Microsoft warns of Russian disinformation attacks targeting 2024 Paris Olympics
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Key notes
- Russia is launching disinformation attacks to disrupt the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- They’re using fake news and videos to discredit the Olympics and scare people.
- Microsoft expects these attacks to worsen with more languages and AI-generated content.
Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) issued a report today showing a rise in Russian disinformation campaigns aimed at disrupting the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, where Russian athletes won’t be allowed to compete under the Russian flag.
This campaign is run by Russia-linked influence actors Storm-1679 and Storm-1099, have attack with two parts:
- discrediting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and
- Stoking public fear of violence at the Games.
Storm-1679 has been quite active, producing a fake documentary titled “Olympics Has Fallen”. It impersonates actor Tom Cruise to spread negativity about the IOC.
The group has also been making fake videos that look like they come from real news channels, like Euro News and France24. These fake videos reveal information that isn’t true, such as people in
- Paris are buying extra insurance on their homes because they are worried about terrorism and
- many people are returning their tickets to the Olympics because they are scared.
Storm-1679 further attempted to exploit the Israel-Hamas conflict by fabricating images of threatening graffiti in Paris. Microsoft believes this graffiti is digitally generated and not present in any physical location.
On the other hand, Storm-1099, known for its network of French-language disinformation websites, has ramped up anti-Olympics messaging. Their tactics include
- accusations of rampant IOC corruption,
- warnings of violence, and
- forged articles critical of French President Macron and his handling of the Games.
With the opening ceremony just three months away, MTAC anticipates a further escalation of these disinformation campaigns. They expect the tactics to
- evolve,
- incorporating a wider range of languages,
- increased use of generative AI, and
- a potential shift towards automated social media accounts to spread propaganda.
Additionally, concerns exist that Russia might attempt on-the-ground provocations or staged events to generate chaos and distrust.
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