Microsoft has warned that Russia has stepped up its disinformation campaign targeting the 2024 Paris Olympics, aiming in particular to heighten fears of violence during the event.
The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MTAC), run by the North American tech giant, cited two Russian-influenced groups, Storm-1679 and Storm-1099, that combine “old tactics with artificial intelligence to carry out malicious activities.”
The goal of the campaign, among other things, is to defame France, French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), according to a message published on Sunday on the Microsoft portal.
According to MTAC, the group “Storm 1679” publishes videos with false information online in an attempt to “sow fear in order to dissuade spectators from attending the Games.”
One video, similar to content from news channel France 24, falsely claimed that 24% of tickets sold were later returned due to fears of attack during the Games.
According to the terms of sale, tickets to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are non-refundable.
In early April, the Games organizing committee announced that nine million tickets had already been sold.
Another video posted by the group Storm-1679, which claims to be from the US’s top intelligence agency, the CIA, and the French Directorate General of Internal Security, advises cybernauts not to travel to France due to the risk of attack.
According to MTAC, another group, Storm-1099, has created a network of 15 portals that appear to be legitimate media outlets, with content written in French.
These platforms also warn of possible attacks during the Games, criticizing Macron and the French government in particular for being indifferent to the concerns of the French.
MTAC said it expects Russian disinformation activity to increase, particularly in French, but also in English, German and other languages, as the opening ceremony approaches.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will officially begin on July 26 and end on August 11, and 54 Portuguese athletes have already qualified for the event.
The IOC has repeatedly condemned Russia’s “campaign of disinformation and slander.”
In June 2023, the group Storm 1679 published an alleged anti-IOC documentary online called “The Olympics Have Fallen”, inspired by the 2013 film Assault on the White House and using artificial intelligence to imitate the voice of the IOC. North American actor Tom Cruise.
In early April, the French President assured that he has no doubt about Russia’s commitment to the Olympic Games, especially “in terms of information.”
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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