We have evidence that Russia is trying to manipulate French influencers, said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. The politician appealed to users of online platforms to be careful.
The daily “Le Monde”, citing sources in French intelligence, reported that Russia contacted over 2,000 European influencers. AFP managed to confirm this information.
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According to the agency's source, in a French interview, 20 European influencers, including nine French, publishing content on various topics, agreed to the proposal made by the Russians. So far, it has not been possible to determine whether they were manipulated or whether they were aware of the project they were involved in.
Russia is trying to manipulate influencersShutterstock
Barrot: Russia is trying to manipulate influencers
– We have evidence that confirms that Russia is trying to manipulate influencers in European countries, including France – said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in a speech in the French Parliament.
He added that the services are conducting an investigation and appealed to influencers and users of online platforms to be careful.
The French foreign minister emphasized that the ways in which Russians operate “are different and constantly changing.” – Last elections in Moldova and Romania showed how influencers and social media can influence voting, he said.
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