In the face of a pandemic, there is a flash of disinformation: it seeks to overthrow and belittle Lithuania

Mažvydas Kunevičius, a representative of the Lithuanian Armed Forces at the Emergency Operations Center of the Ministry of Health (SAM), monitoring the disinformation management problems, reviewed the information environment and the latest trends observed at a press conference on Tuesday.

According to him, since February 1, the Department of Strategic Communication of the Lithuanian Armed Forces has recorded 1,484 cases of misleading information about the coronavirus.

These false messages were intended to discredit and complicate the decisions made in Lithuania in the fight against COVID-19.

“In terms of frequency, the most misleading information was disseminated in Russian, Lithuanian and English,” said Kunevičius.

In terms of frequency, the most misleading information was disseminated in Russian, Lithuanian, and English.

Decreased flows

As Lithuania continues to ease quarantine conditions, eventually reversing it and dealing with the first wave of coronavirus, since June the stream of disinformation on the subject of COVID-19 has been noted in our country’s information space as well it is decreasing.

“In the last month, that is, since June 1, twice as much misleading information was recorded as in March or April. Comparing March and April with 2018 and 2019, as well as March-April, the flow of disinformation or misleading information It has quadrupled. And, of course, precisely in the months when the situation in Europe and Lithuania was the most difficult, “emphasized M. Kunevičius.

Comparing March and April with 2018 and 2019, as well as March-April, the flow of misinformation or misleading information has quadrupled.

According to the Lithuanian Armed Forces lieutenant, the largest flows of misleading information and conspiracy theories still remain in those countries of the world where the situation due to the coronavirus is difficult to manage.

That disinformation also reaches our information space.

However, due to the stabilized situation in us, the return to the normal rhythm of life, this knowledge does not reach large audiences, it is transmitted on unreliable websites, groups or blogs.

“In the Lithuanian space and information society, the topic of coronavirus is gradually being replaced by other topics important to people and interest in upcoming events of national importance. Like the Seimas elections, the economic situation in Lithuania, social and social problems, various international movements and the situation in other countries, ”explained M. Kunevičius.

The coronavirus issue is gradually being replaced by other issues important to people and interest in upcoming events of national importance.

Social networks stand out

According to M. Kunevičius, the goals and objectives of disinformation remain unchanged.

It is a desire to overthrow society, create the impression of Lithuania as a backward and slow state, undermine the country’s potential and achievements, discredit statehood, government and the decisions made by it.

Also – membership in NATO, the European Union, our allies.

“If we talk about trends in the use of the media, it can be seen that the qualitative indicators do not change in terms of content and information channels. Social networks continue to be the main source of misinformation or misleading information. Especially Facebook and YouTube. Of course, they are dominated by conspiracy theories, which are known and widespread in countries around the world and are used in almost every country, ”said M. Kunevičius.

Social media remains the main source of misinformation or misleading information.

During the quarantine period, now and probably in the future, social media is at particular risk due to misinformation that creates noise in the information, which is generally spread by people themselves without even knowing it.

Although the topic of misleading information about the coronavirus is on the decline, according to M. Kunevičius, the channels that spread disinformation, social media accounts, or individual pages are adapting very quickly to new trends and issues prevailing in society. .

The representative of the Lithuanian Armed Forces said that looking ahead, misleading information flows and information noise on various relevant issues are likely to increase only.

“So once again we remember and encourage: carefully select your news channels, check the news on at least some official websites or news portals. And of course, don’t choose social media, or just social media, as the main source of information. And, of course, don’t give in to the provocations, “emphasized M. Kunevičius.

Carefully select your news channels, search for news on at least some official websites or news portals.