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A recent survey conducted by the Brussels-based digital industry association Bitkom has revealed that 88% of German voters are concerned about potential election interference

from foreign governments or external actors as they prepare to vote on February 23. Russia and the United States emerged as the top perceived threats, with China also ranking high on the list.

Widespread concern over foreign influence

The poll, which surveyed just over 1,000 eligible voters, found that the vast majority fear attempts to manipulate public opinion through social media and online disinformation campaigns. Russia topped the list of suspected foreign influencers, with 45% of respondents identifying it as a threat, followed closely by the U.S. at 42%, and China at 26%. Additionally, 8% of those surveyed expressed concern over interference from Eastern European actors.

The findings also shed light on how voters shape their political opinions: 82% cited discussions with friends and family, 76% relied on television, and 69% used the internet as an information source.

Amid rising concerns over misinformation, 80% of respondents stated that the next government should prioritize digital policy to combat online disinformation. Furthermore, 71% supported the creation of an independent ministry dedicated to digital governance. Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst emphasized that such a ministry should be well-funded and equipped with legislative authority to tackle the growing challenge.

Disinformation already circulating online

A third of voters who use the internet for news reported encountering misinformation about the upcoming election. The most pressing concerns among respondents centered on deepfakes—highly realistic yet entirely fabricated images, videos, and audio recordings—and targeted disinformation campaigns. Alarmingly, 56% of those surveyed believed that Germany’s democratic institutions were unprepared to handle these emerging threats.

Wintergerst highlighted that while voter awareness of disinformation is increasing, misinformation still has the potential to significantly impact election outcomes by distorting public opinion and damaging the reputations of candidates and political parties. He warned that disinformation undermines trust in democratic processes but stressed that "an informed society is the best protection against digital manipulation."

Russia, U.S., and China under scrutiny

Russia, long known for its interference in foreign elections through coordinated disinformation campaigns, social media bots, and troll farms, ranked as the highest concern among voters. The Kremlin has frequently sought to exploit divisions within the European Union, often aligning with extremist parties on both ends of the political spectrum.

However, the poll also highlighted growing suspicion of the United States, particularly due to figures like Elon Musk, who owns the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Musk, a major financial backer of former U.S. President Donald Trump and an outspoken critic of German political leaders, has been accused of amplifying far-right voices in Germany. His recent online interview with Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has fueled allegations of foreign influence.

Meanwhile, U.S. social media companies have been criticized for failing to curb disinformation, with many shifting responsibility onto users rather than actively moderating false or misleading content. The European Union, which enforces stricter disinformation policies than the U.S. under the Digital Services Act (DSA), faces ongoing challenges in holding these platforms accountable.

China’s influence and domestic threats

China, while not as immediately visible as Russia, is known for engaging in digital espionage and influencing political systems worldwide. Concerns over Chinese infiltration in Germany have grown, particularly due to its connections with the AfD. In one notable case, Maximilian Krah, the AfD’s lead candidate for the European Parliament, was found to have a Chinese spy working in his office.

German intelligence officials have likened Russia’s interference to a sudden storm while describing China’s approach as "global warming"—a slow but pervasive influence that gradually reshapes political landscapes.

Beyond foreign actors, voters expressed concern over the AfD’s aggressive social media strategies, particularly its outreach to younger demographics. In the poll, 66% highlighted the party’s online influence as worrisome, and 87% agreed that society must take a more active role in countering far-right narratives. Similarly, 78% called for increased scrutiny of far-left disinformation.

A significant 79% of respondents concluded that populist movements have been the biggest beneficiaries of social media influence, reinforcing the need for stricter regulations and greater public awareness to safeguard Germany’s democratic process. Photo by Luukas, Wikimedia commons.

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