Read on Twitter
Seen a lot of #SANDF disinformation lately? I did too.
My @DFRLab investigation found several South African Twitter accounts were punting disinformation around the deployment of the SANDF in support of the SAPS during #LockdownSA.
cc @SANDFCorpEvents https://medium.com/dfrlab/disinfo-targeting-south-african-defence-force-surges-amid-covid-19-lockdown-6b450bd652e0
My @DFRLab investigation found several South African Twitter accounts were punting disinformation around the deployment of the SANDF in support of the SAPS during #LockdownSA.
cc @SANDFCorpEvents https://medium.com/dfrlab/disinfo-targeting-south-african-defence-force-surges-amid-covid-19-lockdown-6b450bd652e0
Videos, originally from Brazil and the United States, were shared in what seems attempts to seek clout.
One account, now suspended, claimed that 80 SANDF soldiers died within the first 9 hours of lockdown, using photos of a Boko Haram ambush against Nigerian soldiers.
One account, now suspended, claimed that 80 SANDF soldiers died within the first 9 hours of lockdown, using photos of a Boko Haram ambush against Nigerian soldiers.
Social media mentions surged after the announcement by @PresidencyZA that a 21 day lockdown will be enforced to combat the spread of #COVID19.
Many of these including legitimate sightings of #SANDF troops in the process of the deployment preperations.
Many of these including legitimate sightings of #SANDF troops in the process of the deployment preperations.
The (now suspended) Twitter user @RoodyFashinoSA, linked to clothing brand company based in Despatch, claimed 80 SANDF soldiers died within 9 hours of the lockdown being implemented.
But the images were of Nigerian casualties following a Boko Haram ambush in March.
But the images were of Nigerian casualties following a Boko Haram ambush in March.
A tweet by @Qing_Draya claimed a video showing uniformed officers violently dispersing crowds on a beach was taken in Durban.
The video was geolocated to this street in Itapema Beach, Brazil.
The video was geolocated to this street in Itapema Beach, Brazil.
User @BigKid850312 told her 32 000 followers that this intersection is a crossing in Pietermaritzburg.
The same video was also attributed to London, Florida, New York, San Diego and California.
The intersection was geolocated to Jacksonville, Florida.
The same video was also attributed to London, Florida, New York, San Diego and California.
The intersection was geolocated to Jacksonville, Florida.
A tweet by @Greg6Boer used an image from the SANDF Armed Forces day demonstration to insinuate artillery is being deployed against civilians.
The original image, from the Limpopo ANC's Twitter account, was desaturated to hide the telltale red lavatories next to the road.
The original image, from the Limpopo ANC's Twitter account, was desaturated to hide the telltale red lavatories next to the road.
The SANDF and @SAPoliceService are already facing increased scrutiny around alleged violence against civilians in enforcing the lockdown.
Credible accounts of these incidents are vital. But disinformation such as this only serves to muddy the water and cause confusion.
Credible accounts of these incidents are vital. But disinformation such as this only serves to muddy the water and cause confusion.
