Investigators from the German NGO CeMAS reported a significant number of fake messages on platform X that are spreading false information about the political situation in the country.
According to Euronews, these fake posts actively support the AfD and criticize opponents such as the Greens and the Social Democratic Party of Chancellor Olaf Scholz. They are part of the Doppelgänger campaign, known for its tactic of creating fake websites that mimic well-known media outlets, specifically Der Spiegel and the Welt television channel. These sites disseminate disinformation using bots that imitate serious news sources.
CeMAS reports that since mid-December 2024, 630 posts containing typical fake messages have been identified. These posts often include negative content about AfD's political rivals and positive statements about the party itself, including support for its leader, Alice Weidel. However, despite Tehran's denials, this campaign is viewed as an attempt by Russia to revive its disinformation strategy, which has already been employed in other countries, particularly during elections.
The situation is escalating, and European countries have already imposed sanctions on those who may be involved in the "Doppelgänger" campaign. Meanwhile, analysts are calling for stricter measures to fully neutralize this operation. Nevertheless, the campaign continues to operate, utilizing the latest technologies and even collaborating with European IT companies.
Source: euronews.