Whirlwind of misinformation sows distrust ahead of US election day

Whirlwind of misinformation sows distrust ahead of US election day

By Vijay Narayan
Monday 04/11/2024
Photo:BBC

Rumours, misleading allegations and outright lies about voting and fraud are flooding online spaces in unprecedented numbers in advance of the US election.

Hundreds of incidents involving purported voting irregularities are being collected and spread by individuals, as well as both independent and Republican-affiliated groups.

A small number of posts are also coming from Democrats.

The US government has also alleged that foreign actors, including Russia, are spreading fake videos to undermine confidence in the electoral process.

The whirlwind of misinformation spreading online poses a challenge to election officials who are having to debunk rumours and reassure voters, while preparing to administer election day on Wednesday.

Many posts alleging election irregularities support the Trump campaign’s false claim that the former president won the 2020 election and suggestions that he will potentially be cheated out of victory again on Wednesday.

When asked whether he will accept the 2024 election result, Donald Trump said during the presidential debate in September that he would if it was a "fair and legal and good election".

A majority of Americans - 70% - expect him to reject the result if he loses, according to a CNN/SSRS poll released Monday.

Just this week, Trump himself claimed widespread fraud in a key swing state.

The allegation followed officials in three Pennsylvania counties saying they were working with local law enforcement to investigate some voter registration applications for potential fraud.

While Trump and allies seized on the announcements, the state's top election official, Republican Al Schmidt, has urged caution and warned voters to be aware of "half-truths" and disinformation circulating on social media.

The BBC has seen hundreds of allegations of election fraud online, on social networks and on message boards and in chat groups.

Some of these posts have been viewed millions of times each.

The posts have implied it's easy for non-citizens to vote, made false claims about voting machines and sowed distrust in the ballot-counting process.

One video claimed to show recently-arrived Haitians voting in Georgia.

The BBC has found clear indications, including false addresses and stock photos, which indicate the video is a fake.

On Friday US security officials said it was made by "Russian influence actors".

Source : BBC

FEATURE NEWS
I will voluntarily appear before Commission, I will also reveal who was behind the 1987 coup - Rabuka
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms that he will voluntarily appear before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as the leader of the 1987 coup...
43 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
Bail pending appeal for Qiliho will be heard on March 27th
The hearing date for bail pending appeal in the University of the South Pacific case for former Police Commissioner, Sitiveni Qiliho will be heard by ...
8 minutes ago

The journey towards healing and reconciliation requires the support of the nation - Dr Brand
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Chair Dr Marcus Brand says the journey towards healing and reconciliation in a nation is complex and multifaceted ...
16 minutes ago

M-PAiSA Blockbuster Wednesday returns by popular demand
After overwhelming public demand, the Damodar Group and Vodafone Fiji have announced the return of M-PAiSA Blockbuster Wednesday, bringing back ...
1 hour ago

Jet carrying 60 passengers collides with helicopter and crashes into Washington DC river
An American Airlines flight has collided in mid-air with a black-hawk helicopter in Washington DC. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says ...
2 hours ago

Hostel fee increase for FNU temporarily postponed– Prof. Prasad
Great news for thousands of Fiji National University students who wish to live in the university hostel as the increase in the hostel fees has been ...
2 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Pryde reinstated as DPP
Suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde has been reinstated to his position after a tribunal investigating the allegations ...
9 days ago

Virgin Australia crew members allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed outside Nadi nightclub
A man has been charged with the rape and sexual assault of one of the Virgin Australia crew members in the early hours of New Year’s Day, near a ...
25 days ago

Lynda Tabuya dismissed as Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka says in light of the recent events concerning the conduct of Lynda Tabuya, and in consideration of the Oath she has ...
34 days ago

TOP