Coordinated Pro-Russian Propaganda Network Targeting ActivityPub and ATProto Services

> Since 15 September, #IFTAS has been tracking a coordinated network of accounts operating across #Mastodon.

> These accounts are engaged in a high-volume #propaganda campaign, promoting pro-Russian narratives and linking to #Telegram channels associated with known state-aligned #disinformation operations.

> We became aware of a related investigation by the #Antibot4Navalny research team that observed these accounts bridging to #Bluesky, and we have since collaborated to enhance our investigations and share our findings.

> Their public post provides further context.
https://about.iftas.org/2025/10/05/coordinated-pro-russian-propaganda-network-targeting-activitypub-and-atproto-services/ #Fediverse #ActivityPub #ATProto

Coordinated Pro-Russian Propaganda Network Targeting ActivityPub and ATProto Services

> Since 15 September, #IFTAS has been tracking a coordinated network of accounts operating across #Mastodon.

> These accounts are engaged in a high-volume #propaganda campaign, promoting pro-Russian narratives and linking to #Telegram channels associated with known state-aligned #disinformation operations.

> We became aware of a related investigation by the #Antibot4Navalny research team that observed these accounts bridging to #Bluesky, and we have since collaborated to enhance our investigations and share our findings.

> Their public post provides further context.
https://about.iftas.org/2025/10/05/coordinated-pro-russian-propaganda-network-targeting-activitypub-and-atproto-services/ #Fediverse #ActivityPub #ATProto

I'm sad to see IFTAS Connect shutting down. #IFTAS offered a community platform for server admins and moderators, committed to keeping the #fediverse safe.

Thanks everyone at @iftas for your hard work. 🫶

https://about.iftas.org/2025/09/29/sunsetting-iftas-connect/

I'm sad to see IFTAS Connect shutting down. #IFTAS offered a community platform for server admins and moderators, committed to keeping the #fediverse safe.

Thanks everyone at @iftas for your hard work. 🫶

https://about.iftas.org/2025/09/29/sunsetting-iftas-connect/

🚨 Calling all Fediverse admins/mods!

The 2025 Needs Assessment needs YOUR input.

Last year's report covered 4.3M+ hosted accounts - but response rates are low this year.

Anonymous survey takes minutes but makes a real impact: https://about.iftas.org/moderator-needs-assessment/

Help us get this in front of every admin who needs to see it, boosts appreciated 🙏

#IFTAS

Abbiamo aggiornato i nostri Termini di Servizio secondo le direttive IFTAS. Siamo l'unica istanza italiana che ha una pagina dedicata ai Termini di Servizio. È consigliata la lettura a tutti gli utenti di varese.social. Qui il link: https://varese.social/terms-of-service

Se ci sono dubbi o suggerimenti su come migliorare i Termini di Servizio fatecelo sapere! Buon proseguimento.

#IFTAS#TerminiDiServizio

🚨 Calling all Fediverse admins/mods!

The 2025 Needs Assessment needs YOUR input.

Last year's report covered 4.3M+ hosted accounts - but response rates are low this year.

Anonymous survey takes minutes but makes a real impact: https://about.iftas.org/moderator-needs-assessment/

Help us get this in front of every admin who needs to see it, boosts appreciated 🙏

#IFTAS

Abbiamo aggiornato i nostri Termini di Servizio secondo le direttive IFTAS. Siamo l'unica istanza italiana che ha una pagina dedicata ai Termini di Servizio. È consigliata la lettura a tutti gli utenti di varese.social. Qui il link: https://varese.social/terms-of-service

Se ci sono dubbi o suggerimenti su come migliorare i Termini di Servizio fatecelo sapere! Buon proseguimento.

#IFTAS#TerminiDiServizio

See also, from a link by @jaz;

"Ofcom understands that independent platforms serve community needs and do not necessarily pose the same systemic risks as profit-driven networks. Their message was consistent: low-risk, volunteer-run services are not the focus of enforcement. If you are operating in good faith, acting proportionately, and keeping your community safe, you are already on the right path."

#IFTAS, 2025

https://about.iftas.org/2025/07/30/navigating-the-uk-online-safety-act/

This may be the case now. But ...

@cadusilva

You know what’s funny?

When I spoke to @jaz, it was because I had a real concern: blocklists can be abused for personal vendettas. That’s not a hypothetical—it’s happened to me.

And yeah, it was an animated conversation. @deadsuperhero was there. He can vouch that I was blunt, direct, and pulled no punches.

But here’s the thing: @jaz didn’t deflect. He acknowledged the issue. He listened. And he laid out how #IFTAS plans to address it.

Even more surprising? He was civil. Amicable. Thoughtful. Which is more than I can say for the people outraged that the conversation even happened.

That’s why I’m donating to @iftas —not because they’re perfect, but because they’re willing to engage with imperfection.

You know what’s funny?

When I spoke to @jaz, it was because I had a real concern: blocklists can be abused for personal vendettas. That’s not a hypothetical—it’s happened to me.

And yeah, it was an animated conversation. @deadsuperhero was there. He can vouch that I was blunt, direct, and pulled no punches.

But here’s the thing: @jaz didn’t deflect. He acknowledged the issue. He listened. And he laid out how #IFTAS plans to address it.

Even more surprising? He was civil. Amicable. Thoughtful. Which is more than I can say for the people outraged that the conversation even happened.

That’s why I’m donating to @iftas —not because they’re perfect, but because they’re willing to engage with imperfection.