(DailyDig.com) – Social media users shared a video in June that has since spread to many platforms. It features a man claiming to be a fighter for Hamas who threatens the safety of the upcoming Olympic event in Paris, France, according to Microsoft researchers.
Russian-based cybercriminals and hackers are believed to have authored the video, which targets European Union (EU) nations as part of a misinformation campaign. The disinformation is spreading throughout the EU with the aim of disrupting the global Olympic event and influencing the EU Parliament 2024 election through its propaganda.
Izzat al-Risheq, an official from Hamas, denied that they created or sent the video online. He said the video was a forgery, and despite the lack of evidence, he asserted its Israeli origin.
The Threat Analysis Center researchers at Microsoft examined the video and discovered that it resembled other videos made by a Russian group known for their disinformation. The details in the current video align with those in a previous one, accusing Ukraine of supplying weapons to Hamas. They also said the video appears to scare possible Olympic attendees.
The Microsoft researchers also noted on July 23 that it appears as if the group Storm-1516 is the author of the video. They are a group that emerged from the Internet Research Agency, a troll farm in Russia.
In the latest video, a man claiming to represent Hamas, wearing a scarf around his face, threatens France with bloodshed in Paris. He asserts that the violent action will be a result of France allowing Israeli athletes to participate in the global games, as well as their support for Israel against Hamas.
The authorities in France have confidently assured those who live in Paris and those who will be attending the Olympics that they have prepared their security forces for any disruptions. Prior to, during, and after the games, thousands of officers will be deployed throughout the city and Olympic venues.
Christopher Wray, the FBI director, stated that Russia is using AI to assist them in spreading disinformation that shows Russia in a favorable light.
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