Russia has been conducting a disinformation campaign in Germany, particularly as federal elections approach. This includes the creation of ‘sleeper sites’, which mimic legitimate news outlets but spread misinformation. These sites initially present harmless news before releasing targeted falsehoods, amplified via social media. Authorities have connected these efforts to pro-Russian networks and anticipate an increase in deceptive tactics. Public vigilance is crucial in combating misinformation, with simple verification techniques recommended to ensure credible information consumption.
Russian Disinformation Efforts in Germany
For some time now, Russia has been engaged in a campaign to disseminate disinformation targeted both within and about Germany. Consequently, governmental bodies and intelligence agencies are on high alert, especially with the upcoming federal elections in sight, where new trends in misinformation tactics are becoming evident.
Emergence of ‘Sleeper Sites’
At first glance, some websites may appear to be standard news outlets, boasting titles like ‘Berliner Aktuelle Nachrichten’, ‘Narrativ’, and ‘Echo der Zeit’. These platforms feature images, headlines, and articles, many of which are derived from other online sources but are rephrased using artificial intelligence. The Foreign Office has labeled them as ‘sleeper sites’.
According to Ralf Beste, who heads the analysis department within the Foreign Office’s Culture and Society division, “We have identified over 100 pseudo-news websites that are presumably being set up as ‘sleepers’.” These sites are not run by legitimate publishers or journalists; instead, they are operated by networks that harbor ulterior motives.
Initially, these networks share innocuous news until the opportune moment arises to release targeted misinformation. This disinformation is then propagated through social media platforms like X, Bluesky, and Facebook, misleading users by referencing these seemingly credible sources. Beste warns, “We must assume that these websites were prepared to activate them in the context of the federal elections,” drawing parallels to increased disinformation activities observed in Moldova and Romania during their election periods.
As the doppelgänger campaign persists, it increasingly focuses on various political parties, raising concerns among fact-checking organizations. Ralf Beste and his team anticipate that Germany will soon face specifically targeted misinformation campaigns. They have also noted a second tactic described as ‘Overload’, where authorities and organizations are bombarded with queries and verification requests.
Beste explains, “These are overload attacks intended to overwhelm well-meaning fact-checkers so that they can no longer work.” The deceptive nature of disinformation not only manipulates public perception but also erodes trust, leading to confusion and uncertainty as people grapple with the flood of false information.
While the identities behind these attacks may not always be obvious, investigations have linked many disinformation campaigns to pro-Russian entities. Beste notes, “We have already uncovered some networks,” pointing out that earlier this year, the so-called doppelgänger network revealed a clear Russian connection, confirming that these activities are driven by government-affiliated groups.
Despite some progress in countering these efforts, the issue remains a serious concern. The doppelgänger campaign utilizes numerous false news articles disseminated through websites mimicking reputable media outlets, with content further spread via comments and shares on social networks.
As Ralf Beste, a diplomat and former journalist, emphasizes, “It is made to look as if a person is issuing information, and thousands react to it,” highlighting the ease with which this system can be automated using advanced technology, a capability that has significantly advanced in recent years.
Recent analyses reveal that Russian-controlled accounts on social media platforms like X continue to remain active, strategically selecting polarizing topics such as Germany’s support for Ukraine or skilled labor recruitment from Africa to incite unrest and skepticism. Beste anticipates a surge in manipulation attempts as the federal elections approach, although he remains hopeful that these efforts will not yield significant success due to the evolution of both the disinformation networks and the countermeasures against them.
Every online user plays a vital role in combatting misinformation. Simple actions, such as verifying the trustworthiness of a link in the address bar, checking for an imprint on the site, or conducting a quick Google search to assess the authenticity of an unfamiliar source can significantly contribute to a more informed public.