Russian disinformation set to target Czechia via social media, warns intelligence chief

Disinformation campaigns are likely to escalate ahead of the elections, threatening electoral integrity and democracy, says Michal Koudelka, BIS head.

Expats.cz Staff

Written by Expats.cz Staff Published on 23.01.2025 08:41:00 (updated on 23.01.2025) Reading time: 2 minutes

With parliamentary elections looming this September, Czechia is at risk of intensified disinformation campaigns, particularly from Russia, according to Michal Koudelka, the head of the country’s Security Information Service (BIS).

Speaking at a seminar on foreign interference in elections, Koudelka underscored the growing threat to Czech democracy posed by both foreign and domestic disinformation networks. He warned that, as in past election cycles, the spread of false narratives on social media platforms like TikTok will likely escalate, further destabilizing public trust in the electoral process.

"The Czech Republic is undoubtedly among the states that the Russian Federation is prioritizing for subversive and influence operations," Koudelka said. "The ability and motivation of Russian authorities to conduct such operations is only growing over time."

This year, with the September elections on the horizon, Koudelka predicted that the Czech Republic would again become a focal point for disinformation campaigns, particularly aimed at sowing division and manipulating voters' perceptions.

Disinformation: A growing threat

Koudelka pointed to the role of social media as a major channel for the spread of harmful content. He urged platforms, especially TikTok, to take on greater responsibility in curbing false information. According to Koudelka, social networks have become fertile ground for disinformation since the pandemic, with topics ranging from vaccine skepticism to conspiracy theories about the 2020 Vrbětice explosions.

Vaccination saved thousands of lives, the police investigation confirmed the role of GRU agents, we did not freeze, and we did not buy fuel for CZK 100 per liter. So the disinformers lied shamelessly," Koudelka said, reflecting on past disinformation efforts.

As the election approaches, Koudelka warned that similar tactics are likely to be used to mislead voters, creating false narratives to undermine public confidence in the political system.

A call for stronger digital regulation

Koudelka also emphasized the need for stronger regulatory measures, particularly in line with European Union guidelines. The Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires digital platforms to improve transparency and take rapid action against harmful content, is crucial in the fight against online disinformation.

“The Digital Services Act mandates that platforms be held accountable for the content they host,” Koudelka explained. “We must ensure that these platforms comply with the law to prevent harmful content from spreading unchecked.”

Failure to comply with the DSA could result in significant fines, providing a stronger incentive for platforms to act quickly and decisively.

Lessons from abroad

Koudelka’s concerns echo those raised by analysts monitoring foreign interference in European elections. A recent case in Romania, for example, saw a disinformation campaign, likely organized by Russian-backed actors, manipulate TikTok’s algorithm to sway voters during a presidential election. The widespread campaign led to the annulment of the first round of voting in December.

“It was like someone had hacked the biggest TV station in the country,” one analyst noted. “They had manipulated the algorithm that determines what each user would see.”

Czech counterintelligence has long monitored foreign efforts to influence European politics, including disinformation campaigns linked to the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Brexit, and the Voice of Europe platform, which sought to shape European political outcomes in favor of pro-Russian interests.

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