The alleged role of a Russian network in the distribution of photos of tags representing Stars of David in Paris has sparked strong indignation in France. The authorities strongly condemned this digital interference, emphasizing the opportunistic and irresponsible nature of this strategy aimed at sowing confusion and creating tensions.
Discovered on October 31, several dozen blue Stars of David were stenciled on the facades of buildings in Paris and the suburbs. If the investigation is still underway to establish the intentions of the authors of these tags, the possibility of an order coming from abroad is not excluded.
However, another dimension of this affair has been highlighted. Indeed, the Russian network RRN would have played a role in the artificial amplification of these images on social networks. According to investigations carried out by Viginum, around 1,095 bots were identified, publishing nearly 2,589 posts linked to these tags. Even more disturbing, these publications allegedly began almost 48 hours before the first authentic publication of the tag photos.
This observation raises questions about the real motivations behind this manipulation of information. With anti-Semitic acts on the rise in France since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, some see it as an attempt to fuel tensions and fuel anti-Semitism in the country.
It is important to emphasize that the responsibility of a foreign sponsor remains to be established as part of the ongoing legal investigation. However, this case highlights the challenges posed by misinformation and manipulation online. Social networks have become platforms conducive to the rapid and viral dissemination of content, which reinforces the vigilant role of authorities and monitoring organizations to counter this type of manipulation.
In conclusion, this Star of David tag affair in Paris reveals the complexity of the issues linked to disinformation and the manipulation of information online. It recalls the importance of vigilance and transparency to guarantee responsible use of social networks and prevent excesses and divisions within society.