Russian propagandists are deploying advanced technology and offline tactics to discredit the Paris Summer Olympics, raising concerns about disinformation and cybersecurity threats. Utilising deepfakes and AI-generated content, the campaign targets the IOC and aims to undermine Western support for Ukraine, with incidents including a fake documentary featuring a simulated voice of Tom Cruise and a provocative display near the Eiffel Tower. French authorities, tech firms like Microsoft, and the IOC are actively addressing the situation to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming sporting event.
Pro-Russian Campaign Targets Paris Summer Olympics
Location: Paris, France
Event Period: Summer 2024
Involved Parties: Russian propagandists, French police, International Olympic Committee (IOC), Microsoft, French President Emmanuel Macron
Russian propagandists are reportedly ramping up efforts to discredit the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics and undermine Western support for Ukraine. According to experts and officials, these actions include the use of artificial intelligence to produce deepfake videos.
One notable instance involves a deepfake video featuring a simulated voice of actor Tom Cruise, crafted to narrate a fake documentary criticising the IOC. Released on Telegram last year, the video falsely purports to be produced by Netflix and embellished with fabricated reviews from the New York Times and the BBC. It is part of a more extensive campaign by the Russian propaganda group known as Storm-1679.
Offline activities have also been reported. On a recent Saturday, French police discovered five coffins draped in French flags and inscribed with “French soldiers in Ukraine” near the Eiffel Tower. This act is believed to have Russian involvement, and French authorities are interrogating three suspects.
The IOC has barred Russian athletes from competing under their national flag in Paris due to Russia’s ongoing military activities in Ukraine. This restriction adds to previous sanctions rooted in allegations of Russia’s doping programs.
Microsoft has identified these disinformation efforts as part of an ongoing strategy executed by Russian operatives. The tech firm released a report outlining multiple false claims circulating about the Paris Games, such as fabricated news stories about Parisians buying property insurance due to terrorism fears. Additionally, there have been instances of fake press releases supposedly from U.S. and French intelligence agencies warning of terrorism.
In recent years, similar disinformation campaigns have been documented, including a cyberattack on the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in South Korea in 2018, attributed to Russia’s GRU military intelligence by the U.S. Justice Department.
Cybersecurity officials expect related threats as the Paris Olympics approach. John Hultquist, an analyst at Mandiant, noted that the event could be a significant target for disruptive activities aiming to undermine both French and global solidarity.
Key Takeaways:
- Pro-Russian Campaigns: Utilization of AI and deepfakes targeting the Paris Olympics.
- Key Incidents: Fake documentary with AI-generated voice of Tom Cruise, coffins placed near Eiffel Tower.
- Authorities Involved: French police, Microsoft, IOC.
- Objective: Undermining Western support for Ukraine and tarnishing the Olympics.
