As the Paris Olympics rapidly approaches, the spread of fake news including terror threats is on the rise. Some of this fake news is suspected to be backed by Russia.
The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 3rd (local time) that Russian athletes are expressing anger towards Paris, the host city of the Olympics, as they are restricted from participating in the event under the Russian flag. This is due to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) banning Russian athletes from participating in the opening ceremony parade and the competition. Russian athletes can only compete as neutral individuals. Citing the threat analysis center of Microsoft Corporation (MS), the NYT reported that Russian propagandists are spreading fake news, including producing and distributing hour-long documentaries.
A campaign known as Storm-1679 has reportedly been spreading false information about the Paris Olympics on social media since March. MS identified that it produces three to eight fake news videos in English and French per week and even impersonates authoritative media outlets like the BBC. Both American and French authorities are tracking this campaign. However, MS has not been able to confirm whether Storm-1679 is a group supported by the Russian government.
Regarding the group behind the fake posts, the Head of Microsoft Corp. Digital Threat Analysis Center Clint Watts, stated, “They (Russian propagandists) are trying to increase expectations of violence,” adding, “They want to make people afraid to participate in the Olympics.”