As our previous publications and monitoring efforts have shown, the topic of elections around the world remains consistently relevant in the Belarusian information space. In many cases, media outlets, primarily state-owned, deliberately spread false information (disinformation) about elections, especially in democratic countries. Therefore, debunking election-related misinformation is a constant task. We conduct fact-checking and verification using AI.
Methodology We used a dataset prepared by bloggers about Belarusian YouTube channels in the third quarter of 2024. Technically, it contains information about 300+ channels, on which over 24,000 videos were uploaded, garnering more than 800 million views.
The time period chosen was July 2024.
Then, a set of videos containing election-related information in their descriptions was filtered. The selection included 65 videos that gathered about two million views.
Using large language models (LLMs), the text was transcribed and then analyzed for disinformation narratives via the model API – gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18.
23.2 hours of video were transcribed.
The ten channels that gathered the most views are:
- NEWS.BY: Belarus and World News 910,313
- CTVBY 409,949
- Real Belarus 220,532
- ONT Channel 72,621
- No Guarantees 59,387
- SB TV 59,250
- Belta News Agency 37,853
- USUAL MORNING 34,958
- Pavel Latushka 32,620
- DW Belarus 29,553
Word cloud after removing filler words and interjections: 
It is striking how often “Lukashenko” and “Belarus” are mentioned.
Let’s analyze disinformation narratives in the videos with the highest number of views.
Trump Attacked During Campaign Rally #trump #usa #shooting #pennsylvania #shorts
Source: NEWS.BY: Belarus and World News ❗️ 
Several disinformation narratives can be identified in the video text:
- Unsubstantiated claims of an assassination attempt: The text claims there was a “high-profile attempt” on Donald Trump’s life but provides no evidence or references to official sources. This may mislead viewers, creating a false impression of the gravity of the incident.
- Questionable shooting details: It is mentioned that “the bullet passed literally a millimeter from the politician’s face,” which could be an exaggeration or even a fabricated fact. Without confirmation from medical or law enforcement sources, this statement could be disinformation.
- Unclear sources of information: Mentioning that “according to preliminary data,” the attacker was registered as a Republican is not backed by specific sources. This can create a false impression of the crime’s political motivation.
- Assertion that Trump has “already won the election”: This statement seems speculative and may mislead viewers since the election has not yet taken place. It could be used to manipulate public opinion in favor of Trump.
- Accusations of police inaction: The statement that “witnesses warned the police,” but “the law enforcement did not react,” could be disinformation if no evidence or official comments from law enforcement are provided.
- Assumptions about political consequences: The conclusion that the incident “will significantly add points to Trump during the election race” is subjective and could be seen as an attempt to manipulate public opinion.
Overall, the text contains many claims that may be disinformation, as they are not supported by verifiable facts and may mislead viewers.
Americans Concerned About Biden’s Condition!
Source: CTVBY
The text of this video:
It seems that changes are coming to the ruling elite in the United States as well. The U.S. presidential campaign has begun, and apparently, the current resident of the White House won’t be in office for much longer. The first televised debate between Biden and Trump went against the incumbent president. More than 70% of citizens no longer want Biden to run for another term. Most respondents explain this decision by citing the president’s mental abilities and psychological condition. They believe that due to his ailments, Biden will not be able to effectively perform his duties.
Several disinformation narratives can be identified in this text:
- Statement about “changes in the ruling elite”: This claim could be interpreted as predicting political changes without specific facts or grounds. It creates an impression that a change in power is inevitable, which may be misleading.
- “More than 70% of citizens no longer want Biden to run for another term”: This statement requires verification. If based on surveys, it’s essential to specify the source and methodology to avoid data manipulation. Without this, it could be disinformation.
- Linking reluctance of citizens to Biden’s “mental abilities and psychological condition”: This statement could be perceived as stigmatizing mental health and abilities, forming a disinformation narrative. It creates a negative image of the incumbent president based on assumptions about his health without specific evidence.
- Statement about Biden’s “ailments”: This may also be disinformation if not supported by medical data or official statements. Mentioning a politician’s health in the context of his ability to perform duties could be used to manipulate public opinion.
Overall, the text contains elements that could mislead and form a negative perception of the incumbent president, based on unverified data and assumptions.
Record Turnout and a Heated Night! France Concludes First Round of Parliamentary Elections. Panorama
Source: NEWS.BY: Belarus and World News
Several disinformation narratives and manipulative statements can be identified in this text:
- Simplification of political situation: The text claims that residents of Western countries, particularly France, prefer “nationally-oriented policies,” which may give the impression that this phenomenon is universal and unequivocal. In reality, political preferences vary and depend on many factors.
- Exaggeration of Marine Le Pen’s party influence: The claim of a “convincing victory” by the National Rally party could be misleading, as it does not take into account possible coalitions that may alter the political landscape.
- Stereotyping of protesters: Describing the protests as “those dissatisfied with Le Pen’s victory” could create a stereotype that all protesters support one political force, ignoring the diversity of opinions among protesters.
- Unjustified conclusions about the “end of Macronism”: The statement that Western media have already announced the end of Macronism could be manipulative, as it does not mention specific sources and may distort the actual media opinion.
- Conspiracy theories: The statement that Macron “planned political suicide in advance” and that his actions are related to Washington’s plans is an example of conspiracy thinking, which lacks evidence and may mislead viewers.
- Generalization and simplification of discontent reasons: The text claims that “people want revenge” and that Macron “abandoned France,” which simplifies a complex political and social situation and may contribute to disinformation about citizens’ motives.
- Unwarranted generalizations about the future: Predictions that “Europe has sobered up” and that “European leaders will not understand the situation” may be perceived as biased, failing to consider expert and analyst opinions.
These narratives can contribute to disinformation, as they oversimplify complex political processes, create stereotypes, and may mislead regarding the actual situation.”
As can be seen from the data obtained, Belarusian YouTube channels publish a large amount of false information about elections and electoral systems in many countries. Most of the fake information concerns the leaders of the U.S., the European Union countries, and Ukraine. We will continue monitoring and analysis to study what impact the presidential election in Belarus, scheduled for January 25, 2025, will have on the information agenda.
