How conspiracy channels on Telegram are funded: from Rafapal to La Quinta Columna

The Noticias Rafapal channel, described as “journalism for cosmic minds,” appeals to its 125,000 subscribers on Telegram with offers to purchase books and t-shirts from its store. The latest news shared includes claims that Begoña Gómez is allegedly involved in a corruption plot with the Moroccan government and that spy software could be used to access privileged information for political purposes.

On the other hand, La Quinta Columna TV, an alternative information channel, asks for donations to support their research projects and gives out bank account information for contributions. They cover topics such as graphene in vaccines and speculative connections between deaths and Covid vaccines. Payment methods for collaboration are often through traditional banking channels or online platforms like Stripe and PayPal.

The popularity of these channels, especially on Telegram, allows them to reach large audiences with their content. The research on these channels by Italian scholars revealed the business models behind them involving crowdfunding campaigns, affiliate marketing, and donations. These methods of financing can generate substantial revenue for the channels and their creators.

Despite offering alternate perspectives and uncensored information, these channels often rely on economic motivations to promote conspiracy theories and attract followers. Financial support from private donors, affiliate marketing schemes, crowdfunding campaigns, and direct donations all contribute to the profitability of these platforms. The global reach of these channels allows them to tap into diverse funding sources and generate revenue through various means.

In conclusion, the business models of Telegram conspiracy channels highlight the financial incentives that drive the spread of disinformation and alternative narratives. By examining the various funding sources and revenue streams of these channels, researchers shed light on the complex ecosystem of misinformation and conspiracy theories on social media platforms like Telegram.