French security experts identify Moscow-based disinformation network

Source: The Guardian

French security experts identify Moscow-based disinformation network

Network operating in western Europe is ‘paving way for new wave of online manipulation’ in crucial election year, French agency says

Kim Willsher, and Lisa O'Carroll in Brussels
Mon 12 Feb 2024 20.47 GMT
First published on Mon 12 Feb 2024 19.41 GMT

French military and cybersecurity experts say they have identified a Moscow-based network spreading propaganda and disinformation in western Europe.

France’s Viginum agency, which was set up in 2021 to detect digital interference from foreign entities aimed at influencing public opinion, says Russia is paving the way for a new wave of online manipulation in the run-up to the European elections and other crucial votes this year.

The agency says the online network, which it has named “Portal Kombat”, includes at least 193 sites disseminating pro-Russian propaganda defending the Russian invasion of Ukraine and criticising the government in Kyiv. Much of the disinformation directed through social media sites and messaging apps is targeting those propagating conspiracy theories, it said.

Viginum researchers, who identified and analysed the network between September and December last year, say the mass disinformation campaign can be traced back to Moscow. One pro-Russian channel on the French Telegram mobile and desktop messaging app is publishing “almost continuously” up to nine articles an hour.

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Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/feb/12/french-security-experts-identify-moscow-based-disinformation-network