Decoding Disinformation: Russia's Tactics in European Digital Terrain

Amid growing concerns over internet disinformation tactics, Russia has once again come under scrutiny for its alleged involvement in spreading fake news and propaganda. Since 2014, when it utilised bot farms to manipulate information surrounding the Crimea invasion, Russia has been accused of engaging in similar tactics. Recently, French authorities, through Viginum, a foreign-disinformation watchdog, uncovered preparations for a large-scale disinformation campaign across Europe.

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Dubbed "Portal Kombat," a network of 193 websites has been identified, with many lying dormant for years before being reactivated. These websites, including those like topnews.uz.ua and news-odessa.ru, are suspected of disseminating deceptive or false content related to the conflict in Ukraine. The objective? To undermine support for Ukraine within Europe.

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Viginum's findings suggest that these websites do not generate original news but are instead designed to amplify disinformation, both on their platforms and through social media channels. French authorities believe this network is controlled by a single Russian organisation, adding to a series of destabilisation efforts attributed to Moscow.

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Previous instances of Russian interference include spreading images of Stars of David on Parisian walls to stoke inter communal tension and cloning French media websites to spread fake news. With the European Parliament elections looming, France remains a key target for Russian influence. Kremlin documents reveal intensified efforts to erode French support for Ukraine and exploit divisions within the country's political landscape.

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As France braces for further disinformation campaigns, vigilance is crucial. The intersection of geopolitics, media manipulation, and domestic politics underscores the need for robust defences against such tactics. Futurum Asia stands ready to assist in identifying red flags for false information, helping organizations navigate the complex landscape of online misinformation and safeguarding against its harmful effects.