By Russian disinformation efforts targeting the Paris Olympics have intensified with the circulation of a fabricated video purporting to be a CIA warning about metro attacks. CBS News uncovered the false video, which originated in Russian channels before spreading to social media platforms like X and Facebook, garnering at least 100,000 views.
A CIA spokesperson confirmed to CBS News that the video is “a fabrication, has no connection to CIA, and does not represent CIA’s view.” U.S. officials have not issued any warnings about traveling on the Paris metro during the Olympic Games, scheduled for July 26 to August 11.
This latest disinformation effort is part of a broader Russian campaign identified by Microsoft in early June, which included an AI-generated fake Netflix film featuring Tom Cruise. Clint Watts, general manager of Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center, stated that “Russian-affiliated actors are hoping to sow disinformation and make it appear as though there is a likelihood of violence during the Games.”
The motivation behind these operations may be linked to the ban on Russian athletes participating under their national flag due to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The disinformation network has also produced a fabricated France 24 video criticizing the CIA’s alleged warning, further amplifying the false narrative.
CBS News traced the video’s spread from Russian military bloggers on Telegram to sham news websites and various social media platforms. European Union officials are investigating Meta, X, and Telegram for potential violations related to disinformation.
While some platforms like Meta and TikTok have removed the video for violating their policies, experts warn that Russian disinformation tactics may intensify as the Olympics approach. Alexis Prokopiev of Russie-Libertés notes that this is part of a strategy to undermine confidence in U.S. and European officials.
As the Paris Olympics draw nearer, vigilance against such disinformation campaigns becomes increasingly crucial, with researchers and platforms working to identify and counter false narratives aimed at disrupting the international event.
