Energy Crisis Fuels Disinformation, Threatens Unity

0:00I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to Europe News today, AI-powered European coverage. Disinformation is spiking online as the energy crisis hits hard from that U.S. is really conflict with Iran. They blocked the straight-of-form moves, causing massive fuel shortages and sky-high prices worldwide. Governments are scrambling with tax cuts on fuel. Early business closures in places like Egypt and stockpiling in Asia. Ireland's Tanei Stey Simon Harris says they might push conservation soon, but no pandemic style lockdowns on the table. Social media is making it worse, dialing back on fighting fake news and chasing viral hits per cash. Back during COVID, platforms crack down hard, but now with less regulation, especially after Trump returned, lies spread faster. Irish disinfo networks have grown bigger and tighter knit since then. Conspiracy folks are recycling old pandemic fears, yelling about a globalist plot for new lockdowns. Influencers like Russell Brand and Irish far-right types like Ben Gilroy are fanning flames, tying

1:02it to anti-Semitic tropes about elites in Israel. Real worries over shortages get twisted into wild claims of freedom grabs. Experts from the European Digital Media Observatory and Institute for Strategic Dialogue warn this mix is dangerous. Ireland's disinfo scene is way larger than in 2020, more organized and could spark protests or unrest quicker if fuel rationing kicks in. Social cohesions at risk during any national response. Keep an eye on these narratives as the crisis drags on. They're built on real pain but laced with poison that could divide us when we need unity most.