The anti-vax influencer plot that flopped
A mystery sponsor secretly offered to pay social media stars to spread lies about the risks from a Covid vaccine. The plot failed spectacularly but who and what was behind it all?
Who was behind a secret plot to pay social media stars to falsely discredit the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine?
Trending investigates an attempt to weaponise the power of influencer marketing in the online disinformation war over the pandemic.
In May this year a marketing agency contacted influencers in several countries with an extraordinary offer. A mystery client was offering big money if the influencers would use their YouTube and Instagram videos to spread lies about the health risks associated with the Pfizer vaccine. The anonymous sponsor wanted them to pretend they weren鈥檛 being paid so the fake message would appear genuine.
The plan failed spectacularly when several influencers went public and blew the whistle. But who was behind it and what were their motives?
Presenter: Charlie Haynes
Reporter: Flora Carmichael
Editor: Ed Main
Photo: French YouTuber Leo Grasset
Photo credit: Leo Grasset
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- Sat 24 Jul 2021 04:32GMT麻豆社 World Service
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- Sun 25 Jul 2021 00:32GMT麻豆社 World Service
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