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Cyber based influence campaigns 08th - 14th June 2026 Report
- CRC
- Jun 18
- 21 min read
[Introduction]
Cyber-based hostile influence campaigns are aimed at influencing target audiences by promoting information and/or disinformation over the internet, sometimes combined with cyber-attacks which enhance their effect (hence force Cyfluence, as opposed to cyber-attacks that aim to steal information, extort money, etc.) Such hostile influence campaigns and operations can be considered an epistemological branch of Information Operations (IO) or Information Warfare (IW).
Typically, and as customary during the last decade, the information is spread throughout various internet platforms, which are the different elements of the hostile influence campaign, and as such, connectivity and repetitiveness of content between several elements are the main core characteristics of influence campaigns.
Hostile influence campaigns, much like Cyber-attacks, have also become a tool for rival nations and corporations to damage reputation or achieve various business, political or ideological goals. Much like in the cyber security arena, PR professionals and government agencies are responding to negative publicity and disinformation shared over the news and social media.
We use the term cyber based hostile influence campaigns, as we include in this definition also cyber-attacks aimed at influencing (such as hack and leak during election time), while we exclude of this term other types of more traditional kinds of influence such as diplomatic, economic, military etc.
During the 08th to the 14th of June 2026, we observed, collected and analyzed endpoints of information related to cyber based hostile influence campaigns (including Cyfluence attacks). The following report is a summary of what we regard as the main events. Some of the mentioned campaigns have to do with social media and news outlets solemnly, while others leverage cyber-attack capabilities.
[Contents]
[Social Media Platforms]
YouTube
[State Actors]
Russia
The War in Ukraine
China
Iran
[AI Related Articles]
[General Reports]
[Appendix - Frameworks to Counter Disinformation]
[ Report Highlights]
According to a report by The Jamestown Foundation, the possibility of a Russian attack on the Baltic states remains uncertain, but a growing Russian narrative that questions NATO’s willingness and ability to defend its members is perceived.
According to NewsGuard’s Reality Check, as the World Cup begins in North America, a widely shared online narrative falsely claimed that French football star Kylian Mbappé had accused French President Emmanuel Macron of years of sexual harassment.
According to an article by Stop Fake, during a meeting with international news agencies at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin made several misleading claims regarding the war in Ukraine, Russian military operations, European energy policy, and regional politics.
According to an article by Disinfo Watch, a recently declassified slide deck from the U.S. ODNI has drawn attention for reviving debate around long-standing claims about U.S.-supported laboratories in Ukraine.
OpenAI reported the disruption of two clusters of ChatGPT accounts that were allegedly used to support covert online influence activities linked to actors likely originating from China.
An essay published in The Journal of Autistic Culture argued that public understanding of autism in many Chinese communities is shaped by a combination of misconceptions and inaccurate information.
As stated in an article by CFR, Iran has developed a highly effective online communication strategy that relies on humor, memes, and AI-generated content rather than traditional propaganda.
As published by EEAS, a workshop held in Nairobi focused on strengthening Somalia’s ability to address hybrid threats, disinformation, and foreign interference.
[ Report Summary]
A report by the Tech Transparency Project found that YouTube hosted and displayed advertisements on dozens of channels connected to Iranian individuals, organizations, and government entities subject to U.S. sanctions.
According to a report by The Jamestown Foundation, the possibility of a Russian attack on the Baltic states remains uncertain, but a growing Russian narrative that questions NATO’s willingness and ability to defend its members is perceived.
According to an article by The Jamestown Foundation, Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party has expressed interest in restoring the suspended U.S.-Georgia strategic partnership while insisting that improved relations should not require changes to its domestic or foreign policies.
According to NewsGuard’s Reality Check, as the World Cup begins in North America, a widely shared online narrative falsely claimed that French football star Kylian Mbappé had accused French President Emmanuel Macron of years of sexual harassment.
According to an article by Stop Fake, during a meeting with international news agencies at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin made several misleading claims regarding the war in Ukraine, Russian military operations, European energy policy, and regional politics.
