Paccording to the American side, the media associated with the authorities of these countries supported conspiracy theories about the coronavirus and vaccines against it. Russia has repeatedly denied such accusations
The media associated with the authorities of Russia, China and Iran spread misinformation about the coronavirus, in particular, they heated up conspiracy theories related to the pandemic. This is stated in the document of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), dedicated to the assessment of threats to the country in the terrorist sphere.
According to the ministry, the opponents of the United States have intensified attempts to “sow discord” in society. “For example, the Russian, Chinese and Iranian media associated with the government have repeatedly reinforced conspiracy theories about the origin of COVID-19 and the effectiveness of vaccines,” the report says.
In response to disinformation, the Ministry tries to provide authoritative sources of information and expose fakes.
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The Ministry of Internal Affairs indicated that until the end of the year, aggressive extremists who oppose the authorities and incite violence on various occasions will remain a priority national threat to the United States. As the agency explained, they can use the pandemic for their own purposes. For example, to provoke public discontent because of the restrictions imposed to combat infection. The stress factors associated with COVID-19, the statement says, generally contribute to increasing tension in society.
Earlier, the United States has already announced attempts by Russia and China to spread false information related to the coronavirus. Instagram Facebook, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, the Russian side is promoting conspiracy theories that the United States is behind the creation of the virus, according to the Guardian, citing American officials, in February 2020. In particular, that the virus is a biological weapon developed by the CIA. In July, the State Department also indicated that Russia and China are spreading misinformation about Western coronavirus vaccines through social networks.
The Kremlin has repeatedly denied accusations of politicization of the pandemic and disinformation on the part of Russia. “We have repeatedly said that we ourselves are categorically against the politicization of everything related to the vaccine. We strongly disagree with this wording. We believe that, on the contrary, the process of promoting our vaccines often faces a politicized approach, ” said Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian president.
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