NEPLP has carried out an inspection of the “natoexercises.info” website, evaluating the audio, audiovisual and written content on it.
The Council has also received a letter from another competent state administrative institution that the content distributed on the specific website is part of Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting Western countries and their organizations, slandering and belittling Latvia, justifying Russia’s military aggression and its crimes in Ukraine. as well as positive highlighting of Russia and its allied countries.
Upon inspection of the mentioned website, it was found that it disseminates distorted and false information about events in the world, including the war in Ukraine, justifying Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the annexation of parts of Ukraine to Russia, a negative narrative against the West, especially against the USA and NATO, is expressed. at the same time, the activities of Russia and its allied countries – Belarus, China, North Korea - are positively highlighted, as well as the published information is directed against the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Latvia.
“Such information in the information space of Latvia can create a false impression of events in the world, negatively affect the coexistence of various groups in society and create a threat to the security of the Latvian state,” stated the NEPLP decision.
On the “natoexercises.info” website, among other things, the war in Ukraine is referred to as a special military operation. The site has sections “Military - Political News”, “Military Technology”, “Training” and “Analytics”. In the section “Military – political news” there is a separate subsection “Ukraine”. The information published on the website can be read in 15 different languages, including Latvian;
Among the information sources used by the site, several information resources involved in Russian disinformation and propaganda activities have been identified, such as ”sputnik.by”, “ria.ru”, “ukrinform.ru”, “tass.ru”, “eadaily.com”, ” topwar.ru”, “news-front.info”, “rusvesna.su”, “russian.rt.com”, “ritmeurasia.org” and “pravda.ru”, which NEPLP has previously denied access to in the territory of Latvia.
The Council believes that the dissemination of such information, deliberately deceiving the public about Russia’s true goals in Ukraine and turning the public against the Ukrainian state and people, negatively affects the peaceful coexistence of various groups in society, including in Latvia, and creates risks for various negative provocations, which pose a significant threat to Latvia’s for national security and public order and security.
In view of the above, NEPLP has decided to restrict access to the website “natoexercises.info” available in Latvia, by denying access to the domain name or Internet protocol address of this website, as well as to restrict access to duplicate mirror pages of the said website.
As reported, NEPLP has also taken similar decisions on restricting access to portals spreading Russian propaganda before.
Interview: Combatting Disinformation in the Digital Age
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Today, we have an insightful discussion ahead with Dr. Elena Vasiliev, a leading expert in media studies and disinformation campaigns. Dr. Vasiliev, we appreciate you joining us. Let’s dive right in. Recently, the NEPLP conducted an inspection on the website “natoexercises.info.” Their findings suggest that it is spreading Russian propaganda and disinformation. What are your initial thoughts on their assessment?
Dr. Elena Vasiliev: Thank you for having me. The NEPLP’s findings reinforce a growing concern about how disinformation is utilized as a tool for geopolitical manipulation. The content that discredits Western countries and justifies Russia’s aggressive actions points to a deliberate strategy aimed at shaping perceptions and undermining democratic states.
Interviewer: The report indicated that the website disseminates distorted narratives, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine, while showcasing a positive view of Russia and its allies. How does such information impact public perception, especially in a country like Latvia?
Dr. Vasiliev: It presents a multifaceted threat. For one, disinformation can create confusion and polarization within society. In Latvia, a nation with a complex historical context with Russia, these narratives can sow distrust among communities, leading to division. This is particularly dangerous in times of conflict, as it threatens national unity and can undermine the sovereignty of the state.
Interviewer: The NEPLP mentioned that the website has sections dedicated to “Military – Political News” and even a subsection on Ukraine. How do such areas of focus contribute to the site’s overall disinformation strategy?
Dr. Vasiliev: This specialization is strategic. By framing the war in Ukraine as a “special military operation” and creating various sections around military narratives, the site not only downplays the gravity of the conflict but also shapes the discourse. It creates an echo chamber that can attract like-minded users, thus amplifying harmful narratives. When information is framed through such lenses, it presents a skewed reality that can significantly influence public opinion.
Interviewer: What do you believe is the responsibility of regulatory bodies like the NEPLP in combating such disinformation?
Dr. Vasiliev: Regulatory bodies play a crucial role in monitoring and addressing disinformation. Their interventions can serve as a first line of defense against harmful narratives. However, it’s equally important for them to engage the public in media literacy initiatives, empowering citizens to recognize and question disinformation. Combating these campaigns requires a dual approach: regulation and education.
Interviewer: The NEPLP noted that this situation could create a “false impression of events” and pose a threat to Latvia’s security. In your view, how can nations better protect themselves against such threats?
Dr. Vasiliev: Nations need to invest in comprehensive strategies that encompass technology, regulation, and education. This includes strengthening cybersecurity measures, fostering collaboration among nations to share intelligence on disinformation campaigns, and promoting digital literacy programs that equip citizens to critically evaluate information sources. Ultimately, resilience against disinformation lies not just in regulations, but in an informed public.
Interviewer: Lastly, as we look ahead, what role do you think international cooperation will play in tackling the issue of disinformation on such a global scale?
Dr. Vasiliev: International cooperation is vital. Disinformation knows no borders—it crosses them effortlessly. Collaborative approaches, where countries share insights and develop unified strategies, can counter the global reach of these disinformation campaigns. Additionally, fostering alliances among tech companies and media organizations can help establish standards for information integrity. In the age of digital communication, the fight against disinformation is equivalent to a shared defense strategy.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Vasiliev, for your insights and valuable perspectives on this pressing issue. It certainly highlights the complexity and urgency of addressing disinformation in our interconnected world.
Dr. Vasiliev: Thank you for having me. It’s important to continue these conversations as we learn and adapt to the evolving landscape of information warfare.