Research by the EEAS and CheckFirst found that Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections became a major target for foreign information manipulation campaigns, particularly from Kremlin-linked networks.
As published in a DisinfoWatch analysis, a statement by Russian state media outlet TASS criticized a new Canada–Ukraine drone production arrangement and framed it as evidence of Canada’s growing involvement in the war.
According to an article by Disinfo Watch, a recently declassified slide deck from the U.S. ODNI has drawn attention for reviving debate around long-standing claims about U.S.-supported laboratories in Ukraine.
A paper published in the International Journal of Social and Economic Development examined how the Russia–Ukraine war is represented in modern media.
OpenAI reported the disruption of two clusters of ChatGPT accounts that were allegedly used to support covert online influence activities linked to actors likely originating from China.
An essay published in The Journal of Autistic Culture argued that public understanding of autism in many Chinese communities is shaped by a combination of misconceptions and inaccurate information.
As stated in an article by CFR, Iran has developed a highly effective online communication strategy that relies on humor, memes, and AI-generated content rather than traditional propaganda.
A May 2026 audit by NewsGuard found that leading AI chatbots were more likely to repeat false claims related to the Iran war than misinformation on other news topics.
According to The Decoders’ publication, a German court ruled that Google can be held directly responsible for false statements generated by its AI search overviews, finding that these summaries are Google's own content rather than traditional search results.
As published in NewsGuard’s Reality Check, following California's June 2026 primary elections, several conservative figures, including President Donald Trump, claimed that the results were being manipulated to benefit Democratic candidates.
As published by Reuters, France’s digital interference watchdog Viginum reported that the Israeli-linked influence firm BlackCore is suspected of conducting digital interference operations in political campaigns in France, New York City, Scotland, Angola, and Togo.
As published by the Financial Times, NATO recently conducted a simulation in Poland to test how allied countries might respond to information campaigns during major crises.
According to a Politico article, Senate Democrats are preparing legal and communications strategies for a range of potential election-related disruptions ahead of the midterm elections.
As published by EEAS, a workshop held in Nairobi focused on strengthening Somalia’s ability to address hybrid threats, disinformation, and foreign interference.
[Social Media Platforms]
YouTube
YouTube Channels Linked to Sanctioned Iranian Entities
A report by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) found that YouTube hosted and displayed advertisements on dozens of channels connected to Iranian individuals, organizations, and government entities subject to U.S. sanctions. According to the investigation, 56 channels were associated with Treasury-designated sanctioned actors, while 28 others were linked to the Iranian government. YouTube may be providing services to sanctioned entities and potentially generating revenue from their content, although TTP could not determine whether the channels themselves received a share of advertising income. Following media inquiries, Google stated that it is committed to sanctions compliance and removed many of the identified channels. Among the channels identified were accounts linked to organizations and individuals connected to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), sanctioned businesses, banks, state media outlets, government ministries, and senior political figures.
The investigation also noted that some of the identified media outlets have previously been sanctioned by the United States for activities including propaganda, distorted reporting, or other actions cited by U.S. authorities. However, the central focus is not the content of the channels, but the broader question of whether YouTube's platform and advertising infrastructure are being used by entities that U.S. sanctions are intended to restrict. The findings raise questions about YouTube’s compliance with sanctions regulations and the effectiveness of safeguards designed to prevent sanctioned actors from using the platform.
Source: Tech Transparency Project. YouTube Profits Off U.S.-Sanctioned Iranians Amid Middle East Conflict. [online] Published 11 June 2026. Available at: https://www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/youtube-profits-off-u.s.-sanctioned-iranians-amid-middle-east-conflict (techtransparencyproject.org). (campaignforaccountability.org)
[State Actors]
Russia
Russian Narratives Target NATO Unity and Baltic Security
According to a report by The Jamestown Foundation, the possibility of a Russian attack on the Baltic states remains uncertain. Still, a growing Russian narrative that questions NATO’s willingness and ability to defend its members is perceived. Senior Russian officials have argued that if a conflict were to occur, the Baltic states would be responsible for provoking it and therefore could not rely on NATO’s collective defense commitments.
