights the importance of independent media in preserving transparency and amplifying marginalized voices, contrasting with state-controlled narratives that distort facts to align with ideological goals.

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Media Manipulation Iranian Politics Censorship

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Seda Karatabanoglu is a journalist and content creator based in Istanbul, Turkey. She writes about journalism ve current in Journo, NewsLab Turkey, Talent Politan and Dazzle Your World. She received communication and justice training.

Disinformation as an 'Industry'

26 Jul 2022  |  NewsLabTurkey  |  Turkish  |  Political Manipulation

The article explores the evolution of disinformation as an industry, highlighting how states and political actors outsource disinformation efforts to maintain plausible deniability. It discusses the role of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter in combating disinformation and the innovative tactics used by disinformation actors. The text also examines the sectoral development of disinformation in countries like the Philippines and South Korea, and the involvement of private firms in these activities. The article underscores the complexity and decentralization of political trolling in Turkey, referencing statements from Orhan Sarıkaya and other political figures.

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Social Media Political Manipulation Disinformation

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Lenox Mhlanga is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. He is a columnist, thought leader in Public Relations, a political and social commentator, Influencer and broadcaster.

The manufacture of consent during 2023 elections in Zimbabwe

05 Nov 2023  |  Southern Eye  |  English  |  Media Manipulation

The 2023 Zimbabwe general election highlighted the use of perception management and sentiment manipulation tactics to influence public opinion and sway the electoral outcome. Techniques such as biased media coverage, social media manipulation, astroturfing, emotional appeals, and voter suppression were employed to shape narratives and undermine the democratic process. The article underscores the need for countering these manipulative techniques to safeguard electoral integrity.

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Media Manipulation 2023 Zimbabwe Elections Political Campaigns

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Nagham Mohanna is a journalist.
I have been working in media and journalism for more than 15 years I worked with many international, regional and local outlets I covered four wars in Gaza besides number of important events, I travelled abroad to develop my skills in journalism and I have conducted ...

Videos of Gazans condemning Hamas were filmed under Israeli coercion, witnesses say

24 Oct 2024  |  The National  |  English  |  Media Manipulation

Witnesses claim that videos of Gazans condemning Hamas were filmed under Israeli coercion, suggesting an attempt by Israel to cultivate a humanitarian image. The article discusses the implications of these actions on the perception of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting accusations of media manipulation by the Israeli government.

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Media Manipulation Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

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Gibson Nyikadzino is a print media journalist and blogger for in-depth political and feature stories based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

US, CCC and local journalists gang up to foment chaos

20 May 2023  |  bulawayo24.com  |  English  |  Media Manipulation

The US government, through its Harare embassy, is accused of sponsoring local journalists to write negative stories about Zimbabwe and undermine Chinese investments ahead of planned protests by the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The protests aim to disrupt Chinese-run mines and project Zimbabwe as an unsafe investment destination. The article criticizes the US for using local proxies to foment chaos and undermine the Zimbabwean government, while defending Chinese investments as crucial for Zimbabwe's economic transformation. Key figures like Nelson Chamisa and Tendai Biti are portrayed negatively, while President Emmerson Mnangagwa is praised for his diplomatic efforts.

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Media Manipulation Political Protests Foreign Influence

Opinionated

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Tamara Pearson has been a journalist for 22 years, and an editor as well for a total of 12 of those. She is based in Puebla, Mexico.

The Honduran president used Facebook to massively inflate his popularity – an interview with Sophie Zhang

16 Apr 2021  |  contracorriente.red  |  English  |  Social Media Manipulation

Sophie Zhang, a former Facebook data scientist, reveals how Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández used fake Facebook pages to inflate his popularity. Despite Facebook's efforts to curb such activities, the manipulation continued, highlighting the platform's slow response and prioritization of profit. The interview underscores the broader implications of social media abuse in political contexts, particularly in smaller, less influential countries like Honduras. Zhang suggests that public pressure and media coverage are crucial in holding social media companies accountable.

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Social Media Manipulation Political Corruption Elections

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Visar Prebreza is a journalist.

The screen break did not happen during Albin Kurti's speech

08 Sept 2023  |  kallxo.com  |  Albanian  |  Media Manipulation

A viral video showing a person breaking a TV screen while Prime Minister Albin Kurti is speaking in the Assembly is debunked as manipulated content. The original video, which has been circulating for a long time, actually shows the person hitting the TV screen while watching a football game, not Kurti's speech. The article emphasizes the importance of journalists not falsifying or manipulating videos and photos.

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Media Manipulation Misinformation

Factual

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I am a digitally savvy journalist and editor with a keen interest in collaborations, tracking political promises and solutions journalism. I recently completed a certificate course in investigative journalism from Wits. In my freelance career I have focused on cross-platform editing, project ...

Anatomy of a disinformation campaign: The who, what and why of deliberate falsehoods on Twitter

09 Feb 2021  |  www.dailymaverick.co.za  |  English  |  Social Media Manipulation

Disinformation campaigns on Twitter in South Africa exploit social media algorithms that prioritize popularity over truth, causing widespread harm. Political conversations on platforms built for viral advertising contribute to the problem, with both foreign and domestic actors involved. The Oxford Internet Institute identified 77 countries, including 12 in Africa, where disinformation is used to manipulate public opinion. In South Africa, government agencies, political parties, and private contractors engage in social media manipulation, exemplified by the ANC's pre-election 'boiler room' and the EFF's 'troll army.' Disinformation damages democracy by undermining trust in institutions. The article breaks down disinformation into manipulative actors, deceptive behavior, and harmful content, highlighting the tactics used to deceive and manipulate public opinion.

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Social Media Manipulation Disinformation Politics

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Abbie Richards is a content creator based in Wageningen, Netherlands. She creates science communication content focused on the climate, misinformation, and conspiracies.

