Russian government-backed Internet Research Agency continues information operations meant to divide Americans
On March 12, 2020, Facebook announced that it had removed “49 Facebook accounts, 69 Pages and 85 Instagram accounts for participating in foreign interference online,” likely tied to the Internet Research Agency, though this time the network appeared to have operated out of Ghana and Nigeria. The accounts mainly referenced “black history, black fashion, black excellence, celebrity gossip, historical figures, and LGBTQ issues,” aiming to inflame social divisions and possibly avoid detection in contrast to accounts posting only about specific political candidates. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the IRA is “a Russian organization engaged in operations to interfere with elections and political processes.” Evgeniy Prigozhin, “a Russian oligarch who is closely identified with Russian President Vladimir Putin,” provides funding and support for the IRA.

About This Incident

Threat Actors: Russia

Incident Metadata

Date: March 12, 2020 (date reported)
Country: United States