The Russian disinformation network, known as Doppelgänger, is facing difficulties as it attempts to secure its operations in response to increased efforts to shut it down. According to a recent report by the Bavarian State Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BayLfV), the network has been scrambling to protect its systems and data after its activities were exposed.
Doppelgänger’s Activities and Challenges
Doppelgänger has been active in spreading false information across Europe since at least May 2022. The network has created numerous fake social media accounts, fraudulent websites posing as reputable news sources, and its own fake news platforms. These activities have primarily targeted Germany, France, the United States, Ukraine, and Israel, aiming to mislead the public and spread disinformation.
BayLfV’s report indicates that Doppelgänger’s operators were forced to take immediate action to back up their systems and secure their operations after it was revealed that European hosting companies were unknowingly providing services to the network. The German agency monitored the network closely and discovered details about the working patterns of those involved, noting that they operated during Russian office hours and took breaks on Russian holidays.
Connections to Russia
Further investigation by BayLfV uncovered clear links between Doppelgänger and Russia. The network used Russian IP addresses and the Cyrillic alphabet in its operations, reinforcing its connection to the Kremlin. The network's activities were timed with Moscow and St. Petersburg working hours, further suggesting coordination with Russian time zones.
This crackdown comes after a joint investigation by digital rights groups Qurium and EU DisinfoLab, which exposed Doppelgänger's infrastructure spread across at least ten European countries. Although German authorities were aware of the network’s activities, they had not taken proper action until recently.
Social Media Giant Meta's Response
Facebook’s parent company, Meta, has been actively working to combat Doppelgänger’s influence on its platforms. Meta reported that the network has been forced to change its tactics due to ongoing enforcement efforts. Since May, Meta has removed over 5,000 accounts and pages linked to Doppelgänger, disrupting its operations.
In an attempt to avoid detection, Doppelgänger has shifted its focus to spoofing websites of nonpolitical and entertainment news outlets, such as Cosmopolitan and The New Yorker. However, Meta noted that most of these efforts are being caught quickly, either before they go live or shortly afterward, indicating that the network is struggling to maintain its previous level of influence.
Impact on Doppelgänger’s Operations
The pressure from law enforcement and social media platforms is clearly affecting Doppelgänger’s ability to operate. Meta highlighted that the quality of the network’s disinformation campaigns has declined as it struggles to adapt to the persistent enforcement. The goal is to continue increasing the cost of these operations for Doppelgänger, making it more difficult for the network to continue spreading false information.
This ongoing crackdown on Doppelgänger demonstrates the challenges in combating disinformation and the importance of coordinated efforts to protect the integrity of information in today’s digital environment
