Russian "influence-for-hire" firms spread propaganda in Latin America: US State Department

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Russian "influence-for-hire" firms spread propaganda in Latin America: US State Department

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The U.S. government has uncovered an ongoing Russia-funded disinformation campaign across Latin America aimed at undermining support for Ukraine and discrediting the U.S. and NATO.

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Daryna Antoniuk

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In Africa, Russian-backed entities deploy fake news outlets, social media influencers, and automated bot networks to manipulate public opinion and advance Moscow's objectives.
U.S. officials report that Russia's influence operations in Latin America are executed with a high level of discretion.
Russian propaganda efforts in Latin America involve the distribution of misleading information and the promotion of narratives favorable to Russian interests.
Part of Russia's strategy in Latin America includes recruiting local journalists and opinion leaders, to adapt and publish Russian-created content.
A report by the U.S. State Department in October highlighted the activities of New Resistance, a neo-fascist organization operating in South America, Europe, and North America with deep ties to Russia's disinformation network.
The Social Design Agency, Institute for Internet Development, and Structura are identified as firms that provide specialized services to exert influence, utilizing advanced technical capabilities.
The Russian-funded disinformation campaign's goal is to undermine support for Ukraine and discredit the U.S. and NATO.
The media landscape in Latin America allows pro-Kremlin entities to blend their propaganda into local media content.
The U.S. government uncovers a Russian-funded disinformation campaign in Latin America.
Russian disinformation campaigns in Africa have been identified as contributing factors to the erosion of democratic processes on the continent.
Russia historically targets Latin American far-right and hard-left groups for influence campaigns.
The Kremlin utilizes a comprehensive network of proxy websites, individuals, and organizations, which masquerade as independent news sources, to spread disinformation.
Russia's influence efforts in Africa often include attempts to meddle in elections to maintain or install governments that are favorable to Moscow's interests.
According to the U.S. State Department, three local companies are involved in spreading Russian propaganda: the Social Design Agency, the Institute for Internet Development, and Structura.
The New Resistance organization is known for its support of authoritarian regimes worldwide, aligning with Russia's goal to destabilize democracies and challenge the established international order.

Publish date

11

Month
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08

Day
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2023

Year

12

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00

am

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The Record from Recorded Future News

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U.S. Department of State accuses Russia of funding disinformation campaign in Latin America

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https://therecord.media/russia-influence-for-hire-firms-latin-america-propaganda-us-state-department

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Daryna Antoniuk

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The U.S. government uncovers a Russian-funded disinformation campaign in Latin America.

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U.S. Department of State accuses Russia of funding disinformation campaign in Latin America

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