Russian groups intensify misinformation campaign around Paris Olympics
Russia isn’t done with its disinformation campaign targeting the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to Microsoft. In fact attacks against the latter have gained momentum and are stoking fears of violence during the event.
Two Russian influence groups, Storm-1679 and Storm-1099, were cited by Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center (MTAC). These groups “combine ancient tactics with artificial intelligence to conduct harmful activities”.
In a message published on Sunday on Microsoft’s website, the company shared content disseminated by these Russian-influenced groups trying to defame French President Emmanuel Macron and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Storm-1679 “also seeks to sow fear in order to dissuade spectators from attending the Games”, write Microsoft and MTAC. The influence group has posted misleading videos online, one of which poses as content produced by the France 24 news channel, and claims that 24% of tickets sold were returned for fear of an attack during the Games.
Microsoft and its analysis centre found another video which purports to be a message from the CIA (the main US intelligence agency) and the French Directorate General for Internal Security (DGSI) advising against travelling to France because of the risk of a terrorist attack.
The other group of Russian influence, Storm-1099, uses a network of 15 sites with content written in French, which falsely present themselves as news media. These platforms also warn of possible attacks during the Games, and criticise the head of state and his government for being indifferent to the problems of the French people. As the 26 July 26 opening ceremony on the Seine approaches, MTAC expects these activities to “intensify”.
News Wires
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers