Digital democracy: analysis of the disinformation ecosystems on Telegram during the 2022 Brazilian electoral process

Understand the role of the Telegram app in the dissemination of disinformation among Brazilian far-right groups and Analyse (online) radicalization process and (offline) political violence against democratic institutions, especially the Brazilian presidential election in October 2022

Active

Brazil

Open source: Yes

The study begins in 2021 and explores the ecosystem of Brazilian far-right groups and channels in the Telegram app. The messaging application has attracted the attention of the Brazilian public debate as a vehicle for disseminating health and political disinformation. Since the invasion of the Capitol on January 6, 2021 – and the consequent banishment of U.S. President Donald Trump and anti-democratic activists from major social platforms – Brazil has seen a sharp increase in users of this platform. Actors of the Brazilian extreme right have created new groups and channels. This context suggests a reorganization of the network structures and digital communication strategies of the Brazilian politicians and members of the extreme right, which would have, in Telegram, a strategic platform within a broader disinformation ecosystem.