Pro-Russian operatives are escalating efforts to undermine the upcoming Paris Olympics through a series of disinformation activities, including AI deepfake documentaries, physical propaganda stunts, and fake news campaigns. Experts caution of the subversive tactics employed to weaken Western support for Ukraine and tarnish the integrity of the games amidst heightened geopolitical tensions.
Pro-Russian Disinformation Campaign Targets Paris Olympics
Pro-Russian operatives are intensifying efforts to discredit the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics and weaken Western support for Ukraine through a series of disinformation stunts. Both online and offline activities have been reported. Experts and officials revealed efforts involving artificial intelligence (AI) and fake news to CNN.
Major Incidents:
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AI Deepfake Documentary: A fake documentary using AI-generated audio of actor Tom Cruise’s voice has surfaced. Distributed via Telegram, the video falsely criticizes the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and contains forged endorsements from major platforms like Netflix and The New York Times.
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Eiffel Tower Stunt: French police discovered five coffins with inscriptions referencing the Ukraine war near the Eiffel Tower. The incident underscores the involvement of suspected Russian elements in physical acts of propaganda.
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Fake News Campaigns: False reports have circulated online, such as claims that Parisians are buying property insurance due to terrorism fears associated with the Olympics. These reports were tied to the Russian-linked group, Storm-1679.
Background:
The IOC has restricted Russian athletes from competing under their national flag in the Paris Olympics due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Similar measures were implemented in previous games due to Russia’s doping allegations.
Expert Analysis:
Microsoft’s threat analysis center reported that Storm-1679 is central to these campaigns. The group’s activities include past deceptions using recorded videos from celebrities turned into propaganda. Furthermore, Russian military intelligence has a history of cyberattacks related to the Olympics, specifically targeting the Winter Olympics in South Korea in 2018.
Broader Impacts:
The disinformation campaigns are not just limited to France. Recent efforts include a doctored video of US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, spread on social media. The video, identified as manipulated using AI, aimed to sow distrust regarding Ukraine’s use of US-made weapons.
Precautions:
French officials, along with cybersecurity firms, are preparing for potential cyber threats. The emphasis remains on protecting the Olympic Games’ integrity and the deeper solidarity they represent amidst growing geopolitical tensions.
The Paris Summer Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