The article also described a broader pattern of Russian statements and media activity concerning the Baltic region. Remarks by Russian officials and claims circulated by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service alleged that Latvia is involved in preparations for attacks against Russia. Latvian experts quoted in the text argued that these claims are unsupported and are part of an effort to portray the Baltic states as participants in a conflict rather than potential targets of Russian pressure. Russian state and state-affiliated media outlets amplified these narratives, while channels targeting Baltic audiences further spread them.
Source: Jamestown Foundation. Moscow Tells Baltics NATO Will Not Come to Their Rescue. [online] Published 6 June 2026. Available at: https://jamestown.org/moscow-tells-baltics-nato-will-not-come-to-their-rescue/ (jamestown.org).
Georgia’s Balancing Act Between Western Partnerships and Non-Western Ties
According to an article by The Jamestown Foundation, Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party has expressed interest in restoring the suspended U.S.-Georgia strategic partnership while insisting that improved relations should not require changes to its domestic or foreign policies. At the same time, Tbilisi has expanded cooperation with the People’s Republic of China and maintained engagement with Iran and Russia, prompting increased scrutiny from Washington. Recent U.S. legislative initiatives and official statements have focused on concerns regarding foreign influence and Georgia’s broader political trajectory.
The debate has increasingly extended into the information sphere as U.S. officials and critics of the Georgian government have raised concerns that growing ties with China, Russia, and Iran could increase external influence in Georgia. Georgian Dream argued that such claims exaggerate the scale and significance of these relationships, and the government continues to present itself as a defender of national sovereignty against outside pressure, even as it seeks renewed engagement with Washington. At the same time, foreign actors, including Iranian representatives, have become more visible participants in Georgia’s public discourse, contributing to competing narratives about the country’s direction and international partnerships. As a result, Tbilisi faces the challenge of balancing its pursuit of diversified foreign relations with maintaining trust with its traditional Western partners.
Source: Jamestown Foundation. Georgian Dream Seeking U.S. Reset While Resisting Requisite Reforms. [online] Published 6 June 2026. Available at: https://jamestown.org/georgian-dream-seeking-u-s-reset-while-resisting-requisite-reforms/ (jamestown.org).
Misinformation Targeting Macron Ahead of World Cup
According to NewsGuard’s Reality Check, as the World Cup begins in North America, a widely shared online narrative falsely claimed that French football star Kylian Mbappé had accused French President Emmanuel Macron of years of sexual harassment. The story circulated through a video and article designed to resemble content from Eurosport and gained significant attention on social media, generating millions of views in multiple languages within days.
The content originated from a website impersonating Eurosport rather than the legitimate broadcaster. The purported article was falsely attributed to a Eurosport journalist, who publicly rejected the claim and confirmed that neither he nor Eurosport had any connection to the story. The accompanying audio, presented as Mbappé’s voice, showed signs of manipulation, including unnatural speech patterns and inaccuracies that cast doubt on its authenticity. No credible evidence was presented to support the allegations against Macron. Researchers cited in the article linked the campaign to a network previously associated with anti-Macron narratives, particularly in response to France’s support for Ukraine.
Source: NewsGuard Reality Check. Russia Plays Dirty at the World Cup. [online] Published 6 June 2026. Available at: https://www.newsguardrealitycheck.com/p/russia-plays-dirty-at-the-world-cup (newsguardrealitycheck.com).
Fact-Checking Claims Made by Putin at SPIEF
According to an article by Stop Fake, during a meeting with international news agencies at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Vladimir Putin made several claims regarding the war in Ukraine, Russian military operations, European energy policy, and regional politics. The article argues that a number of these statements were inaccurate or misleading when compared with publicly available data and official records.
