Have you ever wondered why far right figures such as Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson openly ‘admire’ Vladimir Putin? Well, wonder no more. Their success can be largely attributed to the strategies identified in the following expose.
In the digital age, the spread of misinformation has become a global crisis, with democracies like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany increasingly vulnerable to far-right propaganda and foreign disinformation campaigns. These efforts, often powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and sophisticated online tactics, are undermining trust in democratic institutions, polarising societies, and influencing electoral outcomes. While Germany is currently at the epicentre of this crisis, the USA and UK have also faced significant challenges, with Russian-linked disinformation campaigns and home-grown far-right groups exploiting digital platforms to advance their agendas.
Germany: A Case Study in Disinformation and Far-Right Ascendancy
Germany’s political landscape is under siege from a flood of far-right narratives, amplified by AI-generated content and Russian disinformation campaigns. The far-right party Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) is capitalising on this chaos, leveraging social media to spread its message and gain traction in opinion polls. Experts have identified two key Russian campaigns—Doppelganger and Storm-1516—as major players in this disinformation ecosystem.
Russian-Linked Campaigns
- Doppelganger: Run by the Russian PR firm Social Design Agency, this campaign creates fake news articles designed to mimic reputable publications like Der Spiegel. These articles are then disseminated through a network of social media accounts, often posing as concerned citizens. For example, one post claimed, “I am concerned that aid to Ukraine will impact our ability to invest in our own infrastructure and social security systems,” linking to a fake article on a counterfeit website.
- Storm-1516: This campaign has been linked to deepfake videos and AI-generated content, such as a fabricated video accusing a German minister of child abuse and another falsely claiming that a pro-Ukraine parliamentary member was a Russian spy.
The AfD’s Role
The AfD has not only benefitted from these campaigns but has also actively participated in spreading false narratives. For instance, AfD parliamentary member Stephan Protschka shared a post alleging that the Green Party was collaborating with Ukraine to recruit criminals and blame their actions on the AfD—a narrative traced back to Russian disinformation.
AI-Generated Influencers
Far-right groups in Germany are also using AI to create social media influencers like Larissa Wagner, an AI-generated persona who espouses xenophobic rhetoric and encourages voting for the AfD. Her posts have grown increasingly radical, and her influence is amplified by her youthful, attractive appearance, which boosts engagement.
Public Concern
A survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation found that 80% of Germans consider online disinformation a major societal problem, with 88% agreeing that it is spread to influence political opinions. The convergence of foreign disinformation and home-grown extremism is creating a perfect storm, with the AfD poised to capitalise on the chaos.
The United States: A History of Foreign Interference and Domestic Polarisation
The United States has been a prime target for foreign disinformation campaigns, particularly from Russia, since at least the 2016 presidential election. These efforts have continued unabated, with new tactics emerging in the 2020 and 2024 election cycles.
Russian Interference in US Elections
- 2016 Election: The Internet Research Agency (IRA), a Russian troll farm, orchestrated a massive disinformation campaign on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Using fake accounts, they spread divisive content on issues like race, immigration, and gun control, aiming to polarise the American electorate and undermine trust in democratic institutions.
- 2020 Election: Russian-linked groups like Storm-1516 and Doppelganger expanded their operations, using AI-generated content and deepfakes to spread false narratives. For example, deepfake videos of presidential candidates were circulated, though they were quickly debunked.
- 2024 Election: Experts warn that Russian disinformation campaigns are more sophisticated than ever, leveraging AI to create hyper-realistic fake news articles, videos, and social media posts. These efforts are designed to amplify far-right narratives, such as claims of election fraud or conspiracy theories about immigration.
Domestic Far-Right Movements
The US far-right has also embraced AI and social media to spread its message. Platforms like Gab, Parler, and Truth Social have become hubs for far-right extremism, where users share AI-generated memes, videos, and conspiracy theories. For example:
- AI-Generated Memes: Far-right groups have used AI to create memes portraying migrants as violent criminals or promoting white nationalist ideologies.
