US: Russian Intelligence Operatives Running English Website Spreading COVID-19 Misinformation

Russian Intelligence Agency Operates Website for Purposes Including Public Opinion Manipulation

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] It has been claimed that Russian intelligence agencies are operating English-language websites to spread false information related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This is an attempt to use COVID-19 and related issues in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

According to The Guardian on the 28th (local time), a U.S. government official stated that two senior officers belonging to Russia's military intelligence agency, the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU), have been making efforts to disseminate false information about COVID-19 to the Western world. The websites include Inforos.ru, Infobrics.org, and OneWorld.press.

The officials confirmed that certain websites are linked to Russian intelligence authorities. According to them, between May and June, several websites published articles defending Russia's response to COVID-19 and criticizing the United States. The reports included claims that Russia supported the U.S. regarding COVID-19 to ease tensions and that China views COVID-19 as a biological weapon.

The disclosure by the U.S. government official about these websites aims to prevent Russian intelligence agencies from interfering in the U.S. presidential election this November by using false information and other tactics.

In particular, since the U.S. society is already facing crises not only due to COVID-19 but also racial conflicts, it is in a vulnerable position where intelligence agencies such as Russia's can deliberately manipulate information to distort public opinion.

U.S. government officials introduced that Russia is continuously leaking false information to promote misinformation and confusion.

In this regard, they are cautious about the distribution of information originating from organizations related to Russia. Additionally, they have also posted content disparaging Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.