Disinformation

Disinformation can come from various actors - including state actors, state-sponsored actors, and non-state actors - each with different motives. Politically motivated actors, for example, often use disinformation as a propaganda tool.

The goals are typically to influence public opinion, distract from or conceal certain activities, and to provoke emotional, polarizing debates. This can increase social tensions and undermine trust in public institutions and government actions – making it easier to advance one’s own agenda or interests.

When disinformation is part of a coordinated effort by foreign state or non-state actors – combining various tools and tactics to pursue strategic goals – it is considered a hybrid threat.