Covid-19 giving 'extremist groups chance to launch disinformation campaigns'

Groups on social media platforms have urged Irish businesses to reopen in defiance of level 5 restrictions. Picture: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

The Covid-19 pandemic has given “fringe and extremist groups” opportunities to launch “disinformation campaigns”, according to a counter-extremism expert.

The warning comes as a number of groups on social media platforms called for the reopening of Irish businesses, in defiance of level 5 restrictions and current public health restrictions.