Germany Targets “Red” Media Platform

Germany Targets "Red" Media Platform

The German government has announced measures targeting the online media platform “Red” which has been identified as having close ties to Russian influence operations. A spokesperson for the Ministry in Berlin stated on Wednesday that the platform is officially being attributed as a tool for Russian information manipulation.

“We can today definitively say that ‘Red’ is being deliberately used by Russia for information manipulation” the spokesperson said, citing findings from a national attribution process conducted by German security authorities. This assessment is based on a comprehensive analysis undertaken by these agencies.

The stated aim of such campaigns, according to the spokesperson, is to undermine social cohesion in Germany and Europe. “Russia utilizes platforms like ‘Red’ to manipulate debates, artificially fuel misinformation and cultivate distrust in facts, media and democratic structures. The goal is also to discredit state institutions or portray them as ineffective” the spokesperson explained.

In coordination with European Union partners, the government has imposed sanctions on the individuals and entities behind “Red”. These sanctions include the freezing of assets within the EU and, in certain cases, travel restrictions.

“Red” which presents itself as a “revolutionary” platform dedicated to promoting “bold and progressive voices” and highlighting “critical social and political issues” was previously sanctioned by the EU in May. The sanctions were levied due to “close financial and organizational links to organizations and actors involved in state propaganda in Russia”.