The Noticias Rafapal channel, aimed at its 125,000 subscribers on Telegram, positions itself as “journalism for cosmic minds” and encourages viewers to purchase books and t-shirts from their online store. Recent news has brought forth allegations against Israeli origin Pegasus spy software and claims of corruption involving Begoña Gómez with the Moroccan government.
On the other hand, La Quinta Columna TV presents itself as an “alternative information channel” that seeks financial assistance from its viewers for research and development. Their articles cover a range of topics such as graphene in vaccines, suspicious deaths related to Covid-19 vaccine, among others.
Despite the increasing demand for uncensored and alternative information sources, many of these channels offer various payment options for collaboration, including bank transfers and mobile payment services. The Italian researchers who authored “The Conspiracy Money Machine” examined the financial aspects of these Telegram conspiracy channels and their ability to attract a large number of viewers.
Telegram, as a messaging app with minimal content moderation, has become a hub for diverse types of information, both legitimate and potentially harmful. The study delves into the financial side of these conspiracy theories by highlighting different avenues through which these channels generate revenue such as affiliate programs, donations, and crowdfunding campaigns.
The research emphasizes how some channels like La Quinta Columna and Rafapal target Spanish-speaking audiences with unique financial strategies such as donation campaigns and e-commerce promotions. It also addresses challenges associated with identifying and combating disinformation and conspiracy theories within the digital landscape.
In conclusion, while social media platforms like Telegram have made it easier to access diverse forms of information, it is crucial to be cautious when consuming content that lacks credibility or promotes harmful narratives. Consumers must remain vigilant when evaluating information sources and be aware of potential scams or misinformation before making any financial transactions or decisions based on them.