Recommending Hate: How TikTok’s Search Engine Algorithms Reproduce Societal Bias
This report looks at TikTok's search algorithms and how it fails to detect hateful terms, reinforcing biases against marginalised groups.
Disinformation
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Countering Holocaust Denial and Distortion: A Guide for Teachers
This guide helps teachers design lessons about the Holocaust to prevent denial, enhance understanding, and promote critical thinking, digital literacy, and solidarity.
When Hoaxes Make the Headlines: The Spread of ‘National Rape Day’ on TikTok
In April 2024, TikTok's failure to address the spread of the debunked ‘National Rape Day’ hoax highlighted gaps in its content moderation.
Monitoring Influence & Disinformation Campaigns in the Western Balkans (MEDIWEB)
This research explores disinformation in the Western Balkans, highlighting local political and media roles, anti-EU sentiment and solutions to mitigate risks.
The Russian Propaganda Nesting Doll: How RT is Layered Into the Digital Information Environment
Over the past year, ASD at GMF, UvA and ISD developed the Information Laundromat, revealing that 400 domains republished RT.com articles in 2023, spreading Russian state media in the EU and US despite bans.
Pro-Kremlin Propaganda about Neo-Nazis in Ukraine Targets South Africans Online
This report by ISD and CIR reveals that pro-Kremlin actors are spreading false narratives on social media to depict Ukraine as Nazi-controlled, aiming to justify Russia's invasion and sway South African public opinion.
Vilify, Ridicule, Disinform: Political Communication and Media Trust in the Age of Generative AI
This paper is a timely examination of political communication and media trust in the age of generative AI systems, analysing real-world examples of its use in a political context. It also evaluates emerging technical and policy solutions and presents recommendations and reflections for policy practitioners.
Two Years On: An Analysis of Russian State and Pro-Kremlin Information Warfare in the Context of the Invasion of Ukraine
This report outlines the evolution of Russian state & pro-Kremlin propaganda undermining international support for Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, outlining Western vulnerabilities for the next year.
Networks of Dissuasion: Mapping Online Attacks on Reproductive Rights in France
This is the English translation of our report examining anti-abortion activity in France across social media platforms. The investigation aims to better understand the actors, narratives and tactics used to spread, amplify and monetise anti-abortion discourse.
Terrorism, Extremism, Disinformation and Artificial Intelligence: A Primer for Policy Practitioners
An intro to AI's intersection with focus areas covered by ISD's Digital Policy Lab (DPL), including key concepts, challenges, and solutions. Informed by research and informal interviews, it contributes to policy discussions within the DPL and beyond.