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."

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Fake News

Next In Tech News

Waymos froze, blocked traffic during San Francisco power outage
Cancer stole her voice. She used AI, curse words and kids’ books to get it back
Once a gamble in the desert, electric grid batteries are everywhere
How a cryptocurrency helps criminals launder money and evade sanctions
How much water does AI actually use? Depends on whom you ask
South Korea's consumer agency to order SK Telecom to compensate 58 hacking victims
Opinion: What happens to online discussion forums when AI is the first place people turn?
A Reddit post led to a breakthrough in the Brown shooting investigation
Review: For disappointed 'Civ' fans, 'Anno 117' will scratch that strategy itch
What is so special about TikTok's algorithm?

Others Also Read