Microsoft reveals how Western celebrities were used in online information war
- Celebrities were tricked into recording videos used for Russian propaganda against Ukraine
- At least seven Western celebrities, including Elijah Wood and Priscilla Presley, were involved
- The videos were edited and shared online by Russia-aligned trolls
- Microsoft conducted the security research
Internet propagandists aligned with Russia have deceived several Western celebrities, including Elijah Wood and Priscilla Presley, into recording short videos to support their online information war against Ukraine. The celebrities were asked to offer words of encouragement to someone named ‘Vladimir’ who appeared to be struggling with substance abuse. However, these messages were edited, embellished with emojis, links, and media outlet logos, and then shared online by Russia-aligned trolls. Microsoft conducted the security research that uncovered this deception.
Public Companies: Microsoft (MSFT)
Private Companies:
Key People:
Factuality Level: 7
Justification: The article provides information from a security research conducted by Microsoft, which suggests that internet propagandists aligned with Russia have duped Western celebrities into recording videos to support their online information war against Ukraine. The article includes specific details such as the names of the celebrities involved and the method used to manipulate their messages. However, the article does not provide any additional sources or evidence to support these claims, which lowers its factuality level.
Noise Level: 3
Justification: The article contains relevant information about celebrities being duped into supporting Russia’s online information war against Ukraine. However, it lacks scientific rigor and intellectual honesty as it does not provide evidence or data to support the claims made by Microsoft. Additionally, the article does not explore the consequences of these actions on those who bear the risks.
Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The article does not pertain to financial topics and does not describe any extreme events.
www.wsj.com 
