Russian Disinformation Group Amplifies Conspiracies About Princess of Wales
LONDON — In the days leading up to Princess Catherine’s revelation of her cancer diagnosis, social media was abuzz with rumors and wild claims about her health. Security experts now believe that a Russia-based disinformation group played a significant role in amplifying and adding to the frenzy surrounding the Princess of Wales’s health.
The surge in online rumors and divisive content added immense emotional pressure on the princess and her husband Prince William. Security researchers analyzing social media data have identified hallmark signs of a coordinated campaign that shared and perpetuated false claims and controversial content related to the Princess of Wales. This behavior is consistent with the patterns observed in previous activities of Russian disinformation groups.
Aside from spreading rumors about the princess, the accounts involved in this campaign were also found to be disseminating content opposing France’s support for Ukraine, hinting at a broader international context for the royal rumors. The particular foreign influence network behind these activities has a history of focusing on undermining support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
According to Martin Innes, director of the Security, Crime and Intelligence Innovation Institute at Cardiff University, his researchers uncovered systematic efforts to intensify the wave of rumors about the princess. These efforts included sharing royal hashtags billions of times across various social media platforms. The Russian disinformation group identified in this operation is not a state entity but is linked to individuals recently sanctioned in the United States for their involvement in a “malign influence campaign” spreading fake news.
Prof Innes stated that the group’s messaging regarding Kate is intertwined with their campaigns to tarnish France’s reputation, bolster the integrity of Russian elections, and disparage Ukraine as part of broader war efforts. These operatives are viewed in Russia as “political technologists” who aim to fuel existing online stories by tapping into existing disputes and doubts, making it more difficult to differentiate between coordinated disinformation and individuals sharing conspiracies for engagement.
Dr. Jon Roozenbeek, an expert in disinformation at King’s College London, emphasized that Russian involvement in conspiracy theories is not tied to specific topics but aims to exploit issues that provoke emotional responses and increase social tensions. He highlighted the opportunistic nature of these actors in seeking out “wedge issues” to exploit.
While attributing such disruptive activities to specific groups or states can be challenging, the spread of fake news and conspiracy theories online poses a significant threat to public trust and social cohesion. The involvement of fake accounts and coordinated networks in amplifying misinformation further complicates the tracking and mitigation efforts.
As the online landscape continues to be plagued by disinformation and conspiracy theories, combating these threats requires a multifaceted approach that involves identifying and countering the tactics employed by malicious actors seeking to undermine social stability and trust.
