The FBI and other intelligence and security agencies from Canada and the Netherlands have issued a warning about a covert tool used by Russian state-sponsored media to conduct disinformation campaigns. Affiliates of RT, a Russian media organization, used an artificial intelligence enhanced software tool called “Meliorator” to create authentic-seeming fictitious personas on a social media platform. These fake profiles were managed using an administrator panel called “Brigadir” and disinformation was spread through a seeding tool called “Taras.” The advisory urges social media companies to use this information to help identify and limit the influence of fictitious personas created by Russian state-sponsored media.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russian state-sponsored disinformation tool | Increase in disinformation campaigns | Increased scrutiny and countermeasures against such tools | Manipulation of public opinion |
| Use of artificial intelligence (AI) | Enhancement of disinformation tools | More sophisticated and convincing fictitious personas | Advancements in AI technology |
| Collaboration between intelligence agencies | Cooperation against foreign influence | Strengthened efforts to combat disinformation campaigns | Protecting national security interests |
| Calls for social media companies to act | Increased responsibility of platforms | Improved identification and removal of fictitious personas | Public pressure and accountability for social media |