Russia behind over 80% of disinformation in Europe – Czech FM
Photo: Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (Getty Images)
Russia is the main source of information manipulation in Europe, stated Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský during a speech at the Resilient Europe conference.
According to him, the Kremlin is conducting active campaigns to destabilize democratic states, using tactics not only in the physical space but also in the digital one.
"Hackers and propagandists often play for the same team. In Europe alone, Russia is responsible for over 80% of information manipulation," Lipavský said.
He also noted that Czechia is increasingly concerned about China's influence in this area.
According to the Czech minister, in response to such threats, Czech diplomacy uses a wide range of measures, from strategic communications to sanctions.
The Czech Foreign Minister also emphasized the importance of raising public awareness, as the fight for information security is one of the key elements of countering external influences.
"We also must be clear with our citizens: the era of relative peace and security in Europe is over. If we want to preserve our way of life, we must start by taking our security seriously - from what we consume online, to whom we trade with, pay, and supply," Lipavský noted.
Earlier, we reported that the European Union may create a new independent agency to counter Russian disinformation and election interference. This should be an independent center for rapid response to Kremlin information attacks.
Also, last October, the EU Council approved a new framework for sanctions against Russia's destabilizing actions. The new measures are aimed at combating hybrid threats, including interference in electoral processes, sabotage of critical infrastructure, spreading disinformation, and cyberattacks.
