Conspiracy theories are not a new phenomenon. The internet has changed the conditions for their dissemination. So far, research has mainly focused on social networks. However, understanding the spread and impact of conspiracy theories in anonymity networks and cryptomarkets is important for both academia and policymakers.
On June 23, 2025, Dr. Marco Wähner, interim head of the “Research, Data & Methods” team at CAIS, will present preliminary results of a study he is conducting together with Felix Soldner from GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences at the Eighth Annual Cybercrime Conference hosted by the Cambridge Cybercrime Centre. The study examines how conspiracy theories circulate in anonymized forums and whether they are used to promote illegal offers or activities.
The analysis is based on datasets from the forums ExtremeBB and CrimeBB and employs methods of automated language processing (Natural Language Processing, NLP). The aim of the investigation is to identify the spread of conspiracy theories in these forums and to examine their connection to illegal activities.
The presentation is part of Session 3: “Disruption and Resilience in Illicit Online Activities,” starting at 3:15 PM.
Further information about the event:
https://www.cambridgecybercrime.uk/conference2025.html