More than 150 fake local news websites promoting Russian propaganda to American audiences are linked to John Mark Dougan, a former American law enforcement officer now living in Moscow, according to NewsGuard. Dougan, a former marine and police officer who was granted asylum in Russia after fleeing criminal charges related to a doxxing campaign, is now a part of a small group of Western expats spreading English-language propaganda for Russia. Researchers have connected Dougan to the network of fake news sites through IP addresses and other evidence, and warn that they could be used to spread disinformation about the 2024 election.
The fake local news websites associated with Dougan, such as DC Weekly and New York News Daily, mimic legitimate local news outlets and have been successful in spreading false stories about the war in Ukraine. They host articles on various topics, some of which are generated using artificial intelligence tools and attributed to nonexistent journalists. The articles often disparage the U.S., praise Russia, and spread misinformation on a range of topics, from Ukraine and Gaza to Covid vaccines. Some stories have gained traction, such as false claims about Ukrainian President Zelenskyy using foreign aid improperly, which were promoted by Republican members of Congress.
Experts warn that Dougan’s websites are a part of the broader Russian disinformation machine, with some suggesting a potential link to the Russian government for guidance or support. The network utilizes AI technology to produce credible narratives and spread disinformation at scale, with the goal of influencing public opinion. Dougan’s history includes creating fake websites focused on corruption allegations and launching doxxing campaigns against public officials. He has also made dubious claims, leading to his ban from YouTube and allegations of harassment against NewsGuard’s co-CEO.
Despite denying involvement with the fake news websites, Dougan has been connected to them through various pieces of evidence, including IP addresses, website registration records, and content similarities. The websites have been used to spread false narratives, particularly about Eastern European conflicts and U.S. political figures, with the goal of influencing public opinion and potentially impacting elections. Researchers have warned that as the focus shifts to the 2024 election, the spread of disinformation could intensify and have real-world consequences.
The use of AI-generated content and the spread of false information through fake news websites highlight the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. The success of these campaigns, particularly in targeting Western audiences, has raised concerns about the manipulation of public opinion and the potential influence on political decisions. As researchers continue to track and analyze these networks, the challenge remains to counter disinformation and protect the integrity of information online. The role of individuals like Dougan, who use their platforms to spread propaganda and false narratives, underscores the need for vigilance and accountability in combating online misinformation.
