The UK government has imposed sanctions on six Russian agencies and individuals associated with a disinformation network called the Doppelganger group. This group has been linked to efforts aimed at spreading false information, particularly targeting nations supporting Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Earlier this year, the Doppelganger group was reportedly connected to the dissemination of rumors about the Princess of Wales, further highlighting their operational tactics which involve sowing discord and confusion within targeted populations. The Foreign Office described the network as a “vast malign online network” designed to undermine democracy and create division among nations.
The sanctions come in light of the UK’s broader strategy to combat foreign interference in domestic matters, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy stating, “Putin is so desperate to undermine European support for Ukraine he is now resorting to clumsy, ineffective efforts to try and stoke unrest.” The specific entities targeted by these sanctions are said to be integral parts of the Doppelganger network, identified by cybersecurity experts from Cardiff University as primary promoters of the false online narratives pertaining to the Princess of Wales. This disinformation campaign intensified amidst rumors about the princess’s health, which ultimately ended when she publicly announced her cancer diagnosis.
The UK’s actions reflect a growing international awareness of the threats posed by Russian disinformation tactics and their potential to influence public opinion and political landscapes. The Doppelganger group has not only been implicated in spreading rumors about British royalty but has also been accused by the French government of undermining support for Ukraine and disrupting democratic processes, including elections. The Foreign Office has indicated that this disinformation network deploys numerous fake news websites, which confuse social media users and spread counterfeit documents and deepfake content to serve their agendas.
In response to the sanctions, Russian authorities have dismissed the allegations of interference. President Putin labeled claims of inciting protests in European cities as “utter rubbish,” attributing such unrest to internal political dynamics in those countries. However, the U.S. State Department has commended the UK’s sanctions, asserting that they address a significant threat involving the Kremlin’s ability to embed disinformation into local media, often disguised as genuine news reports.
Russian disinformation strategies have been described as a blend of social and political manipulation aimed at exacerbating divisions within society. Prof. Martin Innes from Cardiff University explains that the methodology of the Doppelganger group includes deploying vast numbers of disposable social media accounts to amplify specific narratives that may seem less political. This tactic proves particularly effective when it involves sensationalized stories about public figures, such as the Princess of Wales, allowing for the dissemination of anti-Ukrainian sentiment while also targeting well-regarded institutions like the Royal Family.
Researchers have indicated that the impact of these “political technologists” from Russia could have far-reaching implications, particularly in vulnerable democracies. With significant focus on wedge issues like immigration and identity politics, these groups aim to sow discord and amplify existing societal tensions. As the world heads towards critical political events, such as the upcoming U.S. presidential election, the lessons learned from previous disinformation campaigns, including the Brexit referendum, continue to inform strategies to counteract these threats.
