The social network TikTok is a more dangerous platform for the spread of Russian disinformation and propaganda than the Telegram messenger. About this stated Alina Alekseeva, deputy head of the Center for countering disinformation of the National Security Council of Ukraine, at the conference “Fact Check in the Regions: Challenges, Difficulties and Prospects” at the Ukraine Media Center.
According to Alekseeva, the Center for Combating Disinformation already has a good understanding of Telegram’s structure and functioning. However, much more worrying is the propaganda that spreads through TikTok, because that is where the audience most vulnerable to manipulation is concentrated – teenagers and older people.
In her turn, Svitlana Slipchenko, deputy director of the analytical platform VoxUkraine, noted that Ukrainian society excessively focuses on Telegram as the main source of disinformation. She noted that fakes are present on many platforms and can circulate no less actively than in Telegram.
“We found fakes everywhere and a lot, and probably no less than in Telegram. It’s just that we are very fixated on the fact that all the evil is there and pay little attention to the fact that there is Russian propaganda on all platforms, Russian disinformation continues to circulate.”Slipchenko added.
She also emphasized that in addition to the standard narratives that Russia uses in its information war against Ukraine, propagandists also actively create manipulative messages on current topics that concern Ukrainian society.
“When we talk about current topics of Russian propaganda, we can look at current topics in society today”, — explained Slipchenko.
