Question: Can someone plant false information on the internet on a stranger?
Answer: Yes, someone can absolutely plant false information on a stranger, and if they are a psychopath with a lot of connections and money, then it is very likely they will. They can also gain access to private accounts and do the same. Essentially, they can frame you for any reason.
Question: What would motivate someone to do that?
Answer: The same things that motivate us to do wrong to innocent people in person. That includes feelings of entitlement, hate, grandeur, God complex, assumptions, stereotypes, jealousy, mental illness, different views, covetousness, to cause delays, they are trying to steal something, anger or a desire to obtain wealth.
Question: What are the consequences of this?
Answer: It depends, but the victims can lose a lot before the truth finally comes to the surface, and depending what the lies are, it can be dangerous. The criminals’ intentions will drive the false information that they’re planting.
Question: Any solutions?
Answer: Enlighten people about technology and the scope of its possibilities. We must demand more security for our internet, and request that our government, private businesses, and individuals have easy access to mechanisms that help them secure their data. We should also demand moral and ethical leadership in every arena from government to sports, while increasing the availability of tech officers and agents to the public. Lastly, we should offer better ways to document technology issues. In matters like this, it’s important to consider how quickly lies spread.