The question of the legality of foreign disinformation campaigns; navigating troubled waters

Overview & Synopsis

Cyberspace has made our world smaller butthe resulting state of interconnectivity has come at a price; a greater vulnerability to foreign influences and interferences online disinformation is one inappropriate influence tool that can be used by foreign actors to undermine a state The problem is that lasting legal uncertainties call into question the very capacity of international law to address state led disinformation and thus to provide adequate protection against foreign influence activities that may prove particularly detrimental to the receiving state Then as a growing number of states has been legislating about foreign influence activities relying on information manipulation tactics a significant gap has emerged between municipal and international regulations pertaining to international communications This article explores the relevant law and finds out whether international law is up to the tas of regulating state sponsored online disinformation n doing so it clarifies the law and identifies the boundaries of an international regulation of online disinformation t concludes by suggesting a safe way forwards to help restoring accountability and end impunity in the context of disinformation.