TikTok trolls are creating deepfakes and deceptively editing real users’ videos to promote “transracialism”

01 Oct 2023  |  www.mediamatters.org  |  English  |  Social Media Manipulation

A network of inauthentic TikTok accounts is using stolen videos and deepfakes to promote transphobic and racist sentiments under the guise of 'transracialism.' These accounts often feature profile pictures of figures like Oli London and Rachel Dolezal and use AI-generated faces to create deceptive videos. Despite TikTok's guidelines against such content, the platform has been criticized for not doing enough to prevent this behavior, leading to the harassment of innocent users and the spread of harmful narratives.

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Social Media Manipulation Deepfakes Transracialism

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Taha Sakr is a journalist based in Cairo Governorate, Egypt.

Taha Sakr is a political affairs journalist / news reporter, born in Saudi Arabia in 1992 who studied media and journalism in English language at the Faculty of Mass Communication at Cairo University.

Sakr’s experience extends for ...

A Look at the Muslim Brotherhood’s History of Fraud, and the Empathy Trap

15 Mar 2019  |  Egyptian Streets  |  English  |  Media Manipulation

The article examines the Muslim Brotherhood's alleged history of deception and manipulation, particularly in relation to claims of forced disappearances in Egypt. It argues that the Brotherhood has systematically falsified facts to garner sympathy and mislead the public, often portraying its members as victims of state oppression. The article highlights several cases where individuals initially reported as disappeared were later found to be involved in terrorist activities. It emphasizes the need for skepticism towards media narratives and reports from certain organizations, especially regarding allegations against the Egyptian state.

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Media Manipulation Muslim Brotherhood Terrorism

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a freelance journalist and researcher based in Paris. covers the Middle East region and Jihadist movements, hold a master degree in the political history of Syria with knowledge about the day to day situation in Syria and the region. 
started working in Damascus, Syria in the early 2000's with ...

Sarah Thust studied Journalism and Psychology in Leipzig, Germany. Since her studies she works as freelance journalist within a broad range of media and subjects.

Sarah spent three years in Cambodia as a freelance reporter. She worked for German newspapers & radio stations, English newspapers & ...

State Election Brandenburg: Why the Numbers on TV Initially Differ from the State Election Authority's Figures

30 Sept 2024  |  correctiv.org  |  German  |  Media Discrepancy

The article examines discrepancies between initial TV reports and official figures from the Brandenburg state election authority during the 2024 state election. It highlights that early media reports were based on projections and exit polls, while the official website showed interim results that evolved as more votes were counted. The AfD initially appeared to lead in early counts, but the SPD emerged as the strongest party after all votes were tallied. The article clarifies that differences in reporting were due to the timing of vote counts from different districts and the inclusion of absentee ballots, not manipulation. It also notes that AfD voters tend to vote in person rather than by mail, influenced by the party's skepticism towards mail-in voting.

Tags:

Political Manipulation Media Discrepancy Election

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Kieran White is a multimedia journalist with over 12 years of experience. Working from a young age in the fast-paced news industry and studying Media Skills at London’s Kingston University, he is used to short deadlines and challenging assignments.
With a passion for storytelling and an ...

The backlash to critical race theory is here, and they're trying to co-opt the anti-CRT movement

07 Sept 2021  |  karlyn.substack.com  |  English  |  Social Media Manipulation

The article discusses the infiltration of the anti-critical race theory (anti-CRT) movement by proponents of the 'white positivity' movement, who aim to co-opt the movement for their own agenda. It highlights the tactics used by individuals like Daniel Concannon, Jason Kohne, and Brant Danger to spread their ideology through social media and conservative platforms. The piece warns against the dangers of allowing these nefarious actors to associate with the legitimate anti-CRT movement, emphasizing the need to maintain a focus on individualism and meritocracy. It also critiques the manipulation of language by both the woke left and the 'white positivity' movement, urging readers to be vigilant and proactive in combating these influences.

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Social Media Manipulation Critical Race Theory White Positivity Movement

Interpretive

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Samuel Woodhams is a Researcher at the digital rights group and VPN comparison website, Top10VPN. Based in London, United Kingdom, he writes at the intersection of technology and politics, with a particular focus on internet shutdowns, digital rights and disinformation. His work has been featured ...

Social Media in Asia: A New Frontier for Mass Surveillance and Political Manipulation

01 Nov 2019  |  thediplomat.com  |  English  |  Political Manipulation

Governments across Asia are increasingly adopting social media surveillance programs to monitor citizens and suppress political dissent, aided by advances in AI and affordable technology. Countries like Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines have implemented such measures, often under the guise of combating extremism and hate speech. These actions have led to the erosion of freedom of expression, democratic processes, and human rights. The sale of surveillance technology remains largely unregulated, with significant contributions from China, Russia, and the United States. The global spread of these technologies and disinformation campaigns necessitates international cooperation to protect digital rights and freedoms.

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Social Media Political Manipulation Mass Surveillance

Interpretive

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Peter Zalmayev is a journalist based in Kyiv, Ukraine.

How I trolled Putin and lived to tell the tale

29 Nov 2017  |  www.politico.eu  |  English  |  Media Manipulation

The article discusses the author's experiences as a pro-democracy activist from Ukraine participating in Russian talk shows, which are used as propaganda tools by the Kremlin to manipulate public perception of the Ukraine conflict. The author describes the challenges faced by pro-Ukraine participants in these shows, including ridicule and manipulation, and highlights the importance of countering Russian disinformation. The piece underscores the need for innovative strategies to combat propaganda, drawing on Ukraine's experiences as a lesson for Western democracies.

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Media Manipulation Russian Propaganda Ukraine Conflict

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