In a pandemic COVID-19 there was a significant increase in the dissemination of false or misleading or confusion deliberately or accidentally information – says a recent study by Dr Kacper Gradoń from the Center for Forensic Science at the University of Warsaw (UW).   

-We are dealing with a situation in which we can observe a constant increase in the range and importance of electronic media, and we experience an unprecedented global epidemiological threat with all its social, economic and political consequences – says Dr Gradoń and notes that this becomes an ideal breeding ground for various conspiracy theories, increases the propaganda activity of a wide range of extremist movements, and provides excellent opportunities for organized state – campaigns in the field of information warfare, in which the Russian Federation and China specialize.

According to the researcher from the University of Warsaw, disinformation campaigns carried out by states may serve the implementation of their strategic, geopolitical goals. In the case of Russia, it is primarily a practical implementation of a hybrid war, the so-called Gerasimov’s doctrine, and the destabilization of Western societies. In the case of China, the motivation is to become a key world political and economic superpower.