US hoax trials spotlight misinformation profiteer


The families of the school shooting victims say they were harassed and threatened for years by Jones's fans, with strangers showing up at their homes to confront them and hurling abuse online. Some even reported receiving rape and death threats. — AP

WASHINGTON: American radio host Alex Jones reaped millions spouting conspiracy-laden falsehoods that helped drive up sales of products like libido boosters, exploiting an Internet ecosystem that experts say makes misinformation a lucrative business.

Jones, a serial provocateur who founded the far-right website InfoWars, has been ordered to pay nearly US$1.5bil (RM6.6bil) in damages for calling a 2012 mass shooting in an elementary school – which left 20 first graders and six adults dead – a "hoax."

Save 30% and win Bosch appliances! More Info

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Fake News

Next In Tech News

Micron rejigs business units to highlight AI data center demand
Google holds illegal monopolies in ad tech, US judge finds, allowing US to seek breakup
Shortsellers targeted wider range of companies ahead of Trump's 'Liberation Day'
Infosys forecasts weak fiscal 2026, joins Indian IT peers in flagging uncertainties
TikTok bans user behind Gisele Pelicot 'starter kit' meme
US lawmakers fear AI data centres will drive up residents’ power bills
As demand for AI rises, so do power thirsty data centres
Chinese scientists use AI to help visually impaired to ‘see’, explore the world
European firms rethink cloud provider choices amid trade war, OVHCloud CEO says
Samsung unveils AI-powered appliances, including fridges that can double as a smart home hub

Others Also Read