Rumunian and Lithuanian efforts combat disinformation campaigns on platforms like TikTok, highlighting hybrid threats.
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A disinformation campaign targeting the European Union, featuring pro-Russian and anti-EU content, was recently observed on TikTok, according to the Lithuanian news portal HotNews. The campaign included fabricated messages appearing as if Putin were speaking directly to Lithuanian residents, mentioning future wars between Russia and the EU. In response, Lithuania’s National Audiovisual Council began investigating and taking action to remove this pro-Russian content, deeming it illegal disinformation. Previously, a pro-Russian, far-right candidate’s disinformation campaign gained traction on TikTok during the Lithuanian presidential elections, with TikTok reporting the removal of thousands of accounts associated with the effort. Lithuania draws lessons from the experiences of the Baltic states regarding disinformation. The National Crisis Management Center (NKVC) states that Lithuania is a world leader in combating disinformation and hostile foreign influence. The NKVC coordinates disinformation efforts, with the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ Strategic Communications Department having this function for over a decade, employing a comprehensive defense involving the state sector, NGOs, media, and citizens. Social media is identified as a major challenge, with 63% of respondents naming it a source of disinformation, leading to proposed legislative changes to better protect the information space. The NKVC also notes that Lithuania is on the front lines of disinformation attacks, citing cyberattacks and malicious content. Furthermore, the NKVC points out that platforms like TikTok and X do not comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act, and raises concerns about TikTok’s opaque algorithms, national security risks, and the transfer of user data to Chinese servers.