- Deepfake Videos: In 2023, a deepfake video of President Biden allegedly making inflammatory remarks about immigration went viral, though it was later debunked.
Impact on Public Opinion
The spread of disinformation has had a profound impact on American society, contributing to political polarisation and eroding trust in institutions. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 64% of Americans believe fake news has caused “a great deal” of confusion about basic facts, while 55% say it has led to a loss of trust in government.
The United Kingdom: Brexit and Beyond
The UK has faced its own challenges with disinformation, particularly in the context of Brexit and subsequent elections. Russian-linked campaigns have sought to exploit divisions within British society, while domestic far-right groups have used social media to spread their message.
Brexit and Russian Interference
- 2016 Brexit Referendum: Investigations revealed that Russian-linked groups used social media to spread pro-Brexit propaganda, often through fake accounts and bots. These campaigns amplified fears about immigration and sovereignty, contributing to the Leave campaign’s victory.
- 2019 General Election: Similar tactics were employed during the 2019 election, with Russian-linked groups spreading disinformation about Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and promoting far-right narratives.
Domestic Far-Right Groups
The UK far-right has also embraced digital platforms to spread its message. Groups like Britain First, the English Defence League (EDL) and Reform UK candidates have used social media to share xenophobic content and conspiracy theories. For example:
- AI-Generated Content: Far-right groups have used AI to create fake news articles and videos, such as a fabricated story claiming that Muslim immigrants were receiving preferential treatment in housing.
- Social Media Campaigns: Far-right influencers have used platforms like YouTube and TikTok to spread their message, often targeting young people with memes and videos.
Public Concern and Response
A 2023 report by the UK Parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport Committee found that 70% of Britons are concerned about the impact of disinformation on democracy. The UK government has taken steps to address the issue, including introducing the Online Safety Bill, which aims to hold tech companies accountable for harmful content on their platforms.
The Global Threat of AI-Driven Disinformation
The use of AI in disinformation campaigns represents a significant escalation in the threat to democracy. AI can generate realistic text, images, and videos at scale, making it easier than ever to create and spread false narratives. This technology is being exploited by both foreign actors and domestic far-right groups, creating a global crisis that requires a coordinated response.
Key Tactics
- Deepfakes: AI-generated videos that manipulate the likeness and voice of public figures to spread false narratives.
- AI-Generated Text: Tools like ChatGPT can be used to create fake news articles, social media posts, and even entire websites.
- Social Media Bots: Automated accounts that amplify disinformation by sharing it across platforms.
The Role of Tech Companies
Tech companies have a critical role to play in combating disinformation. While platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have implemented measures to detect and remove false content, critics argue that these efforts are insufficient. For example:
- Algorithmic Amplification: Social media algorithms often prioritise sensational or divisive content, making it easier for disinformation to go viral.
- Lax Enforcement: Despite policies against disinformation, enforcement is often inconsistent, allowing harmful content to remain online.
A Call to Action
The rise of AI-driven disinformation and far-right propaganda represents a profound challenge to democratic societies. In Germany, the USA, and the UK, foreign actors and domestic extremists are exploiting digital platforms to spread false narratives, polarise electorates, and undermine trust in institutions. Addressing this crisis will require a multi-faceted approach, including:
- Strengthening Cybersecurity: Governments must invest in technologies and expertise to detect and counter disinformation campaigns.
- Regulating Tech Companies: Policymakers must hold tech companies accountable for the content on their platforms, ensuring they take proactive steps to combat disinformation.
- Promoting Media Literacy: Educating the public about the dangers of disinformation and how to identify false content is critical to building resilience against these threats.
- International Cooperation: Disinformation is a global problem that requires a coordinated response, including partnerships between governments, tech companies, and civil society.
Without decisive action, the flood of online misinformation risks eroding the very foundations of democracy, leaving societies vulnerable to the forces of extremism and authoritarianism. The time to act is now.
