Pro-Russian propagandists are increasing efforts to disparage the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics and weaken Western support for Ukraine through various online and offline tactics. These tactics include using artificial intelligence to impersonate Tom Cruise’s voice in a fake documentary attacking the International Olympic Committee and placing coffins with messages related to the Ukraine war near the Eiffel Tower. These actions are part of Russian operatives’ frantic attempts to tarnish the Olympics and impede Ukraine’s progress in using Western-made weapons against Russia.
The recent propaganda actions reflect a mix of desperation and opportunism. Tech-savvy propagandists in Russia see the alternative to their work as being sent to the front lines, according to former National Security Council expert Gavin Wilde. Russian operatives used fake Cruise voice, Netflix logo, and fake New York Times review to give credibility to their propaganda video, released on Telegram last year. They have also spread fake news stories about terrorism fears around the Olympics and fabricated press releases from the CIA and French intelligence agencies.
Some of the recent disinformation efforts have also taken place offline. French police found coffins draped in the French flag with messages invoking Ukraine near the Eiffel Tower, prompting suspicion of Russian involvement in the stunt. French President Emmanuel Macron’s contemplation of sending French troops to Ukraine has angered the Russian government. Additionally, a doctored video of a US State Department spokesperson discussing Ukraine’s potential use of US-made weapons in Russia has circulated on social media, raising concerns about AI manipulation in disinformation.
Russian animosity towards the IOC has deep roots, with Russian athletes facing restrictions due to alleged doping programs and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The GRU military intelligence agency has previously carried out cyberattacks, including disrupting the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in South Korea in 2018. Officials at the Paris Olympics are preparing for potential cyber threats during the upcoming games, as the GRU has a history of targeting France and major events like the Olympics to undermine prestige and solidarity.
The use of deepfake technology in disinformation campaigns is raising concerns about the authenticity of online content. Digital forensic experts have identified AI manipulation in videos like the one involving the State Department spokesperson, which could contribute to overall skepticism towards online content. However, some experts remain skeptical about the use of AI in manipulating mouth movements in videos. The prevalence of deepfakes in disinformation operations underscores the need for vigilance in verifying information and combating misleading narratives online.
