The Growth of Global Election Disinformation: The Role and Methodology of Government-linked Cyber Actors

The presentation discusses the characteristics and behaviors of digital actors engaged in information operations and the importance of being vigilant in verifying sources of information.

• Do not trust sources you do not know
• Sources of information reveal motives and can help identify information operations
• Digital actors engaged in information operations adapt and change tactics
• Academics studying how people fact-check information can be used for malicious reasons
• Complete political neutrality is important in conducting research
• Supportive team dynamics are important for analysts dealing with disturbing content

The presentation provides an example of a Venezuelan media outlet that was suspended by Twitter for posting disinformation about Ukraine and echoing Russia's perspective on the matter. The outlet adapted by becoming less active on Twitter and promoting its Telegram channel instead. The actors behind the outlet acknowledged the research conducted by the presenter's team and even posted their report on their Telegram channel. The presenter emphasizes the importance of being vigilant in verifying sources of information and understanding their motives.

Nisos researchers uncovered a prolific disinformation campaign focused on Colombia's May 2022 elections in which Venezuelan leftist organizations are driving social media narratives in support of current leftist, Colombian Presidential Candidate, and former M-19 revolutionary member, Gustavo Petro. Prior to its suspension from Twitter, @ChalecosAmarill, used a mix of true and misleading information to advocate for presidential candidates with foreign policy positions favorable to U.S. adversaries, which increased its legitimacy and made disinformation difficult to detect. Its social media activities also include engagement with bot/sock puppet social media networks involved in information operations with the aim of influencing the digital environment, especially in Colombia.Our assessment concludes a high likelihood that Venezuelan left-wing supporter, Rafael Nuñez and his pro-Venezuelan digital marketing associates are responsible for the content found on @ChalecosAmarill's Twitter account and engagement with known bot/sock puppet networks running various Colombia-focused digital campaigns in favor of Petro. Additionally, it is likely that Nuñez's efforts are a result of Venezuelan government interests.