The TRUST Network is highlighting growing concerns regarding far-right groups utilizing Telegram to coordinate around election-related disinformation and potential voter intimidation. The platform's limited moderation and encryption allow these groups to communicate securely, attracting extremists to organize poll-watching efforts and, in some cases, to suggest violent tactics. These actions create several risks:
Voter Intimidation: Right-wing groups are actively training members to monitor polling places, which could suppress voter turnout, especially in marginalized communities. Such activity has been documented by groups like the Election Integrity Network and Judicial Watch, who have increased efforts in states like Georgia and Wisconsin under the banner of “election integrity” (Media Matters; Counter Extremism Project).
Increased Risk of Violence: Telegram is also popular with accelerationist and extremist factions who advocate violent disruption to hasten societal collapse. Posts encouraging violence, in part inspired by past domestic terrorism, continue to be circulated, despite Telegram’s sporadic efforts to moderate such content. This has raised red flags about possible confrontations on election day (Counter Extremism Project).
Spread of Misinformation: Some of these groups also disseminate misinformation about election fraud to erode trust in democratic processes. Academic studies on disinformation note that persistent exposure to election conspiracies can increase public mistrust, potentially undermining democratic norms (Global Network on Extremism & Technology).
Authorities and election oversight bodies are advised to stay vigilant and actively counter these risks by ensuring voter protection, monitoring social media channels for coordinated disinformation, and strengthening polling place security to minimize intimidation.Source: NYT
November Stakeholder MeetingOur next stakeholder meeting, November 12, at 2 p.m. ET, will take place one week after the U.S. general election. We will look closely at the emergent work our national, state-level, and local partners are doing, including PERIL's CARE Center.We invite you to participate in this open discussion.
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Leaders of organizations in positive peace actions, violence prevention, deradicalization, crisis data mapping, bridgebuilding, peacebuilding, social/racial justice, democracy, governance, media, and messaging -- we are here to melt the silos and offer you valuable collaboration. Please let us know if you're interested in joining the conversation by emailing us at info@thetrustnetwork.net.
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Thank you,
Jennifer Grubbs, Ph.D. National Strategic Architect for the TRUST Network
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