PropOrNot

PropOrNot was an anonymous organization that published a list of news websites it accused of being "Russian propaganda outlets" during and after the 2016 United States presidential election. The group claimed its goal was to expose websites spreading disinformation and propaganda, particularly that originating from Russian sources, aiming to influence public opinion.

The organization's methodology involved analyzing articles and content shared by these websites, looking for patterns and connections to Russian propaganda narratives. PropOrNot used a combination of automated tools and manual analysis to identify these patterns.

The list published by PropOrNot included a wide range of websites, from smaller blogs to larger news sites. The group's claims and methodology were controversial, drawing both support and criticism. Supporters lauded their efforts to combat disinformation, while critics questioned the accuracy and objectivity of their methodology, arguing that it could unfairly label legitimate news sources and suppress free speech. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of transparency about the organization's funding and membership.

The organization largely ceased activity after facing significant criticism and scrutiny regarding its methods and conclusions. The impact of PropOrNot remains debated, with some arguing that it played a role in raising awareness about the spread of disinformation, while others maintain that it contributed to a climate of distrust and censorship.