tr.euronews.com
False Claims of DGSI Head's Resignation Fuel French Disinformation Campaign
A disinformation campaign falsely claimed that Celine Berthon, the first woman to head France's DGSI internal intelligence agency, resigned, spreading via manipulated Le Monde screenshots and connecting it to alleged illicit cryptocurrency operations and upcoming protests.
- How did the disinformation campaign spread, and what actors are involved?
- The campaign initially used manipulated screenshots of a fake Le Monde article, later shifting focus to Berthon's alleged resignation. Pro-Russian actors, including websites like the French Pravda network and a blog by Cyrille de Lattre (a commentator on Russian state television), actively spread the false claims.
- What are the broader implications of this disinformation campaign, and what lessons can be learned?
- This campaign demonstrates the vulnerability of even high-ranking officials to targeted disinformation, highlighting the need for improved media literacy and stronger counter-disinformation strategies. The connection to pro-Russian actors suggests a potential pattern of foreign interference in French affairs.
- What is the core claim of the disinformation campaign targeting Celine Berthon, and what is its potential impact?
- The disinformation campaign falsely claimed that DGSI head Celine Berthon resigned due to her alleged failure to stop illicit cryptocurrency flows, implying these funds might be used to suppress protests. This undermines public trust in the DGSI and potentially fuels social unrest.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the disinformation campaign against Celine Berthon as a serious attempt to undermine the French intelligence agency and potentially destabilize the government. The headlines used in the fabricated Le Monde screenshots ('Kontrolden çıktı: İstihbarat başkanı çevrimiçi gelirlerin artışı sonrası istifa etti, euronun çökmesine yol açmakla tehdit ediyor' and the description implying involvement in illegal crypto activities) are designed to evoke strong emotional responses and distrust in Berthon and the DGSI. The emphasis on the supposed link between Berthon's resignation (which didn't happen) and potential state-sponsored suppression of protests further amplifies the narrative of a looming crisis. This framing could significantly impact public opinion and trust in the French government.
Language Bias
The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'dezenformasyon kampanyası' (disinformation campaign), 'tehdit ediyor' (threatening), 'yasa dışı' (illegal), and 'gizlemekle suçladı' (accused of concealing). These terms lack neutrality and could influence reader perception by portraying the situation as more serious and suspicious than it might be. More neutral alternatives could include 'false information campaign,' 'allegedly threatening,' 'unlawful/allegedly unlawful,' and 'accused.' The repetition of claims about a cover-up and 'temizlik operasyonu' (cleanup operation) further amplifies the sense of conspiracy.
Bias by Omission
While the article details the disinformation campaign and its origins, it omits potential counter-narratives or official responses from the French government or DGSI regarding the accusations. Also, the article does not delve into the specifics of how the disinformation campaign was spread and the extent of its impact on public opinion. The lack of such information could leave readers with an incomplete picture and make them more susceptible to biased interpretations.
False Dichotomy
The narrative presents a false dichotomy by portraying a conflict between the truth (Berthon is still in office) and a fabricated conspiracy theory. The article implicitly suggests a simple choice: either believe the official account, or believe the disinformation campaign. It does not adequately explore the complexities of disinformation campaigns, including the difficulty in countering them effectively or the various ways in which people may interpret the information.
Gender Bias
While the article highlights Berthon's position as the first woman to head the DGSI, it doesn't focus on gender-specific biases in the disinformation campaign itself. There is no evidence suggesting the campaign targeted Berthon because she is a woman. Therefore, the gender bias score is low.
Sustainable Development Goals
The spread of disinformation aimed at discrediting a high-ranking French intelligence official undermines public trust in institutions and fuels social unrest. The involvement of pro-Russian actors points to a deliberate attempt to destabilize France. The false narrative about the resignation and alleged illicit activities creates division and distrust, hindering the effective functioning of government and security services.