Microsoft accuses Russia of disinformation

US technology company Microsoft has reported that Russia has increased its disinformation activities targeting France ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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Microsoft accuses Russia of disinformation

According to research by Microsoft's Threat Analysis Center (MTAC), Russian-linked influence groups have accelerated their disinformation activities ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games, which will be hosted by France in the capital, Paris.

MTAC alleged that Russian influence groups named Storm-1679 and Storm-1099 are using AI-related tactics to carry out malicious activities.

It was claimed that these influence groups are spreading criticism of French President Emmanuel Macron and his government, as well as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and are disseminating disinformation regarding the possibility of attacks during the Paris Olympics.

It was alleged that the group named Storm-1679 is spreading misleading videos and news to affect Olympic attendance rates, and in this context, produced content claiming that "24 percent of sold Olympic tickets have been returned by buyers due to the threat of attacks," presenting it as information broadcast by a French channel.

CLAIM THAT IT 'TARGETED THE IOC'

It was also noted that the group targeted the IOC in a video titled "Olympics Has Fallen" by using the AI-generated voice of US actor Tom Cruise.

It was stated that Storm-1099 is engaged in similar activities through 15 websites and presents French-language content based on disinformation as news content.

Russia was banned from the 2024 Paris Olympics as part of sanctions imposed due to the war in Ukraine. It was announced that Russian athletes could only participate in the Olympics as neutral athletes.

The 2024 Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11.

News Source: 12punto