The Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI) defines disinformation as the intentional distribution of false or misleading information. This distinguishes it from false or misleading information that emerges and is shared without an intent to deceive. 

Through disinformation, a variety of actors seek to illegitimately shape the opinions and political will of various target groups or of the public as a whole. When such an attempt to exert illegitimate influence is made by a foreign state actor, this is categorised as a hybrid threat. The BMI coordinates the Federal Government’s approach to hybrid threats.

When foreign states use disinformation campaigns to pursue their own political interests aggressively without resorting to military force, this constitutes a hybrid threat.From the speech by Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser at the symposium of Germany’s domestic intelligence service, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV)

Free access to facts and an open exchange of views are the lifeblood of open, pluralist and democratic societies. But spreading false or misleading information with the intention to deceive people, undermine trust in government or aggravate existing social fault lines by deliberately polarising the public has no place in a constructive dialogue in a democratic society.

Foreign state actors use disinformation to shape public opinion and political will in other countries to the benefit of their own interests. This can pose a threat to both the social cohesion and the public security and order of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Two red keys are on a keyboard, surrounded by blank white keys. One of the red keys bears the word Cyberkrieg, meaning cyber war, while the other bears the word Desinformation, meaning disinformation. (Larger version opens in new window) Source: AdobeStock - kebox

Global digital networks make it easier for foreign governments to spread disinformation and propaganda. For example, politically motivated actors may manipulate information or take it out of context in order to influence public debates. On social media and messaging services, false or misleading information can spread very rapidly and reach large numbers of people. 

Foreign governments can also use cyber attacks to prepare and support disinformation activities. The BMI and its security agencies are monitoring potential attacks of this nature very closely.

The Press and Information Office of the Federal Government (BPA) has a web page where you can learn more about how to deal with disinformation. (in German).

The German-language podcast “Aus Regierungskreisen” also has an episode (in German) entitled "Desinformation, Deepfakes und hybride Kriegsführung" (disinformation, deep fakes and hybrid warfare).

You can also find a wide range of information about (in German) dealing with disinformation on the website of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (BpB).

The Federal Agency for Civic Education has also released a German-language podcast series on disinformation, entitled Desinformation - Der globale Blick .