In Volatile Election Season, US Companies Battle 'Brand Disinformation'

Fake social media accounts have fueled boycott calls against prominent US brands ahead of November's presidential election (Credit: AFP)

From Google to Netflix, prominent US companies are battling internet boycott calls over their perceived political leanings in a polarizing election season that has exposed them to what researchers call "brand disinformation."

The online campaigns, which falsely claim both Netflix and Google are funding or favoring Democratic nominee Kamala Harris ahead of the November election, illustrate how brands are vulnerable to political falsehoods that can expose them to financial perils.