Telegram’s Conspiracy Channels: How They Make Money, Reach Wide Audiences, and Spread Misinformation

The Noticias Rafapal channel on Telegram, with its 125,000 subscribers, is known for its journalism aimed at “cosmic minds” and offers merchandise like books and t-shirts from its store. Recent news includes allegations against the Israeli spy software Pegasus and investigations into Begoña Gómez’s involvement in a corruption scheme with the Moroccan government.

On the other hand, La Quinta Columna TV presents itself as an “alternative information channel” that seeks financial support from its viewers for research and development. Their articles cover topics such as graphene in vaccines and suspicious deaths related to Covid-19 vaccines, among others. Despite the growing demand for uncensored and alternative information, many of these channels offer various payment options for collaboration, ranging from bank transfers to mobile payment services.

A recent study by Italian researchers focused on the financial aspects of these Telegram conspiracy channels and their ability to appeal to a large audience. The study delves into different avenues through which these channels generate revenue, including affiliate programs, donations, and crowdfunding campaigns. It also highlights how some of these channels target Spanish-speaking audiences with their unique financial strategies, such as donation campaigns and e-commerce promotion.

However, the study also touches upon the challenges of identifying and combating disinformation and conspiracy theories within the digital landscape. With minimal content moderation on Telegram, it has become a hub for various kinds of information, both legitimate and potentially harmful.

In conclusion, while these channels offer alternative perspectives on current events and issues, it is essential to be cautious when consuming information from them as they may not always be trustworthy sources. It is crucial to verify any claims made by these channels before accepting them as factual information.