The article challenged Putin’s claims about the extent of Russian territorial control in Ukraine, the scale of desertion in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and the condition of Ukraine’s air defense network. For example, while Ukraine faces shortages in air defense coverage and interceptor missiles, it continues to operate an integrated, multi-layered air defense system. The review also highlighted inconsistencies between Putin’s recent description of an Oreshnik missile strike near Bila Tserkva as a test against a non-military target and earlier Russian official statements that described the strike as a successful attack on military infrastructure. Additionally, Russia’s own actions contributed significantly to the decline in gas supplies, as opposed to Putin’s characterization of Europe’s reduction of Russian energy imports.
Source: StopFake. «Просто ударили туда, где было удобно посмотреть результаты». 7 фейков Путина на встрече с руководителями зарубежных информагентств. [online] Published 8 June 2026. Available at: https://www.stopfake.org/ru/prosto-udarili-tuda-gde-bylo-udobno-posmotret-rezultaty-7-fejkov-putina-na-vstreche-s-rukovoditelyami-zarubezhnyh-informagentstv/ (stopfake.org). (stopfake.org)
FIMI Operations Targeting Armenia’s 2026 Elections
Research by the European External Action Service (EEAS) and CheckFirst found that Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections became a major target for foreign information manipulation campaigns, particularly from Kremlin-linked networks. Following Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union and reduce dependence on Russia, coordinated influence operations portrayed him as an EU puppet, an ally of Azerbaijan, or a leader working against Armenia’s interests. These narratives were spread across social media, messaging apps, and networks linked to Russian influence operations such as Overload, Pravda, and Storm-1516.
The investigation documented a broad ecosystem of manipulated content, including AI-generated videos, fake news websites, impersonated media outlets, and coordinated social media activity. At least 72 websites connected to the Storm-1516 network were identified, many of which published false stories about Pashinyan and promoted pro-Russian narratives. French TikTok users searching for Pashinyan were exposed mainly to hostile content originating from Kremlin-linked actors, members of the Armenian diaspora, or Azerbaijani sources. Russian state-affiliated media and influence actors also amplified these narratives through French-language content and messaging platforms.
Findings showed Russia conducted a multi-layered effort to influence Armenian public opinion and undermine support for pro-Western political leaders. Evidence from leaked documents and domain registration patterns suggested coordination between influence networks operating in Armenia and similar campaigns previously observed in Europe, and Researchers noted that actors from the Armenian diaspora and Azerbaijan contributed to the online criticism of Pashinyan.
Source: CheckFirst. Noise Without Effect. [online PDF] Published June 2026. Available at: https://checkfirst.network/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NOISE_WITHOUT_EFFECT_11.pdf (checkfirst.network).
The War in Ukraine
Russian Distorted Messaging on Canada–Ukraine Partnership
As published in a DisinfoWatch analysis, a statement by Russian state media outlet TASS, quoting Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, criticized a new Canada–Ukraine drone production arrangement and framed it as evidence of Canada’s growing involvement in the war. Even though the statement was based on a real Canadian government announcement, the report argues that Russian officials used this announcement to advance broader narratives portraying Canada as a direct participant in the conflict, questioning the legitimacy of Ukraine’s government, and suggesting that support for Ukraine makes foreign partners responsible for the war.
The most notable element of the statement was a threat to publish the addresses of Canadian production facilities connected to the project. The analysis highlighted several recurring themes in Russian messaging, including describing Ukraine as the “Kiev regime”, portraying defensive military support as aggression, characterizing Ukrainian military activity as terrorism, and suggesting that Canada is profiting from the conflict. These claims are presented without evidence or omit key context about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and appear intended to discourage support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Canadian organizations involved in defence cooperation.
Source: DisinfoWatch. Russian Spokeswoman Threatens Canada Over Drone Manufacturing. [online] Published 9 June 2026. Available at: https://disinfowatch.org/disinfo/russian-spokeswoman-threatens-canada-over-drone-manufacuring/ (disinfowatch.org).
