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German Voters Fear Foreign Interference in Upcoming Elections
A new poll reveals that an overwhelming 88% of German voters are concerned about foreign election interference, with Russia, the United States, and China identified as the top suspected sources of potential meddling. The survey, published by Brussels-based digital industry association Bitkom, polled more than 1,000 eligible German voters about their concerns regarding election security.
Russia topped the list of countries Germans suspect of election interference at 45%, closely followed by the United States at 42%, and China at 26%. Some respondents also expressed concerns about actors from Eastern European countries (8%).
The poll comes as Germany prepares for federal elections amid growing global concerns about disinformation campaigns and foreign influence operations. One-third of internet users surveyed reported they had already encountered election-related misinformation online, with 30% stating they had seen false information specifically about the upcoming election.
“Voter awareness for disinformation is increasing,” said Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst. “That is an important first step against fake news. Disinformation can dramatically influence Germany’s federal elections by generally skewing public opinion and defaming candidates or parties.”
Deepfake technology emerged as a particular concern, with voters worried about the potential impact of artificially generated videos, images, and audio. More than half (56%) of respondents believe German democracy is ill-prepared to counter such sophisticated technological threats.
The poll also provided insights into how German voters form their political opinions. Personal conversations with friends and family remain the most influential source (82%), followed by television (76%) and the internet (69%). This mixture of information sources highlights the complex media landscape voters navigate.
Respondents expressed strong support for government action, with 80% feeling the next administration should prioritize digital policy to address online misinformation. Nearly three-quarters (71%) advocated for creating an independent ministry dedicated to tackling digital challenges.
“The new digital ministry must be equipped with all the necessary rights and resources, needs its own budget and a digital proviso for new laws and projects,” Wintergerst said.
Regarding specific sources of foreign interference, Russia’s reputation stems from well-documented troll farms, bot networks, and previous meddling in US and European elections. The country’s antagonistic relationship with most European nations and interest in fostering EU disunity makes it a persistent concern.
American influence represents another worry, with tech billionaire Elon Musk specifically mentioned. As owner of social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Musk has openly supported Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, calling it the country’s “only hope” and hosting AfD leader Alice Weidel for a live discussion on his platform. With 216 million followers, his endorsements carry significant weight.
The survey also highlighted concerns about US social media companies abdicating responsibility for controlling disinformation on their platforms. This raises questions about whether the European Union’s tougher standards, embodied in the Digital Services Act (DSA), can effectively hold these platforms accountable.
China ranked third among foreign interference concerns. Beyond cyber activities, there are worries about Chinese infiltration of German political parties, particularly the far-right AfD. Former German intelligence chief Thomas Haldenwang described the contrast between Russian and Chinese influence aptly in 2022: “If Russian interference is like a storm hitting Germany, China’s is like global warming.”
Domestically, 66% of respondents worried about the AfD’s aggressive social media campaigns targeting young voters. A large majority (87%) believed society must do more to confront far-right voices online, while 78% said the same about far-left voices.
Perhaps most tellingly, 79% of those surveyed agreed on one point: populists are the biggest winners on social media, reflecting concerns that platforms may inherently amplify divisive political messaging over moderate voices.
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19 Comments
It’s concerning to see that so many voters are worried about foreign interference in the upcoming elections. Maintaining public trust in the democratic process should be a top priority for policymakers.
Absolutely, ensuring the security and fairness of elections is essential for the health of our democratic institutions.
This poll highlights the growing concerns around election security and foreign interference. It’s crucial that voters are aware of these threats and that robust safeguards are in place to protect the integrity of the democratic process.
The high level of voter anxiety about electoral manipulation is a clear sign that more needs to be done to secure our elections and build public confidence in the democratic process. Policymakers should take this issue seriously and implement effective safeguards.
The high level of voter concern about electoral manipulation is a wake-up call for policymakers. Addressing these issues should be a top priority to safeguard the foundations of our democracy.
This poll underscores the need for robust election security measures and increased public awareness of the threats to electoral integrity. Policymakers must take decisive action to protect the democratic process.
It’s worrying to see that such a large percentage of voters are concerned about foreign interference in the upcoming elections. Maintaining public trust in the electoral process is crucial for the health of our democracy.
This poll underscores the critical importance of election security and the need for policymakers to take decisive action to address the threat of foreign interference and disinformation. Maintaining the integrity of the democratic process should be a top concern for all citizens.
It’s concerning to see that such a large proportion of voters are worried about foreign interference in the upcoming elections. Maintaining the integrity of the electoral process should be a top priority for policymakers.
Absolutely, the health of our democracy depends on ensuring that elections are free, fair, and secure. Addressing these concerns must be a critical focus for elected officials.
This poll highlights the urgent need for robust election security measures and increased public education on the threats of disinformation and foreign interference. Maintaining the integrity of the democratic process should be a top priority for policymakers.
While it’s concerning to see such a high level of voter anxiety about election manipulation, it’s a positive sign that people are paying attention and want to ensure the fairness of the electoral system.
Absolutely, transparency and public trust in the electoral process are essential for a healthy democracy.
This poll underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures, election monitoring, and public education to combat the threat of electoral manipulation. Voters deserve to have confidence in the electoral process.
The high percentage of voters concerned about electoral manipulation is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing our democratic institutions. Policymakers must take decisive action to protect the sanctity of the electoral process and restore public confidence.
I agree, the integrity of our elections is fundamental to a healthy democracy. Ensuring secure and trustworthy elections should be a non-partisan priority for all elected officials.
The high percentage of voters concerned about foreign interference is worrying, but it’s good that they are informed and vigilant. Addressing these issues should be a top priority for policymakers.
I agree, maintaining the integrity of elections is crucial, and policymakers need to take strong steps to counter foreign influence and disinformation campaigns.
This poll highlights the importance of election security and the need for strong measures to protect the integrity of the democratic process. Voters should feel confident that their voices are being heard and their votes are being counted accurately.