Chuckles: millions of fake net neutrality comments

[tangor]

A dataset of "users" is out there an might hit your neighborhood in the future!

One of the key arguments behind the Federal Communications Commission's decision to repeal net neutrality was the number of supportive emails it had received for its proposals. But an investigation has shown that a huge number of these were faked by lobbyists.

What's more, the company responsible – LCX Digital – used a dataset stolen by hackers to flood the public comment period, and has continued to use the same dataset for a number of other public comment periods in both local and federal legislation processes.

[theregister.co.uk...]

We don't generally comment on what we do ... but some might be involved in local, state, federal, national themes so watch out for unusual activity, particularly if you have polling or content research.

Just a head's up!

[Marshall]

This, in my opinion, is a major disadvantage to the internet. Basically, there is no "quality control" so to speak. Look at social platforms and the trouble they have with fake accounts. When it comes to matters of true importance, some things should be left to snail mail for if it REALLY matters to you, you will take the time.

[martinibuster]

Makes sense that the corporate/conservative move to repeal net neutrality was supported by bots and not people.|

Bots can be identified and removed. The average WordPress site stops them in their tracks with a simple plugin (WordFence).

The problem isn't social media and so on. The problem is Twitter's refusal to put serious effort into stopping bot activity.

[thecoalman]

The last article I read on this (months if not more than a year ago) indicated they identified comments both pro and con that were bots. I believe the estimate was 90% were faked.

I see no solution because you are going to butt heads with free speech rights the second a legitimate comment is removed or blocked.

[tangor]

Chuckles ... the majority of the bots were leaning toward SAVE IT ... but your mileage may vary ...

The post was not about net neutrality, it was about a dataset of bad actors! And a company using same was identified ... and ... well, do your research yourself to see which way that program leaned in the political landscape.

Folks are supporters of this or that and facts generally are not essential. :)

The FACT that there is a dataset out there that CAN be applied is the reason for the report ... just a heads up!