Electoral Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) refers to coordinated actions by foreign actors that aim to influence or disrupt electoral processes through manipulation of information spaces.
FIMI fundamentally threatens electoral integrity and public trust. Democracies must become more resilient.
- Coordinated actions by foreign actors or proxies.
- Uses mixed content: false, misleading, or emotionally charged.
- Aims to weaken institutions, influence elections, or shape public debate.
- Often spans multiple platforms and communication channels.
- Seeks to disrupt trust and amplify social or political divisions.
Electoral FIMI campaigns often use social media, online platforms, or local intermediaries to
- Amplify divisive or polarizing narratives.
- Undermine confidence in election management bodies or results.
- Discredit candidates, parties, or observers.
- Promote distrust toward mainstream media or democratic institutions.
- Spread misleading or fabricated content disguised as legitimate news.
- Exploit identity politics to inflame social or ethnic tensions.
- Use bots or fake accounts to simulate public consensus or outrage.
FIMI vs Disinformation
Elections are the core expression of public will and power in a democracy. They rely on trust, accurate information, and a shared understanding of reality. Electoral FIMI threatens all of this. It often uses disinformation but goes further. FIMI is a coordinated effort by malign foreign actors to expand their strategic influence by manipulating public perception, polarizing voters, and weakening confidence in democratic institutions and principles.
How they work
FIMI
Coordinated manipulation by foreign actors or proxies.
Uses a mix of false, misleading, and selectively true information.
Operates strategically across social media, news, and public discussions.
Vs
Disinformation
Can be created and shared by anyone, not always coordinated.
False or misleading information spread to deceive or confuse.
Often focuses on specific claims or stories.
While disinformation focuses on false or misleading information, FIMI emphasises coordinated manipulation, foreign involvement and interference in democratic processes.
