If I recall... the fake reports really started en masse with "Pop". While the 'net has existed for a long time, even in '93 (with "Zooropa"), most people weren't online. Sites like this didn't exist (partly because they probably couldn't exist with the technology then). Therefore, fake reports were not really spread.
By '96 though, people could upload music and create websites - like this one. The expanding web created the inevitable jerks. I recall seeing fake reports on "Pop" from those "in the know". That is, someone that "knew the band", was "within the band" in some capacity or had "inside connections" would make these vague yet suggestive posts.
This nonsense was expanded further with ATYCLB. All the early reports on those two albums were just like the ones seen here - some real info. that's been gleaned from other websites and then something "teasing" information that ultimately proved false. And again, each time the info. came from someone that supposedly knew the band. From what I recall of reading Interference years ago (even though I joined recently as a poster, I've been reading for years), some thought Elvis was one of the pranksters! LOL! Well, at least he's met the band.
With this new album, I'm surprised we have had only one prankster. Seems a bit low to me.
But they are often pretty easily discredited. So enjoy the fun posts - at least it's nice to think that U2 is reading here.
Oh, and one thing I that was a giveway from our current prankster is the comment that Bono is "afraid of the 'net". From a man who allowed a camera into the studio while they recorded "Pop" to someone who doesn't care much about file swapping, I doubt Bono is a technophobe. Not saying he's like Edge, but I doubt he's "afraid" of the 'net. Too much information out there for him to avoid reading - especially given the nature of DATA.