Russian Misinformation Campaign Targets Paris Olympics, Microsoft Report

[Social Media]

 

A recent report from Microsoft has shed light on a Russian propaganda campaign aimed at discrediting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and inciting fears of terrorism ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. According to the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center, two Russian influence groups, known as Storm-1679 and Storm-1099, have been actively spreading misinformation to undermine confidence in the event.

 

The report underscores the significance of these findings, warning that the Russian campaign could intensify as the start of the Paris Games in late July approaches. This misinformation campaign poses a potential threat to the smooth conduct of the Olympics and the safety perceptions of participants and spectators alike.

 

Storm-1679 has been particularly active, beginning their efforts in June 2023 with the release of a fake documentary titled "Olympics Has Fallen." This documentary, narrated by AI-generated audio mimicking the voice of Tom Cruise, mocked IOC leadership and was accompanied by a fraudulent marketing campaign that included fake five-star reviews purportedly from prestigious outlets like The Washington Post and The New York Times.

 

In the year since, Storm-1679 has continued to produce videos that masquerade as legitimate news reports from credible media outlets, spreading false narratives about potential violence at the Paris Games. One such video, which falsely claimed to be from Brussels-based Euronews, suggested that Parisians were purchasing property insurance out of fear of terrorist attacks during the Olympics. Even more concerning, Storm-1679 has exploited the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict to impersonate militants, issuing threats against Israelis planning to attend the Games.

 

The second group, Storm-1099, has also been active in the disinformation campaign. This group has produced spoof content mimicking French media outlets, disseminating warnings about violence and corruption allegations within the IOC. These efforts are designed to sow discord and mistrust among the international community regarding the upcoming Olympics.

 

The Microsoft report highlights the evolving tactics of these influence operations. It suggests that as the Games draw nearer, there will likely be a strategic shift from video content to the use of online bots and automated social media accounts. This approach aims to flood social media channels with misinformation while providing Russia with plausible deniability regarding the source of the propaganda.

 

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the UN, has called for the Security Council to take a united stance against these disinformation efforts. "Numerous leaders and governments, including in the region, have endorsed this plan, and we call on the Security Council to join them in calling for the implementation of this deal without delay and without further conditions," she stated. She emphasized the importance of the council speaking with one voice to support the integrity of the Games and the safety of all involved.

 

The IOC has not yet responded to requests for comment on the Microsoft report. However, the findings serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks posed by state-sponsored misinformation campaigns and the importance of international cooperation in countering these threats. As the world prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, vigilance and proactive measures will be essential to ensure that the event proceeds safely and securely.

 

Credit: AXIOS 2024-06-04

 

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[johng]

28 minutes ago, Social Media said:

a stark reminder of the potential risks posed by state-sponsored misinformation campaigns

 

Yes like Hunter Bidens laptop  and the Steele dossier.

[RayC]

I'm not sure why Russia feels the need to spread false information to discredit the IOC. There are enough facts currently available to complete that particular task.

[connda]

Of course it does.  And Putin is helping Trump win the 2024 election just like he did in 2016.