ODNI Release Revives Claims About Ukrainian Biolabs
According to an article by Disinfo Watch, a recently declassified slide deck from the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), released under Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, has drawn attention for reviving debate around long-standing claims about U.S.-supported laboratories in Ukraine. While the slides contain information about public health laboratories, biosafety programs, and international scientific cooperation, they present it in a way that could be interpreted as supporting allegations of biological weapons activity. The documents do not provide evidence of a biological weapons program but instead use language and framing that may encourage such conclusions.
Attention is given to references to pathogen storage, laboratory networks, and connections between Ukrainian institutions and U.S. organizations. However, dangerous pathogens are commonly stored and studied in public health and veterinary laboratories for disease surveillance and research, and the presence of such facilities does not indicate the development of biological weapons. Following the release, Russian state media outlets cited the documents as support for their long-standing narrative about Ukrainian “biolabs,” despite the absence of direct evidence in the slides themselves. The significance of the release lies less in the information it contains and more in how that information is framed. The report noted that international organizations and public-health experts have previously stated that there is no credible public evidence of a U.S.-backed biological weapons program in Ukraine.
Source: DisinfoWatch. Tulsi Gabbard Biolab Report Feeds Russian State Anti-Ukraine Media Narratives. [online] Published 16 June 2026. Available at: https://disinfowatch.org/disinfo/tulsi-gabbard-biolab-report-feeds-russian-state-anti-ukraine-media-narratives/ (disinfowatch.org).
The Russia–Ukraine Conflict in the Media Battlefield
A paper published in the International Journal of Social and Economic Development examined how the Russia–Ukraine war is represented in modern media. It argued that disinformation can play a role in warfare that is as significant as military force, as media narratives shape public understanding of the conflict and influence perceptions of reality. Drawing on the ideas of Carl von Clausewitz, we see how war becomes a media spectacle in which audiences form judgments based on information provided by the media. The research highlighted the risks associated with war reporting, particularly in an environment where audiences are vulnerable to misinformation. The political, technological, and psychological foundations of media coverage strongly affect the interpretation of war.
Source: Indonesian Journal of Sociology, Education and Development (IJSED). [Article Title]. [online] Published 30 June 2021. Available at: http://ijsedjournal.com/index.php/ijsed/article/view/68/56 (ijsedjournal.com).
China
AI-Generated Influence Campaigns Target U.S. Technology Debates
OpenAI reported the disruption of two clusters of ChatGPT accounts that were allegedly used to support covert online influence activities linked to actors likely originating from China. The accounts generated social media content designed to shape public discussions around U.S. technology and AI-related policies. The campaigns focused on existing public concerns, including the impact of AI data centers on electricity prices and debates surrounding U.S. trade and technology policies.
The first campaign, referred to as "Data Center Bandwagon", produced comments and images claiming that AI data center expansion was driving up energy costs for American households. The second campaign, "Tech and Tariffs", generated content criticizing U.S. tariffs and promoting narratives about technological competition. OpenAI also linked this activity to a network of likely inauthentic social media accounts that spread false claims alleging that ChatGPT user data had been compromised. The campaigns did not achieve significant public reach beyond their own activity. However, they illustrate how foreign actors may use AI tools to participate in and influence legitimate public debates while concealing their identity and objectives.
Source: OpenAI. PRC-linked Influence Operations Are Targeting AI Debates in the US. [online] Published 10 June 2026. Available at: https://openai.com/index/prc-linked-influence-operations-ai-debates/ (openai.com).
Autism Misunderstandings and Information Challenges in Chinese Communities
An essay published in The Journal of Autistic Culture argued that public understanding of autism in many Chinese communities is shaped by a combination of misconceptions, inaccurate information, and, in some cases, deliberately misleading claims. Cultural pressures related to competition and conformity can reinforce negative perceptions of autism. As a result, autism is frequently viewed through a deficit-based lens, and inaccurate narratives can become widely accepted and difficult to challenge. A major issue is the role of language, social media, and professional authority in shaping public perceptions. Chinese terms for autism are often interpreted literally, leading many people to associate autism with loneliness, emotional withdrawal, or temporary social difficulties rather than a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. Social media platforms further amplify misleading claims, including stories suggesting that autism can be "cured" through increased social interaction.
