A covert network of Facebook groups run by Conservative party members and activists has emerged as a breeding ground for racism, misinformation, and advocacy for criminal acts.
Investigations have uncovered 36 groups that seem to be grassroots movements opposing the expansion of ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) schemes aimed at reducing air pollution. While not explicitly linked to the Conservatives, these closed groups with a total membership of 38,000 have been used to launch Islamophobic attacks on Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, with derogatory remarks and calls for harm against him.
The revelations, disclosed by Greenpeace’s investigative unit, Unearthed, and reported by the Observer, add to the controversy surrounding the party’s campaign strategies and targeting of Khan. The involvement of senior Tories in some of these groups, including London mayoral candidate Susan Hall, raises concerns about transparency and accountability.
The groups, although not explicitly affiliated with the Conservatives, share common administrators, with ties to the party, raising questions about their true intentions and political motivations. The lack of disclosure regarding these connections has allowed for the dissemination of political messages without adhering to Facebook’s transparency guidelines.
The Conservative party has pledged to reassess its approach to Facebook groups in light of these findings, signaling a potential shift in their social media tactics.
2024-04-27 14:16:56
Source from www.theguardian.com