How to recognize Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference?

Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference – FIMI – is becoming one of the most powerful weapons of modern times. No guns. No bullets. But something far more subtle: information.
Today, I will show you how a single story can cause panic, create chaos, and serve the interests of foreign actors.

It is well known that the water from the Rasche spring is considered among the highest-quality in Europe, and most residents of Skopje quench their thirst with it every day.

However, one evening a post appeared on Facebook:

 “Do not drink tap water! Ten children have been hospitalized due to poisoning!”

Within just a few hours, the post spread like wildfire.

Yet, not a single case was reported in hospitals. After conducting an inspection, the water authority found nothing suspicious. So how did the chaos occur?

To better understand this, researchers use the ABCDE model.