Russia launches massive bot campaign to justify Telegram block
Pro-Kremlin bots in Russia have started a large-scale information operation to justify the actions of Roskomnadzor, which blocked the Telegram messenger across the country.
This was reported by The Moscow Times.
A wave of identical comments has flooded major communities on the social network VKontakte and regional Telegram chats, including in Primorsky Krai. Accounts showing signs of being fake are mass-repeating messages that the restrictions on the messenger are the authorities’ concern for citizen safety and protection against crime.
The main arguments of the “Kremlbots” focus on threats from scammers, pedophiles, and terrorists, for whom Telegram is allegedly a primary communication tool. Propaganda profiles also attempt to cite international examples, claiming that similar blocks exist in Europe. Comments appear in coordinated waves, and the accounts actively support each other with likes, creating the illusion of widespread approval for the repressive measures.
Real social media users quickly identified the artificial activity, mocking the commentators for repeating the same talking points word-for-word and jokingly calling them “friends of governors.” Such methods of manipulating public opinion are typical for Russia, where the authorities attempt to minimize public dissatisfaction with restrictions on freedom of speech. Despite the bots’ efforts, Russian citizens continue to find ways to bypass the blocks to maintain access to independent sources of information.
Telegram will be blocked in Russia starting April 1.
The Telegram ban has also complicated mobile app development in Russia.
