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Russian Hackers Spread False Information on Ohio Train Derailment via Twitter

Russian Hackers Spread False Information on Ohio Train Derailment via Twitter
photo: AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File/Russian Hackers Spread False Information on Ohio Train Derailment via Twitter
23 / 03 / 2023

Russian hackers have been spreading false information on Twitter regarding the derailment of a train carrying toxic substances in Ohio last month. Anonymous pro-Russian accounts allegedly disseminated misleading claims and anti-American propaganda, using Elon Musk's new verification system to amplify their reach while appearing authentic.

According to Association Press, the accounts accused Ohio authorities of lying about the true impact of the chemical spill and shared posts raising concerns about environmental pollution and health effects. They also compared the response to the derailment to America's support for Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

The publication noted that some claims made by the pro-Russian accounts have been debunked, such as allegations of a media cover-up or environmental scientists dying in a plane crash en route to the site. However, most posts were more speculative, aiming to create fear or mistrust. These included unverified maps depicting widespread pollution, predictions of increased cancer deaths, and unconfirmed reports of mass animal fatalities.

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