Lithuanian Lawmaker Allegedly Supports Controversial Social Media Platform

An investigation conducted by Lithuania’s national broadcaster, LRT, has unveiled that Viktor Uspaskichas, an independent member of the European Parliament from Lithuania, has reportedly provided financial support to the social media platform 77.lt. The platform has gained notoriety for hosting numerous fake news articles and conspiracy theories related to topics such as the coronavirus pandemic and Ukraine.

Launched in April, 77.lt aimed to establish a decentralized social platform that respects user privacy, embraces diverse opinions, and upholds the value of free speech. It sought to create an alternative space to counter what it perceived as one-sided mass media narratives.

However, LRT’s investigation revealed that the platform predominantly relies on fake profiles. The report highlighted that these profiles are generated by artificial intelligence, displaying non-genuine photographs and simultaneously sharing multiple posts on their feeds.

Furthermore, the investigation found that Uspaskichas, a former leader of Lithuania’s Labour Party, along with his ex-wife Jolanta Blažytė, an active user of the platform, have collectively donated over €200,000 to the nonprofit organization “Petys į Petį” (Shoulder to Shoulder) over the past two years. The organization assists in raising funds to sustain the website.

When approached for comment, Uspaskichas declined to provide a response on the matter.