An in-depth study conducted by scientists Felix Lippe and Philipp Pflegerl from the Federal Office for Sect Issues examines the spread of conspiracy theories via Telegram in Austria. The researchers document how a digital counterpublic formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, populated by opponents of corona measures, esoteric fans and right-wing extremists. Particularly noteworthy is the channel “Auf 1” with almost 245,000 subscribers, which spreads drastic warnings about European gulags for critics of the system, comparable to the persecution of the Uyghurs in China. In addition, the danger of an allegedly impending bacterial attack, which is being orchestrated by the pharmaceutical lobby, is propagated. This detailed insight into the structures and networks within the Telegram network shows how conspiracy theories and extremist ideologies are promoted and spread.
“The report shows that it is a very heterogeneous online milieu that should not be placed under general suspicion. However, it identifies central channels that are involved in the spread of conspiracy theories and whose content is critically examined with regard to possible potential threats.”
Ulrike Schiesser, Managing Director of the Federal Office for Sect Issues
The worrying spread of conspiracy theories that threaten democracy via Telegram
The COVID-19 pandemic has not only triggered a global health crisis, but has also permanently changed the digital landscape. In Austria, a digital counter-public has formed on the Telegram messenger service that is actively spreading conspiracy theories. A new study by the Federal Office for Cult Questions sheds light on this development, showing how the number of Telegram channels grown from 40 to almost 300 and daily views have increased from around 100,000 in March 2020 to around 9 million in January 2022.
Ranking of the 15 Telegram channels with the most forwards in the COVID-19 protest movement network
| Channel name | Description | Number of redirects | Subscribers |
|---|---|---|---|
| ThanQ Q 2023 🕊 | German-language QAnon channel | 26446 | 36469 |
| fuf media – think freedom | Telegram blog with, among other things, conspiracy theory, esoteric and spiritual content | 19960 | 91102 |
| Eva Herman Official | Telegram channel of the conspiracy theory journalist and activist from Germany | 11575 | 188201 |
| Spiritual Healer Sananda Official Channel | Telegram channel of a self-proclaimed “spirit healer” from Switzerland with, among other things, conspiracy theory content | 10989 | 27414 |
| Veikko aka Son Go Q | German-language QAnon channel | 10986 | 66887 |
| Qlobal Change | German-language QAnon channel | 10892 | 114648 |
| UP1 | Telegram channel of the “alternative medium” from Austria | 10220 | 244181 |
| MFG Austria | Telegram channel of the Austrian party MFG | 9952 | 16210 |
| we are the news | English-language QAnon channel | 9943 | 42156 |
| Beneder.Media | Telegram channel of the general secretary and press spokesman of the MFG party | 9931 | 20960 |
| Oliver Janich & team | Telegram from the German right-wing extremist conspiracy theorist | 9173 | 118237 |
| Russians & Friends | German-language pro-Russian Telegram channel | 8046 | 77177 |
| Q7 4 YOU | German-language Qanon channel | 7988 | 103502 |
| Uncut-News.ch “The Original” | Telegram channel of the “alternative medium” from Switzerland | 7671 | 91052 |
| WhipLash347 | English-language conspiracy channel with a focus on cryptocurrencies | 7522 | 191588 |
Background to the study by the Federal Office for Sect Issues
Initiated by the Federal Chancellery, the study aimed to gain a better understanding of the spread and actors of conspiracy theories in Austria. The research focused on 287 public Telegram channels associated with the Austrian COVID-19 protest movement. By analyzing around 1.3 million messages using quantitative and qualitative methods, the study was able to record not only the reach but also the main content of these channels.
“It is worrying that right-wing extremist and conspiracy theory actors have partly succeeded in taking over the protest movement for themselves and their content is being increasingly disseminated, particularly via so-called 'alternative media'.”
Philipp Pflegerl, research assistant at the federal agency and study author
Visualization of the Telegram network of the Austrian COVID-19 protest movement based on forwarded messages
The dynamics of the network
With the start of the pandemic, there was a rapid increase in canal foundations, which peaked in winter 2021. Although views fell to 4 million by April 2023, the network's reach remains well above pre-pandemic levels. This underlines the continued importance of Telegram as a platform for an active section of the public that sees itself in resistance to supposedly unlawful systems.
The role of conspiracy theories and extremism
The analysis shows that alternative media, right-wing extremist channels and leading influencers of the protest movement play a leading role within the network. Theories such as the “Great Reset”, the “New World Order” and QAnon are particularly prominent. These channels use real or fabricated crises to spread complicated conspiracy narratives that often include racist, xenophobic, homophobic, and anti-queer content.
Cumulative sum of new channel creations in the data set
Social and democratic implications
The study illustrates the dangers posed by such conspiracy theories. They undermine trust in democratic institutions and scientific findings and promote radicalization among followers. This leads to increasing isolation and radicalization of individuals, who can be used by extremist actors for political mobilization purposes. The delegitimization of democratic processes and the creation of enemy images pose serious challenges to social stability and social cohesion.
“Even though the number of views has decreased, Telegram remains a network that still has the potential to endanger democracy and in which hatred of minorities is fomented.”
Felix Lippe, research assistant at the federal agency and study author
Categories in the data set by number of subscribers
Conclusion
The results of the study impressively show how Telegram has become a central platform for the spread of conspiracy theories in Austria. Despite the heterogeneity of the online milieu, it is crucial to look critically at the role of key channels and to examine their content with regard to potential threats. Continued monitoring and intervention are necessary to protect democratic values and counteract further radicalization.
Also read:
The “Telegram” phenomenon: Fake news, disinformation and their appeal
Telegram: The new arena of cybercrime
The “Telegram rule” myth
Telegram passes on user data to German security authorities
Caution: war propaganda via Telegram
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )