Greenland elections hit by misinformation campaign, Danish intelligence warns
According to Danish national broadcaster DR, the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) has issued a newly updated threat assessment warning that misinformation is spreading in Greenland ahead of its upcoming election. The intelligence agency states that false narratives are being circulated in what has become a highly tense political climate, raising concerns about attempts to influence public opinion.
In its updated assessment, PET states that “misinformation is being spread in Greenland in connection with the upcoming election” and warns that both domestic and foreign actors could attempt to manipulate the democratic process. While PET does not identify specific sources, it highlights that Russia has previously used misinformation to try to influence political discourse in the Arctic.
The issue of misinformation in Greenland’s election has been covered by Arctic Today. One recent example is of a fake news website impersonating Arctic Today, which was being used to spread false claims in Greenland. Additionally, Arctic Today published a column analyzing why Greenland’s elections are particularly vulnerable to misinformation, pointing to factors such as low media literacy, small-scale political structures and external geopolitical interests.
In the threat assessment, PET further notes that Greenland’s political climate is already “characterized by a high degree of tension,” making it easier for misinformation to “gain traction and influence the public debate.”
The agency also emphasizes that false or misleading information does not necessarily originate from abroad, as actors within Greenland itself can also contribute to its spread.
As Greenland moves closer to election day, PET advises the public to be cautious and to rely on credible and trustworthy sources to avoid being misled by manipulated narratives circulating online.
