- Oct 17, 2011
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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem police say “North Carolina Breaking News” is sharing untrue stories about their department, according to a news release.
After discovering the false posts, police say they reached out to administrators of the “North Carolina Breaking News” Facebook page. The apparent admins responded in Russian.
Officers cited two specific posts on the “North Carolina Breaking News” Facebook page.
The two posts tell stories of law enforcement performing good deeds.
Winston-Salem police say the posts are based on true stories from outside of the state and Winston-Salem police officers were never involved.
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One might wonder, "What do the Russians have to gain by spreading positive news stories about police?"
The answer, I suspect, is that this is the honey part of the setup. Positive (but fake) stories to get likable people to like the page. And then at some point, the disinformation would begin, from a source people trust.
What's special about Winston Salem?
Nothing in particular at all. So think about the Facebook groups you belong to.
After discovering the false posts, police say they reached out to administrators of the “North Carolina Breaking News” Facebook page. The apparent admins responded in Russian.
Officers cited two specific posts on the “North Carolina Breaking News” Facebook page.
The two posts tell stories of law enforcement performing good deeds.
Winston-Salem police say the posts are based on true stories from outside of the state and Winston-Salem police officers were never involved.
---
One might wonder, "What do the Russians have to gain by spreading positive news stories about police?"
The answer, I suspect, is that this is the honey part of the setup. Positive (but fake) stories to get likable people to like the page. And then at some point, the disinformation would begin, from a source people trust.
What's special about Winston Salem?
Nothing in particular at all. So think about the Facebook groups you belong to.