The analysis by British security experts revealed that social media accounts linked to a Russian disinformation campaign capitalized on conspiracy theories regarding the whereabouts of Princess Kate. While the Russian actors did not create the rumors, they jumped on the existing conspiracy theories surrounding the princess. The campaign, identified as Doppelgänger, aimed to disseminate pro-Russia content, particularly related to the war in Ukraine, and sow discord by destabilizing trust in institutions.
The Doppelgänger campaign was first identified in 2022 by EU DisinfoLab, a group that investigates online disinformation. The campaign, run by commercial firms contracted by the Kremlin, had the goal of spreading false information by cloning traditional media websites, posting fake articles, and promoting them on social media. Although the campaign is not linked to state security services, it aims to cause disruption and undermine trust in governments, the monarchy, and the media.
The involvement of Russia in the dissemination of disinformation related to Princess Kate might not be the only foreign influence at play, as reports suggest that China and Iran were also fueling disinformation. The Russian-linked accounts did not generate their own conspiracy theories but engaged with existing posts, often with pro-Russia and anti-Ukraine content. The sheer volume of views related to the #KateGate story on platforms like TikTok further highlights the challenge of identifying and countering disinformation.
Conspiracy theories have long existed around the royal family, with suggestions that they are involved in secretive and nefarious activities. These theories are fueled by a combination of factors, including declining trust in institutions, concerns about AI and manipulated news online, and the rise of amateur sleuthing on social media. The widespread adoption of social media and the ease with which individuals can create and share content have created a fertile ground for conspiracy theories to thrive.
The ability of foreign actors to exploit existing conspiracy theories and spread disinformation poses a significant threat, particularly in the context of upcoming elections in the United States, Europe, India, and other regions. Experts are concerned about the impact of fake news on democratic processes and public trust in institutions. Consequently, efforts to identify and counter disinformation campaigns, such as Doppelgänger, are essential to safeguard the integrity of elections and combat the spread of false information online.
