Matt Taibbi

Rank 23 of 47
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Score 29
6/6/2024, 1:37:22 PM
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In reply to:
Matt Taibbi
@mtaibbi
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616d
33. By December, 2018 it was such a given that #Walkaway was Russian-affiliated that even a former high-ranking Homeland Security official like Suzanne Spaulding described Straka’s group as an attempt by Putin to divide America, adding of too-online Americans:
Matt Taibbi
@mtaibbi
·
616d
32. Bhat when originally contacted strongly disagreed with Twitter’s assessment, said his methodology was sound, and suggested some news outlets confused terms like “bot” and “bot-like.” (More to come on that at Racket.)
Matt Taibbi
@mtaibbi
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616d
31. Policy chief Pickles added:

"Doesn’t publish data, does sell consultancy. Definition of monetizing the problem."
Matt Taibbi
@mtaibbi
·
616d
30. Twitter regarded the firms in the same light as Hamilton 68, with Roth writing:

"The Botcheck people use a similarly flawed methodology... this is truly a nothingburger... journalists continuing to lean on deeply flawed tools... capitalize on the bot media frenzy.
Matt Taibbi
@mtaibbi
·
616d
29. Factcheck and Botcheck were two related companies begun by a pair of Berkeley students named Rohan Phadte and Ash Bhat, whom Wired praised as the College Kids who “will do what Twitter won’t”:
Matt Taibbi
@mtaibbi
·
616d
28. Twitter then received a letter from Mother Jones, asking them to confirm research by https://factcheck.me/, which labeled #WalkAway “38% bot activity” and asked “what Twitter is trying to do to curb this kind of unhealthy user activity.” The firm did work w/the DNC.

The statement and accompanying images discuss a significant public issue involving the manipulation of social media and political campaigns. The content highlights a scheme to create fake Russian accounts to influence a Senate campaign, raising concerns about the integrity of democratic processes and the ethical conduct of those involved.

  1. Principle 1:
    I will strive to do no harm with my words and actions.
    The statement reveals actions that potentially caused harm by misleading the public and manipulating political discourse. This exposure aims to prevent further harm by bringing the issue to light, thus partially adhering to the principle. [+1]
  2. Principle 2:
    I will respect the privacy and dignity of others and will not engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or hate speech.
    The statement respects the privacy and dignity of individuals by focusing on the actions and implications rather than personal attacks. However, it does name individuals involved, which could be seen as a violation of their privacy. [-1]
  3. Principle 3:
    I will use my words and actions to promote understanding, empathy, and compassion.
    By exposing unethical behavior, the statement promotes understanding and awareness of the tactics used to manipulate public opinion, fostering a more informed and vigilant society. [+2]
  4. Principle 4:
    I will engage in constructive criticism and dialogue with those in disagreement and will not engage in personal attacks or ad hominem arguments.
    The statement engages in constructive criticism by highlighting the flaws and unethical practices in the described scheme. It avoids personal attacks and focuses on the actions and their implications. [+1]
  5. Principle 6:
    I will use my influence for the betterment of society.
    The statement uses its platform to inform the public about significant issues affecting democracy and social media integrity, contributing to the betterment of society. [+2]