VIDEO | Russian propaganda moves its offensive to social networks. Mihai Isac: "The most important weapon used by Russia against the Republic of Moldova"

Fake accounts that are increasingly difficult to identify, artificial intelligence, and messages designed to provoke negative emotions and divide society are among the tools used by Russian propaganda to influence public opinion in the Republic of Moldova, IPN reports. Expert Mihai Isac warns that one of the main targets of these campaigns is citizens' trust in European integration, including by presenting the financial support offered by the EU as a form of "colonization." According to him, the phenomenon intensifies during election periods, and propaganda has become one of the main weapons used by Russia against the Republic of Moldova.

The opinion was expressed during the public debate "Fake accounts, bots and other vectors of transmitting false information and manipulation", organized by the IPN Press Agency.

"The main goal is to undermine citizens' trust in the European integration process, subordinating the Republic of Moldova to Russia and its interests. Any decision taken to improve the lives of citizens of the Republic of Moldova, using European funds, is presented as a form of European colonization. Social networks are used to try to dynamite social peace from within", said Mihai Isac.

The expert emphasized that strategies of division through disinformation are difficult to combat, and the effects of Russian propaganda are felt not only in the Republic of Moldova, but also in other states.

"We see the effects of this campaign not only in the Republic of Moldova, but also in Romania and other EU states, the USA and the UK. No one is safe when it comes to propaganda. Medium and short-term objectives may change depending on the electoral periods, but, in general, propaganda is today the most important weapon used by Russia against the Republic of Moldova", explained Mihai Isac.

According to him, identifying fake accounts has become increasingly difficult with the use of artificial intelligence and the application of increasingly sophisticated manipulation methods.

"Using artificial intelligence today, it is quite difficult to identify a fake account. There is a systematic use of various methods designed to deceive the public. In Romania and the Republic of Moldova, around the presidential elections, accounts that used artificial intelligence were transformed into real mouthpieces of Russian propaganda. The comments, in general, are intended to arouse negative emotions. Now, if we do not use programs that identify fake accounts, it is quite difficult to identify a fake account.", said Mihai Isac.