Bluesky Says Kremlin Is Hacking Its Platform to Spread Propaganda
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Ben Gilbert, a Colorado School of Mines professor, discovered his Bluesky social media account was hijacked to spread Russian propaganda blaming France’s support for Ukraine for police shortages in France.
- Hundreds of Bluesky accounts, including those of journalists, professors, and creatives, were compromised to post fake news as part of a Russian influence operation.
- The disinformation campaign involved AI-generated videos impersonating officials and was linked by researchers to the Moscow-based Social Design Agency.
- This tactic reflects Russia’s ongoing efforts to undermine Western support for Ukraine following its 2022 invasion.