Case study 1: Disinformation narratives and the 2024 European farmers’ protests 4/5

Amplification tactics

These narratives were not spread randomly—they were strategically amplified using targeted tactics. Far-right politicians were the most active agents of dissemination, producing over 80% of the most engaged posts across six EU languages. Social media, particularly Facebook, played a central role in the amplification. Posts containing disinformation about climate policies consistently attracted high levels of engagement, especially when compared to more general anti-climate sentiments.

Techniques used to boost visibility included the use of AI-generated images and out-of-context videos to provoke emotional reactions. For example, a digitally altered image of the Eiffel Tower surrounded by hay bales was widely shared to suggest large-scale unrest. Similarly, old protest footage was falsely presented as evidence of current events. These tactics helped the narratives go viral, reinforcing emotional responses and deepening distrust in institutions.