Trump’s tech bros are being framed by Brussels as an existential threat to the EU, and the situation is far more complex than a simple trade war. The core issue isn’t just tariffs on steel and aluminum; it’s a calculated attempt to undermine the EU’s regulatory power, specifically its efforts to control disinformation and rein in the power of tech giants. This isn’t merely about economics; it’s a fight for regulatory sovereignty.
This isn’t a new phenomenon, however. The influence of these powerful tech companies, fueled by right-wing political movements across the globe, has been steadily eroding democratic processes for years.… Continue reading
Zelenskyy declared the Kursk operation a success, significantly relieving pressure on Ukrainian forces in both Kharkiv and Pokrovsk. Despite a difficult situation, he praised the soldiers’ efforts in achieving this strategic objective. However, these claims contradict Trump’s assertion, based on purported communication with Putin, of a large-scale Ukrainian troop encirclement near Kursk. Ukraine’s General Staff firmly denies these Russian claims as disinformation.
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A Moscow-based disinformation network, “Pravda,” is strategically infiltrating AI chatbot data with pro-Kremlin propaganda, resulting in Western AI systems echoing false narratives at a concerning rate. A NewsGuard audit revealed that leading AI chatbots repeated these false narratives 33% of the time, confirming the network’s success in manipulating AI outputs rather than human audiences. This “LLM grooming” tactic, involving massive-scale content creation across numerous domains, effectively distorts AI responses by saturating data with false information. The network’s influence underscores a broader Russian strategy to challenge Western dominance in AI.
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Romania’s electoral authority disqualified far-right, pro-Russian presidential candidate Calin Georgescu from the upcoming May re-run election. This decision, condemned by Georgescu’s party as undemocratic, is appealable to the constitutional court. Protests ensued following the announcement, with supporters clashing with security. Georgescu faces multiple criminal charges, including those related to fascism and campaign finance irregularities, which he denies. The initial election was annulled due to alleged Russian interference.
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On March 1st, two Russian Iskander-M missiles struck the Panama-flagged MSC LEVANTE F container ship in Odesa, reportedly injuring two port workers and damaging port infrastructure. Russia claimed the ship carried British weapons from a Turkish NATO base, a claim denied by Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba, who stated the cargo was entirely civilian. A second ship, the SUPER SARKAS, was also reportedly hit. The incident follows a pattern of Russian attacks on civilian vessels in Ukrainian ports.
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Danish intelligence warns that a misinformation campaign targeting Greenland’s upcoming election is underway, fueled by both domestic and foreign actors seeking to manipulate public opinion in a highly tense political climate. The campaign utilizes false narratives spread through various channels, including imitation websites, exploiting vulnerabilities like low media literacy and Greenland’s small political structures. Russia’s past involvement in Arctic disinformation efforts is cited as a concerning precedent. PET urges Greenlandic citizens to critically assess information sources to counter this influence.
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Romania has launched a criminal probe into Calin Georgescu, a far-right presidential candidate with openly pro-Moscow leanings. This action highlights the growing concern over the influence of foreign powers in domestic politics and the increasing willingness of some nations to confront such interference directly. The investigation underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential threat posed by individuals who prioritize allegiance to foreign interests over their own country’s well-being.
The investigation into Georgescu stems from a complex web of allegations, suggesting a pattern of behavior inconsistent with a genuine commitment to Romanian sovereignty. The sheer audacity of his actions, including alleged financial irregularities and blatant disregard for democratic norms, warrants a thorough investigation.… Continue reading
New research from Eko reveals that Meta and X approved numerous ads containing violent anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish hate speech before Germany’s federal election. X approved all ten test ads submitted, while Meta approved half, despite policies against such content. These ads, including AI-generated imagery, used slurs, called for violence against minorities, and spread disinformation. Eko shared these findings with the European Commission, highlighting failures in both platforms’ content moderation systems and raising concerns about compliance with the Digital Services Act.
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s truthful assessment of Donald Trump’s reliance on disinformation at a press conference shattered Kyiv’s efforts to cultivate White House favor. This candid remark, unlike the cautious approach of other world leaders, triggered a furious Trumpian response accusing Ukraine of starting the war and exhibiting a low approval rating. Trump’s subsequent tirade echoed Russian propaganda, highlighting the perilous consequences of challenging his narrative. While discreet collaboration with Trump’s advisors might offer a path to influence, Ukraine’s prospects remain uncertain given Trump’s pro-Putin leanings and the potential for further escalations. The situation underscores the significant challenges facing Ukraine during Trump’s second term.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker