A range of groups, such as disgruntled former employees, competitors, and activists often instigates smear campaigns against a business.
Businesses are facing an uptick in smear campaigns as AI is making it quicker, easier, and cheaper to spread misinformation, with a law firm warning that campaigns will increase further.
According to data from Schillings, a multidisciplinary reputation and privacy consultancy, shared with City AM , there has been a 150 per cent increase in smear campaigns targeting successful businesses and individuals over the past three years.
Juliet Young, partner at Schillings, explained: “Today, the tactics and tools required to run a smear campaign are accessible to a very broad range of people all over the world and with varying financial resources.”
“We’ve s