The Sweden Democrats’ ecosystem that aims to influence people’s opinions is reminiscent of Russian troll factories and propaganda channels that have been banned in Europe. This is confirmed by Ola Svenonius at the Total Defense Research Institute after looking at Kalla fakta’s review.
– What we have seen is reminiscent of a well-known modus operandi, he says.
Ola Svenonius points out that the method of anonymous accounts is about manipulating people’s opinions.
– You don’t know who is behind the accounts. And it happens in an organized way. It’s a problem from a democratic point of view because it creates false images of how the debate goes, he says.
Russian methods
That the YouTube channel Riks plays a central role in the ecosystem is reminiscent of the system that was built around the Russian troll factory “Internet research agency” in St. Petersburg.
– Their role seems to be, among other things, getting party-loyal information out that is suitable for spreading further. It’s the same way as RT and Sputnik (state-owned propaganda channels ed. note).
In Russia?
– Yes, and towards the European audience.
Elements of disinformation
Fundamental to propaganda is that the more true something is, the better. And in the Sweden Democrats’ troll factory, a range of different techniques are used to influence people’s opinions, which includes more than just disinformation and propaganda.
– Disinformation can be carried out using different methods. For example, by producing many features that make people believe that others think a certain way. Or to secretly spread messages that would not fit in open channels, says Ola Svenonius.
Influence against the will
Free opinion formation is a cornerstone of democracy, but that freedom is at risk when individuals are influenced against their will because the sender is hidden, he believes.
– If I am influenced against my will or without my consent, it is a problem for democratic opinion formation. Because it must be free. It is called free opinion formation and it is a cornerstone of the democratic system. There we have the problem.
The Sweden Democrats’ head of communications admits that the Sweden Democrats work with anonymous accounts, but doesn’t think it’s a troll factory.
The entire interview with the Sweden Democrats’ press manager Joakim Wallerstein can be viewed here.
Undercover in the troll factory
The Sweden Democrats have denied the information about a troll factory. Cold facts go undercover and reveal what is happening inside the party.