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1.
The false information epidemic in social media : overview of recent developments and research
Blaž Rodič, 2024, published scientific conference contribution abstract

Abstract: Throughout history, crises in human society have often been accompanied by unintentional (misinformation) as well as deliberate (disinformation) spread of false information, dating back to ancient Egypt. However, the rise of online social networks has brought the magnitude of the so-called 'fake news' phenomenon to an unprecedented size. The World Economic Forum identifies disinformation as one of the foremost threats to human society. In our digital society, the rapid and widespread propagation of false information poses significant challenges to democratic processes. This contribution provides an overview of research on the spread of false informationon social networks, with a focus on major global crises such as the U.S. elections, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine, and presents the results of our ongoing research project in this area.
Keywords: social media, misinformation, disinformation, fake news, simulation modelling
Published in ReVIS: 14.04.2025; Views: 160; Downloads: 1
URL Link to file

2.
Social media bot detection research : review of literature
Blaž Rodič, 2025, professional article

Abstract: This study presents a review of research on social media bot detection. Social media bots are used by political and criminal actors for mass distribution of political messages, as well as rumors, conspiracy theories, and other forms of false information. Through the spread of disinformation, bots are eroding the public trust in political and media institutions and integrity of social media. We have examined recent research publication in the field of social media bot detection, including several previous reviews of bot detection research, and identified the methods used in bot detection and issues encountered by researchers. Our review was conducted through a search of 5 main bibliographical databases, which has produced a total of 534 research papers and other publications. This collection was then filtered with exclusion and inclusion criteria to isolate the most pertinent documents, resulting in a focused selection of 49 documents that were analyzed for this review. In the first part of the paper we introduce the phenomenon of fake news within social networks, its connection with social media bot activity, and conclude the introduction with issues caused or exacerbated by bots. In the main part of this paper we first present the results of statistical analysis of the reviewed documents and then introduce the field of social media bot research, followed by an overview of the issues of social media bot detection identified in the reviewed literature, including the evolution of bot concealment techniques and the methodological issues presented in some of the bot detection studies. We then proceed with an overview of the methods and results from the reviewed research papers, structured according to the main methodology used in the examined studies. Our review concludes with examination of the recent trends in social media bot development and related bot detection research.
Keywords: social media, social networks, social media bots, Twitter bots, bot detection, misinformation, disinformation, fake news
Published in ReVIS: 14.04.2025; Views: 151; Downloads: 1
URL Link to file

3.
ELECTION INTEGRITY AND FOREIGN INTERFERENCE: THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY, POLICY, AND AI IN BUILDING RESILIENT EU FRAMEWORKS
Borut Petek, 2025, not set

Abstract: This dissertation investigates the emerging threat of foreign interference in the European Union’s (EU) electoral processes, focusing on how technology, law, and policy shape the systems that safeguard democracy. It aims to critically analyse the growing risk posed by foreign interference, primarily through the use of advanced technologies and cyber operations, and to identify necessary improvements in existing legal frameworks, inter-agency collaboration, and an integrated approach that combines legal, technological, and political measures. The research methodology relies on secondary data from sources such as European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA), EU DisinfoLab, and Freedom House. It adopts a mixed approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Within this framework, the study examines technological tools, legal instruments – such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) – and institutional responses to foreign interference. Key findings indicate that emerging technologies originating in the fast-evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI) enable agents to use bots and deepfakes to strategically disseminate disinformation. Current legal frameworks, including the GDPR and DSA, require revision to address the complex issues associated with modern electoral interference, including its interstate nature and the influence of AI-driven disinformation. The research also highlights the challenges in inter-agency collaboration caused by fragmented elections, limited information sharing, and concerns related to national sovereignty. Furthermore, it emphasises the advantages of a multi-dimensional approach that integrates legal reforms, advanced technological solutions to identify disinformation, and enhanced political solidarity among EU member states. In conclusion, the thesis argues that without targeted legal changes, improved IT capabilities, and closer co-operation among EU institutions, agencies, and committees, EU elections will remain vulnerable to foreign interference, posing serious threats to democracy in Europe.
Keywords: foreign interference, cyber security of elections, electoral integrity, European Union, artificial intelligence, disinformation
Published in ReVIS: 15.02.2025; Views: 531; Downloads: 41
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