Furthermore, some medical and educational professionals continue to promote outdated classifications, unsupported theories, and commercialized treatments, including claims that autism can be cured through rehabilitation programs or traditional remedies. These misunderstandings have significant consequences, including discrimination, delayed diagnosis, and inadequate support for autistic individuals, particularly those with higher support needs. The author called for greater awareness of autism, as well as cultural stereotypes from outside Chinese communities.
Source: Timpe, K. What are Intended as Systems of Support become Systems of Struggle. Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture. [online] Vol. 3, Iss. 1, Article 8, 2021. Available at: https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/ought/vol3/iss1/8 (scholarworks.gvsu.edu).
Iran
Iran’s Evolving Information Strategy
As stated in an article by CFR, Iran has developed a highly effective online communication strategy that relies on humor, memes, and AI-generated content rather than traditional propaganda. Iranian officials and pro-Iranian content creators increasingly use internet culture, sarcastic social media exchanges, and AI-produced videos to respond to U.S. messaging and engage audiences. This content is designed to function as entertainment first and political messaging second, making it more difficult to counter through conventional responses.
This approach presents a challenge because existing tools were largely developed to address covert influence operations or deceptive AI content. Openly published satire and AI-generated memes do not fit neatly into those categories, and traditional fact-checking or content labeling is often ineffective when the message is primarily humorous. Iranian content has achieved significant engagement online, so much so that other countries may study and adopt similar techniques.
To respond, the author recommends improving threat monitoring, increasing transparency from AI companies, disrupting covert influence networks when they are identified, and strengthening the United States’ own public diplomacy and soft power. At the same time, the article argues that the United States should avoid conducting its own covert influence campaigns, as this could undermine public trust and ultimately damage democratic institutions.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Iran’s Trolling Caught the U.S. Off Guard. Here’s How to Push Back. [online] Published 10 June 2026. Available at: https://www.cfr.org/articles/irans-trolling-caught-the-u-s-off-guard-heres-how-to-push-back (cfr.org). (cfr.org)
AI Chatbots Show Greater Vulnerability to False Claims About the Iran War
A May 2026 audit by NewsGuard found that leading AI chatbots were more likely to repeat false claims related to the Iran war than misinformation on other news topics. Across all tested claims, chatbots provided false responses in about 15 percent of cases, but that rate increased to 25 percent for prompts related to the Iran conflict. This may be due to coordinated influence efforts that generate large volumes of content around specific narratives, increasing the likelihood that AI systems encounter and repeat those claims.
One of the most frequently repeated false stories claimed that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps destroyed an Israeli military satellite communications center. In reality, the strike targeted a civilian commercial facility and was attributed to Hezbollah, not the IRGC. Ten of the eleven chatbots repeated at least part of the false claim when presented with leading prompts. Several models cited Iranian state-linked or pro-Iranian media outlets, including Tasnim News, Mehr News, and the Tehran Times, when generating inaccurate responses.
The report also found that chatbots sometimes relied on state-controlled media from Iran, Russia, and China when answering news-related questions. Many AI systems still struggle to assess source credibility effectively, allowing false or misleading narratives to influence their outputs. While some models improved compared with previous audits, the findings highlight ongoing challenges in preventing AI tools from amplifying inaccurate information that originates from coordinated influence networks.
Source: NewsGuard. Quarterly AI False Claim Monitor — May 2026: Quarterly Audit of the 11 Leading Generative AI Tools and Their Propensity to Repeat False Claims on Controversial Topics in the News. [online] Published 8 June 2026. Available at: https://www.newsguardtech.com/ai-monitor/may-2026/ (newsguardtech.com). (newsguardtech.com)
[AI Related Articles]
German Court Holds Google Liable for False AI-Generated Search Overviews
According to The Decoders’ publication, a German court ruled that Google can be held directly responsible for false statements generated by its AI search overviews, finding that these summaries are Google's own content rather than traditional search results. The case involved AI-generated responses that incorrectly linked two publishing companies to scams, subscription traps, and other questionable business practices. According to the court, the AI combined information from unrelated sources, created connections that did not exist in the cited material, and presented them as factual claims. Because the AI generated new statements instead of simply displaying third-party content, the court concluded that Google bears responsibility for the accuracy of those claims.
