Australian Spy Chief Warns of State-Sanctioned Trolls Exploiting Social Discord
Pro-Russian influencers and neo-Nazi groups target social media to incite division, ASIO says.
Australia’s spy chief has raised the alarm about the exploitation of anti-immigration rallies by pro-Russian operatives and neo-Nazi groups aiming to sow discord within society.
This trend reflects a broader phenomenon across Western democracies where trust is declining and disinformation is proliferating.The director-general of security at the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO), Mike Burgess, addressed the Lowy Institute on Tuesday, emphasizing the unprecedented threat to community cohesion.
ASIO is investigating individuals who are part of pro-Russian social media campaigns targeting Australia’s stance on Kyiv.
These influencers operate with an offshore media organization and use their platforms to fan anti-immigration protests and pro-Palestinian marches.Burgess described these operatives as 'state-sanctioned trolls' whose ultimate goal is to transform disagreements into divisions that could escalate into violence.
Furthermore, a significant neo-Nazi group called the National Socialist Network has attempted to capitalize on recent public rallies concerning immigration and living costs in Australia.The spy chief also highlighted an incident where Iran directed anti-Semitic attacks through intermediaries after expelling the country’s ambassador in August.
He indicated this was part of a global strategy by Iran to stoke hatred towards the Jewish community worldwide.Burgess acknowledged that despite these efforts, they have achieved limited traction due to Australia’s robust social welfare system, compulsory voting, and economic growth.
However, he warned about the exacerbating effects of social media algorithms in promoting extremism and violence.ASIO assesses there is a 'realistic possibility' that foreign governments may attempt assassinations against perceived dissidents in Australia, with at least three countries being capable and willing to undertake such actions, though specific nations were not named.
This trend reflects a broader phenomenon across Western democracies where trust is declining and disinformation is proliferating.The director-general of security at the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO), Mike Burgess, addressed the Lowy Institute on Tuesday, emphasizing the unprecedented threat to community cohesion.
ASIO is investigating individuals who are part of pro-Russian social media campaigns targeting Australia’s stance on Kyiv.
These influencers operate with an offshore media organization and use their platforms to fan anti-immigration protests and pro-Palestinian marches.Burgess described these operatives as 'state-sanctioned trolls' whose ultimate goal is to transform disagreements into divisions that could escalate into violence.
Furthermore, a significant neo-Nazi group called the National Socialist Network has attempted to capitalize on recent public rallies concerning immigration and living costs in Australia.The spy chief also highlighted an incident where Iran directed anti-Semitic attacks through intermediaries after expelling the country’s ambassador in August.
He indicated this was part of a global strategy by Iran to stoke hatred towards the Jewish community worldwide.Burgess acknowledged that despite these efforts, they have achieved limited traction due to Australia’s robust social welfare system, compulsory voting, and economic growth.
However, he warned about the exacerbating effects of social media algorithms in promoting extremism and violence.ASIO assesses there is a 'realistic possibility' that foreign governments may attempt assassinations against perceived dissidents in Australia, with at least three countries being capable and willing to undertake such actions, though specific nations were not named.
