Online misinformation that led to Capitol siege is 'radicalization,' say researchers

FILE PHOTO: A mob of supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump storm the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, U.S., January 6, 2021. Picture taken January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo

(Reuters) - Online misinformation that led to violent unrest at the Capitol last week has gone beyond false claims and has reached the point of "radicalization," researchers told a Reuters Next panel on Tuesday.

"This is not about false claims, or even conspiracies, but many of the people at the Capitol are now part of a completely alternate reality," said Claire Wardle, co-founder of anti-disinformation non-profit First Draft.