The ruling rejected Google's argument that users can verify AI summaries by checking the linked sources themselves. The court noted that the overviews are presented as complete, standalone answers and may contain claims that do not appear in any source. It also found that existing legal protections for search engines do not apply because AI overviews actively interpret, summarize, and generate content. As a result, victims of false statements should be able to seek legal remedies directly from Google, rather than from the websites referenced by the AI.
Source: The Decoder. Landmark German Ruling Declares Google's AI Overviews Are Google's Own Words and Makes It Liable for False Answers. [online] Published 9 June 2026. Available at: https://the-decoder.com/landmark-german-ruling-declares-googles-ai-overviews-are-googles-own-words-and-makes-it-liable-for-false-answers/ (the-decoder.com). (the-decoder.com)
[General Reports]
False Claims About California's 2026 Primary Elections
As published in NewsGuard’s Reality Check, following California's June 2026 primary elections, several conservative figures, including President Donald Trump, claimed that the results were being manipulated to benefit Democratic candidates. These allegations focused on the slow pace of vote counting and the large number of mail-in ballots, with critics arguing that late-counted votes unfairly changed the standings of Republican candidates in the gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral races.
However, election officials and voting experts noted that California's counting process routinely extends beyond Election Day because state laws allow mail-in ballots to arrive after Election Day if postmarked on time. Mail-in ballots also tend to be counted later and have historically favored Democratic candidates, a pattern observed in previous elections. As a result, shifts in vote totals after Election Day are not, by themselves, evidence of fraud. The controversy reflects the continued spread of election-related misinformation and unsubstantiated fraud claims that have persisted since the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Source: NewsGuard Reality Check. Election Denial, California Edition. [online] Published 12 June 2026. Available at: https://www.newsguardrealitycheck.com/p/election-denial-california-edition (newsguardrealitycheck.com).
BlackCore Linked to Digital Interference Campaigns Across Multiple Countries
As published by Reuters, France’s digital interference watchdog, Viginum, reported that the Israeli-linked influence firm BlackCore is suspected of conducting digital interference operations not only in France’s 2025 municipal elections, but also in political campaigns in New York City, Scotland, Angola, and Togo. According to Viginum, the company allegedly used networks of fake or coordinated online accounts to target political figures and influence public debate, although investigators have not identified who may have commissioned these activities.
French authorities said technical analysis connected BlackCore to an online smear campaign against candidates from the French left-wing party La France Insoumise. Similar tactics were reportedly observed in Scotland, where accounts linked to the operation targeted John Swinney and the Scottish National Party during election campaigns. The report highlighted growing concerns about the commercial market for influence operations, where private firms allegedly offer services designed to shape narratives and manipulate online discussions. While France has asked Israel for assistance in identifying those behind the campaigns, investigators say the sponsors remain unknown. BlackCore, which previously described itself as a company specializing in influence, cyber, and information warfare services, has not responded to requests for comment.
Source: Reuters. Israeli Firm BlackCore Also Suspected of Meddling in NYC, Scotland Votes, French Official Says. [online] Published 11 June 2026. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/israeli-firm-blackcore-also-suspected-meddling-nyc-scotland-votes-french-2026-06-11/ (reuters.com).
[Appendix - Frameworks to Counter Disinformation]
NATO Exercise Examines Responses to Information Campaigns During Crises
As published by the Financial Times, NATO recently conducted a simulation in Poland to test how allied countries might respond to information campaigns during major crises. Using a fictional scenario in which an authoritarian neighboring state launched a cyberattack on an energy grid, participants faced coordinated online messaging designed to exploit public fear, undermine trust in authorities, and create social divisions. Additional scenarios included a major flood and a cyberattack on the banking system. Ukrainian officials played the role of the hostile actor, using AI-generated content and social media campaigns to spread narratives blaming government incompetence and corruption while presenting the fictional adversary as a source of assistance.
