A new security plan issued by the Kremlin on Tuesday describes the threat of foreign powers using “information-psychological” methods to undermine the country, reports the New York Times:
Russia, the document says, is at risk of attacks on systems of “information support for democratic institutions” and the spread of harmful, false information.
It notes the “increasing scale of certain countries and organizations using information technologies for military and political goals.”
The spread of harmful, false information does sound like a problem. Perhaps Russia could consult with some other countries that have dealt with this problem—maybe places like Ukraine, or Montenegro, or Italy, or the United States. These countries might have some lessons to offer.
The Obama administration suggested in October that it was considering covert cyberoperations as retaliation for alleged Russian interference in the U.S. election. That may not be as much of a priority under the more Russia-friendly Trump administration, but some caution on Putin’s part still can’t hurt.
