ADVERTISEMENT

The US is not alone in its fake news problem

Online propaganda campaigns hit more than two dozen countries over the last year, according to a new report from Freedom House.

The way it's been covered, you might think that Russia's alleged attempt to manipulate last year's US presidential election was the only time such an online propaganda campaign has ever been waged. But you'd be wrong. It turns out the use of fake news and other disinformation is fairly widespread.

ADVERTISEMENT

Online manipulation and propaganda played an important role in elections not only in the US, but in 17 other countries around the globe in the year ending May 31, according to the lastest Freedom of the Net report from Freedom House, a nonprofit organization that promotes democracy and civil liberties. Outside of election periods, similar disinformation efforts took place in even more countries.

The online propaganda campaign in the US was largely perpetrated by actors outside its borders. But the disinformation efforts in other countries were largely homegrown, according to the report. As we can see in this chart from Statista, much of the propaganda in affected countries was propagated by progovernment groups.

Regardless of their source or where they took place, the misinformation campaigns played an important role in Freedom House's assessment that internet freedom worldwide declined for the seventh year in a row.

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Navigating the future: How AI transforms selling on Amazon

Navigating the future: How AI transforms selling on Amazon

Wall decor tips: Transforming your space with style and creativity

Wall decor tips: Transforming your space with style and creativity

Putin's African diplomacy: Security talks with West, Central Africa take centre stage

Putin's African diplomacy: Security talks with West, Central Africa take centre stage

Infinix users get over 35% exclusive discount on Showmax premier league & general entertainment subscription

Infinix users get over 35% exclusive discount on Showmax premier league & general entertainment subscription

10 longest bridges in Africa

10 longest bridges in Africa

India issues free heart surgeries to 150 Ugandan children

India issues free heart surgeries to 150 Ugandan children

ADVERTISEMENT