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Russia Escalates “Digital Gulag” Propaganda Campaign Against EU and UK Regulation
Moscow’s propaganda machine has intensified efforts to portray Europe as a “digital gulag” bent on suppressing free speech online, targeting regulatory actions by the UK and EU against X (formerly Twitter) – despite the platform being blocked within Russia itself.
Russian propagandists are capitalizing on criticism from X owner Elon Musk and the Trump administration, who have characterized European digital regulations as censorship. The campaign appears designed to appeal to conservative Western audiences while undermining European regulatory frameworks.
Experts who study disinformation dismiss these claims, noting that European regulatory efforts aim to create frameworks for addressing harmful content rather than stifle free expression.
“Russian propaganda portrays any effort to combat disinformation as a threat to freedom of speech,” explains Jakub Kalensky, a disinformation expert at the European Center of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats. He adds that European regulatory efforts cannot be “compared to the informational violence that the Kremlin commits daily against its own population and against the population in occupied Ukrainian territories.”
The campaign recently targeted the UK’s investigation into X over sexually explicit AI-generated images, including those of children, which may violate British legislation. Kirill Dmitriev, Moscow’s unofficial economic envoy to the US, accused UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer of attempting to block Musk’s platform, calling him a “censor.”
In reality, the UK regulator Ofcom launched a probe with potential consequences including fines for non-compliance. Only in extreme cases could regulators seek court orders to block the site. On January 14, Starmer announced that X had agreed to comply with British legislation.
According to LetsData, a data analytics company tracking online influence operations, “malign actors” on Russian-language Telegram channels and X have amplified Musk’s characterization of the UK as a “fascist” country and “prison land,” while accusing both the UK and EU of silencing pro-Russian voices.
Similar tactics have targeted the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). When the EU imposed a €120 million ($140 million) fine on X for transparency violations, including deceptive use of verification badges, Russian propaganda outlets joined Musk in condemning the action. RT described the EU as a “bureaucratic monster” attempting to “impose its will on social media companies.”
The Trump administration’s decision to sanction former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton as the “mastermind” of the DSA over alleged censorship has amplified the Russian narrative.
Kalensky calls this “quite possibly the most successful disinformation campaign of the past more than 10 years” for Russia, noting it has intimidated policymakers responsible for protecting against disinformation who fear being attacked over “free speech violations.”
Wolfgang Schulz, Director of the Leibniz Institute for Media Research, explains that portraying the DSA as a “censorship machine” represents either “a fundamental misunderstanding or deliberate propaganda.” He notes that the DSA doesn’t define illegal content itself but requires platforms to implement effective mechanisms for handling reports of unlawful content and ensuring transparency.
The irony of Russia’s positioning as a defender of free speech abroad while aggressively censoring at home is stark. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russian authorities have accelerated their crackdown on independent media, labeling outlets as “extremist” or “foreign agents.” Reporters Without Borders’ 2025 freedom of speech index ranks Russia 171st out of 180 assessed countries, dropping from 162nd the previous year.
Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have been blocked in Russia since 2022, with Meta designated an “extremist” organization. Russian users must rely on VPN services to access these platforms – including, paradoxically, Dmitriev himself, whose profile information suggests he posts using a French VPN.
Russian authorities continue to restrict digital platforms, throttling YouTube since 2024 and limiting calls via WhatsApp and Telegram. Instead, Moscow promotes state-controlled alternatives like VKontakte and Rutube.
“Russia cannot be seen as a ‘protector’ of free speech; therefore, any claims about freedom of speech from them should be viewed with skepticism,” says Roman Osadchuk, Director of Threat Intelligence at LetsData.
The propaganda campaign highlights Russia’s sophisticated strategy of exploiting Western free speech concerns while maintaining one of the world’s most restrictive information environments at home.
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14 Comments
This highlights the ongoing battle between authoritarian regimes and democratic societies over control of information. Russia seems intent on portraying any content moderation as censorship, even though their own domestic media environment is highly restrictive.
Absolutely. Russia’s propaganda efforts aim to sow division and undermine trust in democratic institutions. Vigilance is needed to see through these manipulative tactics.
This is a concerning development, as Russia seems determined to undermine democratic norms and institutions wherever it can. Transparency around European regulatory efforts would be helpful to counter the Kremlin’s disinformation claims.
Absolutely. Maintaining an open, secure information environment is crucial for democratic societies. Rigorous fact-checking and public education are key to combating the Kremlin’s manipulation.
Russia’s efforts to undermine European regulation of online platforms are deeply concerning. While the details are complex, it’s clear the Kremlin is exploiting divisions and sowing disinformation to weaken democratic institutions. Transparency and a principled defense of free speech are essential in responding to these threats.
Well said. Authoritarian regimes like Russia are increasingly adept at weaponizing information to serve their own interests. Democracies must remain vigilant and committed to the truth to counter these insidious tactics.
Russia’s disinformation campaign targeting European free speech regulation is a troubling escalation. While the details are complex, it’s clear the Kremlin is exploiting divisions to sow chaos and undermine democratic values. Vigilance and principled leadership are needed to counter these threats.
Well said. Disinformation is a weapon of authoritarians, and democracies must respond with clarity, unity, and a steadfast commitment to the truth.
Interesting to see Russia’s efforts to undermine European regulation of online platforms. While free speech is important, it’s concerning how disinformation can spread unchecked without some guardrails. I’m curious to learn more about the specific European frameworks being targeted.
You raise a good point. It’s a complex balance between free speech and content moderation. Effective regulation requires careful consideration of both principles.
It’s troubling to see Russia weaponizing disinformation to target free speech in Europe. While robust debate is essential, there have to be guardrails against malicious actors spreading harmful falsehoods. I’m curious to learn more about the specific European regulatory approaches.
Agreed. Finding the right balance between free expression and content moderation is an ongoing challenge, but it’s important that democracies don’t get steamrolled by authoritarian propaganda tactics.
This report highlights the sophistication and persistence of Russia’s propaganda machine. While the free exchange of ideas is essential, there have to be guardrails against malicious actors spreading falsehoods. I’m curious to learn more about the specific European frameworks being targeted.
Agreed. Navigating the balance between free speech and content moderation is an ongoing challenge, but one that democracies must address head-on to protect the integrity of the public discourse.