Unrest in cities across France, Italy, Belgium and Spain has led some European officials to blame foreign powers. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto described the riots in Milan as part of a conflict fought through tools such as TikTok, YouTube and other social media. French President Emmanuel Macron drew a distinction: he said there was no evidence of foreign interference in the events themselves, but foreign groups had manipulated information afterwards.
National regulators have urged the European Commission to open a formal investigation into suspected disinformation campaigns. However, the Commission says the available evidence does not justify one. It says national authorities should carry out their work first and has offered support. Under the Digital Services Act, an EU law governing online services, the Commission can receive emergency powers over platforms during a serious public safety or health crisis. This mechanism has not been activated.
Separately, police have requested information from online platforms to identify people involved in vandalism and looting. In France, attempts to sell stolen goods on Vinted led police to seek the company’s help. Vinted says it is cooperating. Russia-linked networks have also used the violence to strengthen their disinformation campaigns, but exploiting unrest is different from causing it.
