Microsoft has uncovered a disturbing escalation in Russia’s online disinformation campaign, aimed at sabotaging the upcoming Paris Olympics and tarnishing the reputations of France and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This multifaceted operation employs a devious mix of tactics to cultivate fear and distrust surrounding the Games.
Stoking Fears of Violence:
- Fabricated Threats: Pro-Kremlin actors are masquerading as militant organizations, concocting phoney threats of violence directed at the Games, with a specific focus on Israeli attendees. This cynical strategy seeks to exploit lingering anxieties surrounding the horrific 1972 Munich massacre. Microsoft identified digitally manipulated images depicting threatening graffiti in Paris that reference the Munich killings.
- Disinformation Websites: A network of 15 fabricated French news websites, operated by the Russia-affiliated group “Doppelganger” (Storm-1099), serves as a megaphone for these fabricated narratives. They amplify these falsehoods by spreading claims of potential violence and rampant corruption within the IOC.
Discrediting the IOC:
- “Olympics Has Fallen” Propaganda Film: In June 2023, Storm-1679, another group with ties to Russia, produced a full-length film titled “Olympics Has Fallen,” designed to smear the IOC leadership. The film employed artificial intelligence to create a counterfeit voice resembling actor Tom Cruise as the narrator. They even resorted to deceptive tactics, attempting to manipulate US celebrities into endorsing the film through the Cameo platform. This elaborate scheme highlights the significant resources invested in creating a seemingly legitimate production to maximize its impact.
Motivation and Future Concerns:
- Undermining the Games: Microsoft suggests that Russia’s campaign is a deliberate attempt to sow discord and disrupt the Paris Olympics. The intensified efforts coincide with the IOC’s decision to allow Russian athletes to compete as neutrals, suggesting a possible retaliation for the sanctions placed on Russia’s official participation.
- Anticipated Escalation: Microsoft warns that Russia’s “propaganda and disinformation machine” is likely to further exploit its network of fake websites and social media accounts to spread misinformation and disrupt the Games as they approach. They may also resort to more sophisticated tactics, such as cyberattacks targeting Olympic infrastructure or logistical systems.
Weakening International Cooperation: By eroding trust in France’s ability to host a safe Olympics and casting doubt on the IOC’s decision-making process, Russia’s disinformation campaign could also weaken international cooperation on sporting events and other global initiatives.
