France has issued a strong condemnation of Russia’s escalating digital interference campaigns following the publication of a detailed report by VIGINUM, the national agency responsible for monitoring and countering foreign digital interference.
The report, released on Friday, sheds light on a series of sophisticated information operations orchestrated by a Russian cyber attack group identified as Storm-1516.
According to the findings, Storm-1516 has conducted at least 77 coordinated influence campaigns since 2023, targeting not only France but also Ukraine and numerous Western democracies. These operations are part of what officials describe as an intensifying information war being waged by the Kremlin.
A significant portion of the group’s activities has focused on manipulating public opinion and sowing distrust during critical democratic moments.
One of the most notable operations occurred during the early general elections in France in June 2024, where fake news and manipulated content were disseminated across various online platforms in an attempt to disrupt the electoral process.
Storm-1516 is reportedly linked to a vast and intricate network of individuals and organizations operating from within Russian territory.
VIGINUM’s report suggests that many of these actors maintain close ties to the Russian government, underscoring the likelihood of state-sponsored propaganda efforts aimed at destabilizing democratic institutions and public discourse.
“The conduct described in the report is unacceptable and unworthy of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council,” a spokesperson from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
“France firmly condemns these acts and remains resolute in its support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.”
The French government has called upon social media platforms involved in the dissemination of false and misleading information to take greater responsibility in countering foreign digital interference.
The platforms have been notified of the findings and are expected to act under the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which mandates strict obligations for online services to limit the spread of harmful content and ensure transparency in digital communications.
Cybersecurity experts warn that such information operations are becoming increasingly complex and harder to detect.
“Storm-1516 and similar groups are using layered strategies, blending real and fake content, impersonating legitimate news sources, and leveraging AI tools to amplify disinformation,” said Clément Thevenet, a Paris-based analyst on information warfare.
The publication of the VIGINUM report highlights the growing challenge faced by European nations in defending democratic processes against foreign digital threats.
With upcoming elections across Europe, including in Germany and the European Parliament, authorities are on high alert for further attempts to manipulate public opinion through cyberspace.
France has reiterated its commitment to countering such threats in coordination with EU partners and NATO allies. “We will not be deterred by manipulation,” the Foreign Ministry stated. “Our democratic institutions and values remain strong and resilient.”
The report marks a significant moment in the European digital security landscape, as governments grapple with balancing free expression and the need to shield public debate from malicious foreign interference.
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