Russian media noticed an influx of subscribers with empty accounts in their Telegram channels. What is behind the botting is unclear

Russian media noticed an influx of subscribers with empty accounts in their Telegram channels. What is behind the botting is unclear

Important Stories writes that in recent days the number of subscribers to its Telegram channel has grown by 10,000, and “the statistics show that this is not organic growth.” The overwhelming majority of new subscribers are inactive accounts with no photos and generated names, the journalists note.

The TV channel Dozhd, the outlet Astra, and Meduza have faced the same sharp increase in subscribers over the past few days.

Propaganda media outlets are also reporting a mass influx of empty accounts, including the TV channel RT in Russian. Botting has also been observed in host Vladimir Solovyov’s Telegram channel.

What this is connected to is unclear. Dozhd suggests that the botting “could become grounds for mass complaints against the channel in order to get it blocked” — and that it may be connected to the upcoming State Duma elections.

Important Stories recalls that it had already encountered a similar influx after publishing an investigation into a network selling sexual services involving minors, in which billionaire Oleg Deripaska was mentioned as one of the clients.

@meduzalive