# Iranian Digital Interference Campaign Exposed in France A fake environmental news site used AI-generated personas to spread anti-French propaganda. - **Source:** [France Info – Titres](https://www.francetvinfo.fr) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5e35bb19-925e-4a7d-b12d-0b3c9e220512 ## Sophisticated Digital Deception A confidential report from the French agency Viginum has uncovered a vast Iranian interference operation targeting France. The campaign utilized a fabricated environmental news website named Tired Earth to disseminate hostile content. This operation aimed to manipulate public opinion by masquerading as a legitimate source of climate-related information for unsuspecting readers. ## AI-Generated Personas The investigation revealed that the website's supposed contributors, including individuals named Brigitte Angelini and Rebecca Herbert, do not exist. Their profile photographs were identified as being generated by artificial intelligence. These fake identities were used to build credibility while the site simultaneously published content stolen from established French media outlets. ## Infiltrating Public Discourse The site gained a veneer of legitimacy by appearing as an official partner at a major climate summit held in Nice in September 2024. By focusing on popular topics like animal welfare and environmental issues, the operators successfully engaged with real experts, including representatives from the French solar energy sector. ## Exploiting Social Fractures Beyond environmental news, the platform shifted its focus in October to amplify tensions surrounding student protests in France. Experts suggest the goal was to exacerbate existing social fractures within the country. The site acted as a digital front, allowing foreign actors to inject divisive rhetoric into the French national conversation. ## Expert Perspective on Strategy Clément Therme, a specialist on Iran at the University Paul Valéry, describes this as a calculated information war. By adopting an environmental cover, the Iranian state avoids the immediate suspicion that would accompany direct propaganda. This strategy is part of a broader effort to target France as a designated political enemy. ## Expert Interaction and Deception Richard Loyen, a delegate from the organization ENERPLAN, was contacted by the site under the guise of professional journalism. He participated in an interview conducted entirely through written messages, never meeting the supposed journalists. He admitted he had no reason to suspect the site was a front for foreign intelligence. ## Government and Diplomatic Response The French government has stated its readiness to implement measures against hostile actions originating from the Iranian regime. Meanwhile, the Iranian embassy in France has not responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations. This incident follows a series of cyber-related tensions between the two nations throughout the year 2026. ## Broader Context of Interference This operation is part of a growing trend of digital foreign interference targeting Western nations. The use of AI to create realistic fake personas represents a significant evolution in propaganda tactics. Authorities are now increasingly focused on identifying these sophisticated networks that aim to undermine domestic stability through subtle, long-term influence. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.franceinfo.fr/enquetes-franceinfo/enquete-francetv-faux-site-ecolo-photos-generees-par-ia-les-dessous-d-une-operation-d-ingerence-iranienne-en-france_8276882.html#xtor=RSS-3-[lestitres] — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._