Australian Intelligence Chief Warns of State-Backed Trolls Fueling Social Division

Australia’s spy chief has issued a stark warning that anti-immigration rallies across the country are becoming fertile ground for exploitation by neo-Nazi groups and Russian operatives seeking to deepen social divisions.

Mike Burgess, Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), said on Tuesday that Australia’s community cohesion is facing unprecedented attacks, reflecting a troubling pattern seen throughout Western democracies characterized by declining public trust and rising disinformation.

“What we’re seeing is a calculated effort to amplify existing tensions within Australian society,” Burgess stated during his security assessment. “These are not isolated incidents but part of a coordinated strategy to undermine social harmony.”

ASIO has launched investigations into pro-Russian social media influencers who are collaborating with offshore media organizations in a two-pronged approach: publicly condemning Australia’s support for Ukraine while simultaneously using social media platforms to spread what Burgess described as “vitriolic, polarizing commentary” on both anti-immigration protests and pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

The warning comes amid increasing global concern about foreign interference in domestic affairs through disinformation campaigns. Security experts note that Australia has become a particular target due to its strategic alliances and multicultural composition.

Australia has maintained firm support for Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion, contributing military equipment and humanitarian aid worth hundreds of millions of dollars. This stance has reportedly made Australia a target for Russian influence operations seeking to weaken public support for such international commitments.

Intelligence officials believe these influence operations deliberately target emotionally charged issues such as immigration and the Israel-Hamas conflict to maximize division within Australian society. By amplifying extreme viewpoints on both sides of contentious debates, foreign actors aim to erode trust in democratic institutions and processes.

The emergence of neo-Nazi groups piggybacking on legitimate public demonstrations presents a particularly concerning development, according to security analysts. These extremist elements often operate under the radar, using mainstream protests as cover for recruitment and radicalization efforts.

“What makes this threat particularly insidious is how it exploits legitimate democratic expression,” said Dr. Helen Ferguson, a political science professor at the University of Sydney not affiliated with ASIO. “People attending these rallies may have no idea they’re participating in events being manipulated by foreign actors or extremist groups.”

ASIO’s warning reflects broader trends observed across Western nations, where intelligence agencies have documented sophisticated influence operations targeting social fault lines. Similar concerns have been raised by security services in the United States, United Kingdom, and throughout Europe.

The Australian government has strengthened laws against foreign interference in recent years, but countering online disinformation presents unique challenges. Social media platforms operate across international boundaries, often beyond the reach of national regulations.

Burgess emphasized that ASIO distinguishes between legitimate political discourse and deliberate manipulation campaigns. “We defend Australians’ right to free speech and peaceful protest,” he said. “Our concern is with those who seek to weaponize these freedoms against our national interest.”

Political analysts note that Australia’s position as a diverse, multicultural society makes it both resilient against division but also potentially vulnerable to exploitation of identity-based tensions. Recent years have seen increasingly heated public discourse around immigration policies and international conflicts.

The ASIO chief’s comments serve as a reminder that national security threats extend beyond traditional concepts of military or terrorist activity. In the digital age, attempts to undermine social cohesion through manipulation of information represent a significant security challenge requiring vigilance from both government agencies and citizens alike.

Australian officials have called for increased media literacy and critical thinking skills among the public as essential defenses against manipulation. They emphasize that awareness of these tactics is the first step toward building resilience against them.