Russian Disinformation Network Spreads Fake CIA Video Warning of Paris Olympics Metro Attack

Russia has intensified its disinformation operations targeting the upcoming Paris Olympics. This time, a fabricated video has emerged, making it appear as if the CIA is cautioning Americans about traveling in the city's metro.

The video, containing a fake warning about a "high risk" of an attack, was found to have originated in Russian channels before circulating on various platforms, including X and Facebook, garnering at least 100,000 views.

"The video is a fabrication, has no connection to CIA, and does not represent CIA's view," clarified a CIA spokesperson in a statement to CBS News.

U.S. officials have not issued any warnings regarding travel on the metro during the games, which are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11. Emphasizing the importance of security, the Paris Olympics organizing committee stated that "security is the highest priority of Paris 2024."

Link to Russian Disinformation Network

The fabricated video is linked to the same Russian disinformation network that was uncovered by Microsoft in early June. This network had previously utilized AI to produce a fabricated feature-length film involving Tom Cruise for Netflix.

"Russian-affiliated actors are aiming to spread disinformation and create a perception of potential violence during the Games," stated Clint Watts, general manager of Microsoft's Threat Analysis Center.

Connection to Russian Athletes' Ban

Russian athletes have been prohibited from participating in the games under their own flag due to the country's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Watts suggested that the ban may serve as motivation behind these disinformation operations, highlighting the Russian government's historical involvement in Olympic-related operations.

Spread of Fabricated Video

Investigation by CBS News revealed that an early version of the false CIA video was initially found on Telegram, a popular messaging app, where it was posted by a prominent Russian military blogger with 200,000 followers. The video then appeared on sham news websites operated by a separate Russian disinformation network before spreading to various social media platforms, including X, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Response from European Union and Social Media Platforms

European Union officials are probing Meta and X for potential law violations related to disinformation on both platforms before the elections in early June. Additionally, the EU is investigating Telegram to assess if the platform's size warrants stronger regulations in Europe, similar to those applicable to Meta and X.

Regarding the fabricated CIA video, a spokesperson from Meta confirmed its violation of policies and its removal from the platform. Similarly, a TikTok spokesperson stated that the video breached its Community Guidelines and was consequently removed.

Despite reaching out to Telegram for comment, CBS News received an automated response. While LinkedIn shared its false and misleading content policies, it did not specifically address the fabricated CIA video. X did not respond to a request for comment.

Anticipated Future Disinformation Tactics

Watts expressed expectations of heightened disinformation tactics by Russian networks as the Olympics draw nearer. These tactics may include leveraging trending news headlines to attract individuals to misleading posts and influence them to share false content.

Watts also noted that the videos generated by this particular disinformation network typically do not garner significant engagement beyond Russian channels, due in part to the efforts of researchers who monitor and report on such operations.