DISINFO: Italian media manipulate its readers about COVID-19, not Russian
SUMMARY
Italian media manipulate Italian people when talking about COVID-19, but the West accuses Russian media of providing manipulative information.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative denying that Russian media is involved in spreading disinformation about the coronavirus. As of 15 April, our database has collected and published over 300 corona-related disinformation cases in the public EUvsDisinfo database since 22 January 2020. These messages are characteristic of the Kremlin’s well-established strategy of using disinformation to amplify divisions, sow distrust and chaos, and exacerbate crisis situations and issues of public concern. For more details, read our analysis presenting how the BBC challenged pro-Kremlin reporting from Italy.