Head of Australian Intelligence Warns Against Coordinated Disinformation Campaigns
Mike Burgess, Director General of Security at the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), issued a warning on Tuesday about a coordinated offensive led by state-backed trolls and neo-Nazi groups. He explained that these actors are attempting to deepen divisions within Australian society.
“These disinformation campaigns exploit tensions over immigration and national identity to undermine social cohesion,” Burgess said.
Foreign Influence and Hybrid Threats
Speaking at the Lowy 2025 conference in Sydney, Burgess pointed to evidence that some influence operations stem from foreign sources, notably Russian networks. He warned that these campaigns aim to weaken Western democracies by spreading mistrust and political polarization.
“Australia faces a hybrid threat combining digital propaganda, ideological infiltration, and manipulation on social media,” he stated.
Rising Extremism and Civic Responsibility
Burgess noted an increase in identity-driven extremism, observing that far-right groups are taking advantage of debates on immigration and environmental issues to spread hatred and division. He emphasized that misinformation has become a strategic tool of statecraft rather than a secondary tactic.
“Disinformation is no longer a secondary weapon: it is a state strategy,” Burgess warned.
He concluded by urging both citizens and media representatives to adopt a more analytical mindset when evaluating information sources, arguing that the defense of Australia’s democracy now hinges as much on civic awareness as on technology.
Author’s Summary
ASIO’s Mike Burgess warns of coordinated disinformation efforts—driven by foreign and extremist actors—that exploit social tensions to erode Australia’s unity and democratic resilience.
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