Influence operation by pro-Russian trolls ‘infiltrate comments on UK news sites’

These reactions are then selectively used as the basis for stories in Russian media to suggest western public approval of Kremlin policies or discontent against western governments.

Researchers uncover pattern of comments supporting Russia that are then used to distort the picture of public opinion in the west. Picture: Tim Goode/PA

Reader comments sections of prominent western news websites have been infiltrated by pro-Russian trolls seeking to manipulate the picture of public opinion, researchers believe.

The major influence operation is said to have targeted 32 media outlets online across 16 countries, including the Daily Mail, Daily Express, The Times, Fox News and The Washington Post.