In a shocking revelation, an American social media influencer has confessed to being paid a paltry $100 to spread a fake video aimed at influencing the 2024 US election. The influencer, known for his pro-Trump stance and frequent sharing of right-wing content, admitted to accepting the payment from a pro-Russian agent, Simeon Boikov, who operates under the alias “AussieCossack” and is a registered Russian agent.
The influencer, who goes by the handle @AlphaFox78 on X (formerly Twitter), shared the video without verifying its authenticity, stating he was unaware of its origins. The video, allegedly produced by Russian operatives, depicted a Haitian immigrant claiming he would vote twice for Kamala Harris in Georgia. This blatant fabrication was quickly exposed as fake by election officials, who pointed out the use of fake ID cards and actors.
Boikov, a known orchestrator of disinformation campaigns, allegedly targeted the US election with a scheme dubbed “Storm-1516”. This scheme utilizes popular social media influencers to spread misleading narratives, leveraging their influence to sway public opinion. According to disinformation expert Darren Linvill, the trust people place in influencers makes them powerful tools for spreading such propaganda.
The American influencer, who initially felt tricked by Boikov, has since removed the video and expressed regret for his actions. He has urged others to exercise caution when sharing content online, highlighting the dangers of misinformation and the ease with which it can be spread.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of elections to foreign interference and the dangers of disinformation campaigns. It underscores the importance of critical thinking, fact-checking, and media literacy in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of online information. As the 2024 election draws closer, authorities will be vigilant in combating such attempts to manipulate public opinion and undermine the integrity of the democratic process.