The exercise highlighted how coordinated messaging can be used during emergencies to influence public perceptions, complicate crisis response efforts, and challenge official communications. Participants countered these efforts with messages promoting public trust, social stability, and national unity. The idea drew heavily on Ukraine’s experience since Russia’s full-scale invasion and reflected broader efforts within NATO to improve resilience against hostile information activities. Participants noted that while simulations help strengthen coordination and preparedness, they cannot fully replicate the pace and complexity of real-world wartime environments, and Ukrainian officials emphasized that adversaries often adapt their narratives rapidly.
Source: Financial Times. Nato narrowly beats Russia-style NATO rece enemy in cyber attack simulation. [online]. Available at: https://www.ft.com/content/cda17cca-a651-41c5-9ac7-75dcde998c66?syn-25a6b1a6=1 (ft.com).
Democratic Preparations for Election Interference and Information Threats
According to a Politico article, Senate Democrats are preparing legal and communications strategies for a range of potential election-related disruptions ahead of the midterm elections. In a recent tabletop exercise led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, lawmakers and election experts discussed responses to scenarios such as ballot seizures, federal agents at polling places, and foreign influence operations. A key focus was coordinating messaging to counter misinformation that could undermine public confidence in election results. One scenario examined the impact of a foreign influence campaign using AI-generated deepfakes alongside efforts to suppress reporting on false narratives. Another explored how unsubstantiated claims of widespread election fraud could encourage armed citizens to monitor polling sites and potentially justify increased federal involvement at voting locations.
The exercises reflect concerns among Democratic officials about election integrity and public confidence. Participants emphasized the need for rapid legal action and collaboration with state and local authorities to address misleading information and ensure that voters remain confident that elections will be conducted fairly and that legitimate votes will be counted.
Source: Politico. How Senate Democrats Are Planning to Push Back on Potential Election Interference. [online] Published 11 June 2026. Available at: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/11/how-senate-democrats-are-planning-to-push-back-on-potential-election-interference-00957663 (politico.com). (美轮美换 The American Roulette).
Workshop on Hybrid Threats, Disinformation, and Cyber Influence in Somalia
As published by EEAS, a workshop held in Nairobi by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, the European Union Delegation to Somalia, and partner organizations focused on strengthening Somalia’s ability to address hybrid threats, disinformation, and foreign interference. The initiative introduced participants to key principles of cyber diplomacy and cybersecurity, while building expertise in cyber resilience, critical information infrastructure protection, and the detection of influence operations in the digital space. The training also guided the EU’s legal and policy framework for cybersecurity, helping Somali institutions improve national strategies, legislation, governance, and coordination mechanisms.
Source: European External Action Service (EEAS). Somalia Advances Cybersecurity and Cyber Diplomacy Through EU-Supported Training on Hybrid Threats. [online] Published 5 June 2026. Available at: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eucap-som/somalia-advances-cybersecurity-and-cyber-diplomacy-through-eu-supported-training-hybrid-threats_en (eeas.europa.eu).
[CRC Glossary]
The nature and sophistication of the modern Information Environment is projected to continue to escalate in complexity. However, across academic publications, legal frameworks, policy debates, and public communications, the same concepts are often described in different ways, making collaboration, cooperation, and effective action more difficult.
To ensure clarity and establish a consistent frame of reference, the CRC is maintaining a standard glossary to reduce ambiguity and promote terminological interoperability. Its scope encompasses foundational concepts, as well as emerging terms relating to Hostile Influence and Cyfluence.
As a collaborative project maintained with input from the community of experts, the CRC Glossary is intended to reflect professional consensus. We encourage you to engage with this initiative and welcome contributions via the CRC website.
