Elon Musk’s recent policy change on Twitter has led to a significant increase in the visibility of Kremlin-related accounts, according to a report from the NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence. The social media platform, formerly known as Twitter but now rebranded as X, had introduced labels for government officials and state-affiliated media in 2020. However, Musk’s actions have challenged these labeling practices, resulting in the removal of such labels. This means that users may not be aware they are interacting with posts from Russian or Chinese government mouthpieces.
NATO’s analysis focused on 11 Russian accounts that were previously labeled by X. Since Musk’s change in policy, these accounts have experienced an average increase of 60% in views. Engagements with the Russian Embassy in the US, for example, have surged by 133%, while views have seen a 150% boost. The embassy’s pinned tweet features a video of a Russian soldier expressing enthusiasm for using anti-tank ‘bullets’ against American tanks being utilized by Ukraine.
The report suggests that while Twitter’s relevance may be diminishing within Russia itself, it remains an effective tool for the Russian state to reach international audiences, particularly those outside of Europe. Russian state-owned news networks RT Arabic and Actualidad RT have experienced visibility increases of 48% and 87%, respectively, when targeting global audiences.
Twitter had previously implemented measures to limit the spread of Kremlin propaganda, but with Musk’s intervention, this has changed. The platform no longer amplifies state-affiliated media accounts or restricts their reach. As a result, the Russian government’s ability to disseminate its messages on Twitter has been revitalized.
X, the new name for Twitter, did not respond immediately to requests for comment. However, the implications of Musk’s policy change on Twitter’s role in amplifying or countering state-affiliated media content are evident. The report highlights the need for ongoing scrutiny and vigilance in analyzing and interpreting information shared on social media platforms.
In a world where disinformation campaigns and digital propaganda are increasingly prevalent, maintaining a balanced perspective and verifying the credibility of sources becomes all the more important. The impact of influential figures, like Elon Musk, on social media platforms can have far-reaching consequences, shaping the visibility and reach of state-sponsored narratives. This highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing freedom of expression with responsible information dissemination in the digital age.
By staying updated on such developments and understanding the underlying dynamics at play, users can navigate social media platforms more discerningly and critically assess the messages they encounter. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to remain cautious and informed in the face of changing policies and media environments.
