Russia-linked accounts spread far-right narrative online during Ceuta migration crisis, analysis finds
A counter-disinformation group has identified a network of Russia-linked social media accounts that amplified far-right narratives during the Ceuta migration crisis. The analysis suggests a coordinated effort to exploit European political divisions regarding immigration.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing use of digital disinformation campaigns by state-linked actors to destabilize political discourse in Western nations.
Migrants cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in north Africa last month. Migrants cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in north Africa last month. Social media Russia-linked accounts spread far-right narrative online during Ceuta migration crisis, analysis finds Counter-disinformation group says social media channels connected to Pravda network helped amplify message
Prefer the Guardian on Google Accounts with links to the Russian military promoting far-right messages reached more than 500,000 people in the early days of the Ceuta migration crisis , according to an analysis done by 411, a counter-disinformation group.
Russia-linked social media accounts frequently spread destabilising narratives in Europe , often promoting far-right talking points about immigration.
But 411 and other experts suggest the scale and coordination of the disinformation that followed the Ceuta crisis is significant. Groups spreading disinformation are more organised and powerful than they were several years ago.
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