The new report by Finnish software and methodologies company Check First reveals a scheme called “Operation Overload” where pro-Russian actors bombard journalists with fake news to spread disinformation. The goal is to amplify certain fake narratives by having reporters publish their debunks, reaching wider audiences whether the story is debunked or not. The scheme targets over 800 news organizations in Europe with verification requests mainly focusing on Ukraine, France, and Germany. More than 250 fact-checks mentioning false narratives created for Operation Overload have been published in recent months.
The culprits behind Operation Overload use “content amalgamation” to create credible, multi-layered stories that flood the media, leading to a sense of urgency among journalists. This scheme serves both domestic propaganda and foreign interference and information manipulation purposes, with the aim to promote the Kremlin’s military agenda to local audiences. Much of the fake news involves videos that discredit Ukrainian refugees living in the West, with one video falsely claiming a Ukrainian beauty salon in Poland exposes clients to mosquito bites to help them lose weight. Another video wrongly attributed to Euronews discusses France’s alleged economic crisis using old footage of French economist Philippe Aghion.
While the effectiveness of fact-checks may seem to be questioned by Operation Overload, Check First urges journalists to remain vigilant and increase efforts to combat misleading content. They recommend verifying the identity of anyone sending concerns via email or social media, especially when alluding to “Kremlin propaganda”, and being wary of unsolicited emails or direct messages containing links related to politically sensitive topics. Collaboration across media outlets is encouraged to identify patterns and potential coordinated efforts, enhancing collective awareness and response. Media outlets are also advised to enhance cybersecurity training and best practices, such as reporting suspicious emails and training teams to recognize content amalgamation.
Overall, Operation Overload seeks to amplify fake narratives by having journalists publish their debunks and share them widely, targeting more than 800 news organizations in Europe. The scheme involves pro-Russian actors contacting journalists with fake news to spread disinformation, relying on the principle that “all publicity is good publicity”. The goal is to reach wider audiences, whether the stories are debunked or not, by using content amalgamation to create credible, multi-layered stories that create a false sense of urgency among journalists. While fact-checking may be challenged by this scheme, Check First advises journalists to stay vigilant, verify sources, collaborate across media outlets, enhance cybersecurity training, and recognize content amalgamation to combat misleading content effectively.
