Interference
Interference covers actions such as intimidation, the spread of misleading information, manipulation or the blackmailing of individuals, and secret activities. These are carried out by or on behalf of an actor, and go beyond normal diplomatic, political or commercial influence. The aim is to manipulate or steer decision-making processes.
Espionage and interference should not be confused. Espionage is an unlawful method of gathering information. Interference is the spread of misleading information. In both cases, the instigators are usually hostile intelligence services seeking to influence political decision-makers.
Risks and causes
What can you do?
Before
- Learn about disinformation and the various influence techniques commonly used.
During
- Be critical of the information you read. You can recognise disinformation by asking yourself a few questions and paying attention to certain elements:
- Who is the author, creator or distributor?
- Is the information true?
- For what purpose was the message disseminated?
- Read beyond the title.
- Consult multiple sources.
- Check the date it was written and shared.
- Do your own fact-checking.
- Be critical of the form.
- Read more tips on the Disinformation page.
- Are you sure it is disinformation? You can report it to EDMO BELUX.
- Still not sure whether the information is accurate and reliable? In that case, do not spread the information or message any further.
After
No specific recommendations
Impact and probability
The figures relating to probability and impact describe interference of extreme magnitude. The BNRA theoretically describes such a scenario as follows:
- There is a case of interference aimed at influencing individuals at the top of the decision-making process.
- This influence concerns issues linked to our national interest and can have permanent or long-term negative effects.
How should you interpret these results?
Within the BNRA, experts assessed three scenarios for each risk: considerable, major or extreme. On each page, you will find the results of the scenario with the highest score based on the combination of likelihood and impact. This does not mean that this scenario will occur or is the most likely. Read more here about how to correctly interpret the results.
Probability
Moderate
Human impact
Very weak
Societal impact
Moderate
Environmental impact
No impact
Financial impact
Moderate
What do the authorities do?
The necessary initiatives are taken at Belgian, European and international level to identify, analyse and counter interference, but also to make society resilient against all forms of interference, including information operations carried out by foreign (state) actors.