Source type News article

Researchers: Disinformation campaign spread after wildfires slowed disaster response

A disinformation campaign that sprung up almost immediately after wildfires ravaged Maui was spread by China and Russia, researchers have concluded. And, they say, that campaign made the government’s response to the disaster even more difficult.

From weather warfare to floating bodies on another island to thousands of missing children to a Maui land grab, experts say online posts about the wildfires might have started as genuine concern. But they also said China and Russia are now using artificial intelligence to amplify false messages and spread fear, division and distrust in government.

Read MoreResearchers: Disinformation campaign spread after wildfires slowed disaster response

Satellite images show civilian deaths in Ukraine town while it was in Russian hands

April 5 (Reuters) - Satellite images taken weeks ago of the town of Bucha in Ukraine show bodies of civilians on a street, a private U.S. company said, undercutting the Russian government's claims that Ukrainian forces caused the deaths or that the scene was staged.

Maxar Technologies provided nine images taken of Bucha on March 18, 19 and 31 to Reuters. At least four of the images appear to show bodies on one of the town's roads, Yablonska Street. The city was occupied by Russian forces until about March 30.

Read MoreSatellite images show civilian deaths in Ukraine town while it was in Russian hands
False Claims Around Israel Attacks Include Recycled Videos and a Game Clip

False Claims Around Israel Attacks Include Recycled Videos and a Game Clip

“Bellingcat: Ukrainian military offensive failure and HAMAS attack linked,” opening text on the video claimed. But the BBC never published that report, and the underlying claim is unsubstantiated.

Read MoreFalse Claims Around Israel Attacks Include Recycled Videos and a Game Clip

Meta and X respond to EU calls for vigilance over disinformation on social media – Business Daily

Meta, the parent company of social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, as well as X, formerly known as Twitter, have responded to a letter from EU Commissioner Thierry Breton urging caution over an increase in disinformation and illegal content. Both social media giants have said they've taken action on social media posts that violate EU law. Also in this edition: Argentinian presidential candidates play the blame game on currency devaluation and US auto workers escalate their strike.

Read MoreMeta and X respond to EU calls for vigilance over disinformation on social media – Business Daily
BBC did not report that Ukraine is sending arms to Hamas, a video was fabricated

BBC did not report that Ukraine is sending arms to Hamas, a video was fabricated

CLAIM: A video shows a BBC News report confirming Ukraine provided weapons to Hamas.

AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. The widely shared video clip is fabricated. Officials with the BBC and Bellingcat, an investigative news website that is cited in the video as the source, confirm that neither outlet has reported such a claim. Experts say there is no evidence of Hamas making such a claim, either, and say there is no reason for Ukraine to arm the militant group.

Read MoreBBC did not report that Ukraine is sending arms to Hamas, a video was fabricated
EU to launch platform to fight Russian, Chinese disinformation

EU to launch platform to fight Russian, Chinese disinformation

The European Union will launch a new platform to counter disinformation campaigns by Russia and China amid growing worries, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said today.

A so-called Information Sharing and Analysis Center within the EU's foreign services —the European External Action Service (EEAS) — will seek to track information manipulation by foreign actors and coordinate with the 27 EU countries and the wider community of NGOs.

"We need to understand how these disinformation campaigns are organized ... to identify the actors of the manipulation," said Borrell.

Read MoreEU to launch platform to fight Russian, Chinese disinformation