Profiting from the information war: who funds Russian advertising?
In the latest episode of our video series on Ukraine and the information war, we hear about how the opacity of adtech is both a blessing and a curse. Tech editor for The Bureau of Investigative Journalism Jasper Jackson and digital consultant Rob Blackie discuss how western companies are engaging in advertising in Russia – both for good and ill.
Jackson takes us through his investigation into Yandex – best described as ‘the Russian Google’ – and specifically how the Russian-based business has shareholders in the US who are profiting from misinformation.
Blackie also details his ongoing campaign to use the opacity of adtech to get news and information into Russia, noting that endemic corruption allows them to discover more channels every day.
We also hear from the musicians and promoters behind Kyiv Calling, a The Clash-inspired protest song designed to raise awareness of the war.
And as interest in the war begins to decline in the UK, we ask what else is necessary to sustain public awareness of the ongoing invasion.