New data from Clemson University revealed that nearly 600 Russian-linked Twitter accounts focused on healthcare to sow political divisiveness on the Internet, tweeting nearly 10,000 times about hot-button issues.
The data, which was provided to The Wall Street Journal, showed tweets were linked to the Internet Research Agency, a Russian company that aims to influence online discourse over controversial political issues. According to an analysis of the data, 80 percent of the tweets had conservative-leaning political messages that took aim at the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, positive messages were also sent out about the health law.
“Eight years ago today, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Millions of Americans have gained access to healthcare. Thank you, Mr. President!” read one tweet linked to the IRA.
The tweets, which have since been pulled down by Twitter, show an ongoing strategy of the IRA to undermine U.S. elections through controversy.
The report comes at a time when the ACA is meeting one of its biggest challenges to date in a lawsuit launched by 20 Republican attorneys general and governors.
See the full report below:
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."