In Berlin on February 12, cybersecurity experts report that Russian-linked online disinformation networks are spreading fabricated spy agency alerts of potential terrorist attacks in Germany ahead of the upcoming election, likely aiming to instill fear and discourage voter participation.
These networks are also disseminating baseless rumors in an effort to undermine Friedrich Merz, the conservative leader currently polling ahead of the Russia-friendly Alternative for Germany party. Researchers collaborating with German human rights organizations Civil Society Forum and Robert Bosch Foundation, experienced in countering Russian influence operations, highlighted these activities.
According to the experts, the volume of misleading posts has tripled this week, with a new group named Storm 1516 joining the campaign previously led by Doppelganger and Matryoshka. Although X, a social media platform involved, did not respond immediately for comment, the researchers confirmed significant engagement with these posts.
One of the false posts reviewed by Reuters featured a fabricated video, purportedly from France 24, warning of potential terrorist threats in Germany, as well as other misleading posts referencing security agencies like the CIA and Mossad issuing warnings. These warnings have not been verified.
The ultimate aim of these disinformation campaigns appears to be to diminish voter turnout and the conservatives' lead, potentially disrupting coalition formation and possibly aiding Russia-friendly parties in parliamentary obstruction.
Misinformation specialist Felix Kartte from the Mercator Institute noted that the messaging from the bot networks seems crafted to benefit the AfD, stating, "A scared society is much more sensitive to authoritarian narratives."
Furthermore, additional posts have unfoundedly asserted that Friedrich Merz suffers from a concealed mental illness, a claim aimed at tarnishing his public image as his lead over the AfD has decreased from 15% to 8% during the campaign.