Escalating risks. This past witnessed an unprecedented escalation in hybrid threats in Italy—marked by increased violence and visibility, said Vittorio Rizzi—Director General of the Department of Information for Security, the body coordinating Italy’s two intelligence agencies–presenting today the annual 2024 intelligence report.
- The report emphasises that in 2024, Russia and China were the primary actors behind these operations against Italy.
A look into their tactics. The report states that the Russian Federation exploited official media, social networks, and influencers to disseminate targeted messages, aligning with antagonistic and conspiratorial movements.
- Notably, none of the 37 reported incidents of sabotage and hybrid operations in Europe directly affected Italy.
- Russian disinformation has largely centred on the joint G7 declaration on Ukraine, painting it as “Russophobic” and depicting European G7 members as subservient to the United States.
- This narrative has been amplified by various anti-system, anti-government, and conspiracy-driven groups, including QAnon supporters.
- Concurrently, Italy has been targeted by a campaign pushing a narrative of distancing from the West in favour of closer ties with China and the BRICS.
Countermeasures and coordination. The Italian intelligence community has significantly intensified its monitoring and response efforts to counter these multifaceted threats.
- Collaboration has been strengthened with the EU, G7, and the United States.
- Measures include implementing the EU Digital Services Act and a bilateral memorandum with Washington for strategic coordination.
- National institutions have received support to enhance transparency and counter digital interference.
Balancing act. The report concludes with a stark warning: excessive online control measures to counter disinformation risk undermining freedom of expression and core European values.
- Arbitrary definitions of “disinformation” could fuel public discontent and push moderates towards extremist positions, inadvertently empowering the very hostile actors that such measures aim to neutralise.
