Russian and Chinese 'influence networks' target Ireland in 7,500 social media posts

The Defence Research Establishment report said the foreign networks used Facebook, X, TikTok and Telegram. File picture

Known Russian and Chinese “influence networks” sent more than 7,500 posts about Ireland on social media in the last year, according to a European intelligence report.

While Ireland receives less interest from Russian networks than most of the 38 European countries covered, it receives proportionally more interest from Chinese networks. Irish academics said there was “an urgent need” to co-ordinate Irish agencies to combat disinformation.