Unknown actors create clone of NEGE Telegram channel and publish fake content

The NEGE editorial team has reported the appearance of a fake Telegram channel that copies the outlet’s official channel, including its design, posts and pinned messages.

The clone channel published materials about Azat Peruashev which, according to the editorial team, NEGE neither produced nor published. One of the posts was made to appear as though it had been published as far back as August.

Shortly before the clone was discovered, the editorial team also noticed suspicious activity on its official channel: more than 100 accounts resembling bots subscribed within a single day, while the number of views also increased.

NEGE intends to contact the competent authorities to identify the creators and administrators of the fake channel and to obtain a legal assessment of the dissemination of publications in the outlet’s name.

Adil Soz previously reported a similar case involving Exclusive.kz, where unknown actors created clone websites and published a fake article about Azat Peruashev.

The International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz” considers the creation of resources that imitate media outlets and distribute fabricated content in their name to be a form of digital pressure and discrediting.

The Foundation believes it is necessary to identify those involved in creating the clone channel, as well as the source and circumstances of the dissemination of the fake publications.