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UID:pretalx-38c3-community-stages-XMGWZD@cfp.cccv.de
DTSTART;TZID=CET:20241228T171500
DTEND;TZID=CET:20241228T181500
DESCRIPTION:What began as a routine project in a psychology practicum quick
 ly evolved into a semester of unexpected discoveries. A small research tea
 m set out to examine disinformation in German Telegram channels\, intendin
 g to observe these groups’ activities leading up to the European electio
 ns. However\, the findings went far beyond initial expectations: the inves
 tigators encountered a wide-ranging mix of COVID-19 conspiracy theorists\,
  far-right groups\, and farmer protestors—collectives that initially app
 eared benign but soon emerged as part of a more coordinated disinformation
  strategy.\nA turning point occurred upon discovering a report by an Austr
 ian broadcaster\, which led the researchers deeper into Russian disinforma
 tion networks than they ever anticipated. The ensuing investigation reveal
 ed what felt like the plot of a spy thriller despite the actors unapologet
 ically operating out in the open.\n\nThis talk traces the path from initia
 l curiosity to in-depth analysis\, highlighting a few striking discoveries
  made along the way and contextualizing them using broader theories of swa
 rm behavior. It also demonstrates how even minimal investigative steps can
  peel back the layers of so-called “coincidental connections\,” offeri
 ng a revealing glimpse into the methods and reach of modern-day disinforma
 tion campaigns.
DTSTAMP:20260313T051924Z
LOCATION:Stage YELL
SUMMARY:From COVID-19 Conspiracy Channels to Russian State Influence: Guidi
 ng a University OSINT Research Project Through Telegram Disinformation - M
 artin Sona
URL:https://cfp.cccv.de/38c3-community-stages/talk/XMGWZD/
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