Russian Hackers Spread Conspiracy Theories About Princess of Wales, Security Expert Says

A Russian hacking group called Doppelgänger has been spreading conspiracy theories about the health and whereabouts of the Princess of Wales, according to a security expert. The group, run by a commercial organization in Russia, aims to sow distrust in public institutions, including the British monarchy.

The expert said the group has been instrumental in the spread of misinformation about the Princess's recent cancer diagnosis and announcement that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy. Doppelgänger has been known to hijack trending stories and use them to push messages that further Russia's aims, such as denigrating Ukraine and undermining the war effort.

Why this matters: The expert warned that the group's activities could have a significant influence on upcoming political elections both in the UK and abroad, as their goal is to decay public trust in institutions over time and make it harder for people to know what to trust online. The spread of disinformation by foreign actors is a growing concern and can have destabilizing effects on nations.

Russian-based disinformation accounts took advantage of the speculation around Princess Kate's health to spread pro-Russia and anti-Ukraine content online, security experts say. The accounts, believed to be part of the Doppelgänger operation, did not start the speculation but jumped on existing conspiracy theories to undermine trust in institutions, government, and media.

The speculation around Princess Kate's health and whereabouts intensified after Prince William unexpectedly missed a memorial, which was later revealed to be due to his wife's cancer diagnosis. Experts noted that the accounts used tactics like posting in batches and circulating the same wording to appear coordinated. The situation was described as a "perfect cocktail" for conspiracy theories to thrive, with the Princess of Wales' Mother's Day photo also sparking a PR crisis that further fueled the speculation.

Piers Morgan has criticized people who have shared these conspiracies and speculated on Kate's health, calling them "shameless hypocrites" for demanding privacy for her after making "wild claims" about her condition. The Princess of Wales has now released a video revealing that she has been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer following major abdominal surgery in January. Many have praised Kate's "clarity and courage" in sharing her diagnosis and shutting down the conspiracy theories.

Key Takeaways

• Russian hacking group Doppelgänger spreading conspiracy theories about Princess Kate's health
• Doppelgänger aims to sow distrust in public institutions, including the British monarchy
• Disinformation could influence upcoming elections in the UK and abroad
• Accounts used tactics like coordinated posting to amplify conspiracy theories
• Princess Kate has now released a video revealing her cancer diagnosis