Author Archive

Jeremy B. Merrill

Jeremy B. Merrill is an investigative journalist who tracks online political influence.
Ideas

Facebook Hosted Surge of Misinformation and Insurrection Threats in Months Leading Up to Jan. 6 Attack, Records Show

A ProPublica/Washington Post analysis of Facebook posts, internal company documents and interviews, provides the clearest evidence yet that the social media giant played a critical role in spreading lies that fomented the violence of Jan. 6.

  • Craig Silverman, Craig Timberg, Jeff Kao and Jeremy B. Merrill, ProPublica
Threats

Robocalls Told at Least 800,000 Swing State Residents to 'Stay Home' on Election Day. The FBI Is Investigating.

A firm that tracks robocalls said more than 3 million calls were made on Nov. 3, which contained a cryptic message instructing people to “stay safe and stay home.” The tactics join other efforts to confuse voters this election cycle.

  • Jack Gillum and Jeremy B. Merrill, ProPublica