Students’ research. Information Threats to the Lithuanian Election Process: Analysis of Russia’s Influence Operation “CopyCop”

Project idea

Since 2023, France’s Service for Vigilance and Protection against Foreign Digital Interference (VIGINUM) has been monitoring aggressive information operations in Europe conducted by the Russian actor Storm-1516, known under the code name “CopyCop.” These operations intensify during election periods and employ automated propaganda and artificial intelligence tools to influence political processes and public attitudes. Given that municipal council and mayoral elections will take place in Lithuania in 2027, there is a real threat that “CopyCop” influence operations may be directed against the Lithuanian electoral process.

The aim of the project is to analyze the operating principles of the Russian campaign “CopyCop,” with particular attention to information operations targeting democratic elections, to assess potential threats to Lithuania’s information security, and to provide recommendations for strengthening societal resilience. The study will be conducted using a qualitative case study approach and an attribution model for information influence operations, based on technical, behavioral, and contextual evidence. The analysis of open-source data, academic research, and institutional reports will enable a structured assessment of the objectives, operational mechanisms, and impact of “CopyCop” operations on electoral processes.

The results of the study will be used to formulate practical recommendations for Lithuanian institutions and society aimed at strengthening the information security of the electoral process and resilience to malicious influence operations.