Malign information influence is when antagonistic foreign powers or other external threat actors attempt to harmfully influence, disrupt or steer public discourse in Sweden. Means of information influence include disinformation, misleading information and propaganda.
For something to be identified as malign information influence, the following criteria must be met:
Misleading
The information influence is deliberately misleading. Reliable communication is open and transparent, and its content is credible and verifiable.
Intentional
The information influence aims to undermine constructive dialogue and open debate. Reliable communication shall contribute to and strengthen constructive debate, even if the content or arguments might be controversial in themselves.
Disruptive
The information influence disrupts and weakens the functioning of society and our democratic discourse. Reliable communication is a natural part of our society which, although it can of course sometimes cause friction, bolsters our democracy.