Russia and China have increased their activity against Norway in social media, according to a new report from the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). The analysis of 22 million posts in connection with the parliamentary election in 2025 is said to show that the information environment is characterised by increased complexity and lack of transparency.
Russian actors increased their mentions of Norway by approximately 55 percent over the past year, with an average of 48 posts per day, writes FFI. The activity often focuses on undermining support for Ukraine and portraying Norway as "Russophobic". Chinese actors increased their mentions by 33 percent. According to the report, the clearest trend is an increase in content in Norwegian, from 6 posts in the previous period to 831 posts this year.
The report is produced by FFI in collaboration with Analyse & Tall and Common Consultancy. The data consists of information from Facebook, X, TikTok, and Telegram.
– We see that influence on the internet and in social media is increasing and becoming more complex. The lack of transparency in social media makes it challenging, and often impossible, to find out who is actually behind the manipulation of public opinion in Norway, says Eskil Grendahl Sivertsen, special advisor at FFI.
For the first time, researchers have identified an influence attempt directly linked to the election process, according to FFI. A pro-Russian hacker group conducted the campaign #OpNorway, which combined social media activity with denial-of-service attacks against, among others, the websites of the Conservative Party (Høyre) just before the election. FFI's assessment is that the action had no effect on the election result but indicates a willingness to disrupt democratic processes.
The report outlines ten case studies showing how foreign actors operate. One example is how the sinking of the Russian ship Ursa Major was rewritten to suggest that Norway refused to rescue Russian sailors, a narrative that spread via Dmitry Medvedev.
Chinese influence has primarily focused on reputation building. Through the Facebook page VIEW Norway and the use of Norwegian influencers, state media attempt to promote a positive image of China. At the same time, an anonymous network on TikTok was identified spreading satirical posts about Sharia laws to undermine left-wing parties.
– We have high trust in elections in Norway, and we must preserve that. The report provides important knowledge about unwanted foreign influence, says Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Bjørnar Skjæran.