Czech Republic Grapples with Deluge of Disinformation from Pro-Russian Websites
Prague finds itself at the center of an information war, with a network of disinformation websites flooding the Czech media landscape with pro-Russian narratives. A recent investigation by Voxpot, in collaboration with the Druit IT collective, has revealed a disturbing trend: these websites publish an average of 120 articles per day, exceeding the output of the country’s leading mainstream media outlets. This relentless barrage of information, often directly translated or re-written from sanctioned Russian state-owned media, poses a significant threat to the integrity of the Czech information space, especially in the lead-up to the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The investigation, which analyzed 360,000 publications across 16 platforms over 25 years, unearthed a sophisticated operation aimed at disseminating Kremlin-aligned propaganda. Approximately 10% of the content on these websites was found to be directly lifted from or based on articles published by sanctioned Russian outlets such as Sputnik, RT, and RIA Novosti. This activity constitutes a clear violation of EU sanctions, which prohibit the distribution of materials from these sources. In the Czech Republic, penalties for such violations can include hefty fines of up to $2.38 million or prison sentences of up to eight years. Despite awareness of these systematic breaches, the Czech government, according to sources within the administration, has been hesitant to take decisive action.
The proliferation of disinformation has intensified as the October parliamentary elections draw closer. The investigated websites have dramatically increased their output, publishing up to 4,000 articles per month, with approximately 250 of those being direct translations of Russian propaganda. This alarming surge underscores the deliberate attempt to influence public opinion during this critical period. The tactics employed mirror similar disinformation campaigns observed in other countries, highlighting the transnational nature of this threat.
Several websites have been identified as key players in this disinformation ecosystem. Cz24news, the largest of these platforms, publishes a staggering 2,000 articles per month and attracts around 3 million visits. Other prominent actors include Zvědavec, Nová republika, Protiproud, and Ac24. Each of these outlets has its own distinct profile and connections, adding complexity to the network. Understanding the individual characteristics of these sites is crucial for developing effective countermeasures.
The investigation also sheds light on the individuals and political forces behind these disinformation platforms. Nová republika, for instance, was founded by a Member of the European Parliament from the right-wing populist party “Freedom and Direct Democracy” (SPD), a party known for its Eurosceptic and pro-Russian stance. Protiproud, another influential site, is run by Petr Hájek, a former adviser to ex-President Václav Klaus, whose own views align with the Kremlin’s narrative. These connections between disinformation outlets and political figures raise concerns about the potential for this orchestrated campaign to influence policy decisions and undermine democratic processes.
The scope of the disinformation network is substantial, with the combined traffic of these websites reaching an estimated 18 million visits per month. Twelve websites were identified as systematically engaged in disseminating pro-Russian propaganda. The individuals behind these sites range from little-known figures facing financial difficulties to those connected to obscure far-right political parties. This diversity suggests a complex web of motivations and funding sources, making it harder to disrupt the network’s operations. The investigation’s findings highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive response to this escalating threat. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-pronged approach involving law enforcement, media literacy initiatives, and increased scrutiny of online platforms. Failure to act decisively could have profound implications for Czech democracy and its susceptibility to foreign interference.
