FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference) stands for “Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference.”

Over the past decades, disinformation has become one of the most serious challenges in the modern world.

With the rapid development of digital technologies, social networks, and online media, information has become not only a means of communication, but also a tool of influence, pressure, and even political struggle.

If previously disinformation was mainly perceived as the dissemination of false or misleading information, today experts more often speak of a more complex and systematic phenomenon: FIMI.

What is FIMI?

FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference) stands for “Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference.”

This term is used in cases where foreign states, organizations affiliated with them, or other actors purposefully and systematically attempt to influence the information environment, public opinion, political processes, or public sentiment of another country.

FIMI is not just the spread of false information. It includes a whole system of influence operations, from propaganda to coordinated campaigns on social networks and information manipulation.

The latest EEAS report on the threats of foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI)

 maps the digital infrastructures used by foreign actors, mainly Russia, but also China, to manipulate and intervene in the information space of the EU and partner countries in order to spread disinformation, undermine trust and undermine democratic societies. This map shows how the channels attributed are only the tip of the iceberg of FIMI activity, as they rely on extensive clandestine networks of channels with hidden connections, such as Doppelganger, African Initiative, Portal Kombat or False Façade.

Investigations conducted by the EAEU show that:

• Over 500 FIMI incidents occurred during 2024
• Threat actors used at least 25 different platforms, and at least 38,000 different accounts were involved in FIMI operations.
• 322 organizations were targeted by FIMI operations.
• In 2024, FIMI incidents spread to 90 different countries
• FIMI Activity Analysis  :  The first FIMI report  defined the FIMI methodology, an innovative analytical framework that aimed to standardize the approach to FIMI activity research.
• Countering FIMI threats  :  The 2nd FIMI report  focuses on activating collective mechanisms to counter and respond to FIMI, detailing coordinated multilateral response strategies between the EU and its partners, in particular against FIMI campaigns targeting democratic processes such as elections.

How is FIMI different from disinformation?

Many people confuse FIMI with disinformation, but they are not the same.

Disinformation refers primarily to content: false, distorted, or misleading information that is intentionally spread.

FIMI is a broader concept. It describes not only the content, but also the mechanisms, networks, actors, and strategies through which influence is exercised.

In other words, disinformation may be one of FIMI’s tools, but FIMI is not limited to that.

Main features of FIMI

According to experts, FIMI operations usually have several common features:

Organized nature

Actions are often carried out in a systematic manner, according to a pre-developed strategy.

Foreign origin

The source of influence is related to external actors who seek to influence the internal processes of other countries.

Hidden or disguised activity

Often, the real organizers are not visible. Intermediaries, fake accounts, anonymous platforms, or seemingly independent sources are used.

Long-term goals

The goal is usually not to create a discussion around a single topic or event, but to undermine public trust, deepen divisions, or increase political influence.

Popular FIMI tools

Various methods can be used in external information manipulation and interference operations:

• dissemination of disinformation materials,
• manipulative propaganda,
• use of fake accounts and bot networks,
• coordinated comment campaigns,
• creating fake or misleading news websites,
• manipulation of videos, photos and documents,
• spreading fake content created using artificial intelligence,
• Exploiting the contradictions in society.

Why is FIMI dangerous?

The main danger of FIMI is that it can affect not only the quality of information, but also democratic processes.

Such actions can:

• reduce trust in state institutions,
• undermine the quality of public debate,
• deepen social polarization,
• influence the electoral process,
• weaken the country’s information and national security,
• create a climate of distrust towards the media.

How to counter FIMI

The fight against FIMI requires joint efforts from the state, media, civil society, and citizens.

Effective means include:

• the development of media literacy,
• the use of fact-checking tools,
• checking information sources,
• increasing digital security,
• exposing fake and coordinated networks,
• supporting independent and quality journalism.

Conclusion

In the information age, the struggle for influence often takes place not across borders, but across information space. That is why it is important to understand that modern threats are not just fake news. FIMI is a much broader and more complex phenomenon that includes systematic mechanisms of information manipulation, influence, and intervention.

Recognizing FIMI and understanding its tools is the first step towards increasing society’s information resilience and protecting democratic processes.