Mikael Tofvesson of the MSB, the Swedish Agency for Social Protection and Emergency Management, told a press conference today that Sweden is exposed to the information impact regarding the covid-19 pandemic. At present, the authorities handle the flow of disinformation by trying to come out with accurate and factual information as much as possible.

- What we are seeing right now is that there is a significant amount of disinformation and misleading information about our world and Sweden, he says.

That's what the information is about

Michael Tovesson says that the incorrect information, for example, may be that the spread of covid-19 is about biological warfare. That covid-19 is harmless and that various governments are exaggerating in their actions. That there is no freedom of speech in Sweden or that Sweden does nothing to fight the pandemic.

- But we do not see that Sweden is a main target for information impact right now, it is not Sweden that you want to attack in the main. At present, he says and continues:

- However, there are many issues and a great concern about covid-19 among our population and fear and concern make us more vulnerable to misleading and disinformation.

Michael Tovesson also appeals to the public to be source-critical and not to spread rumors.

He explains that he does not want to say where the disinformation comes from or give more concrete examples as this could help to spread the incorrect information further.

The Minister of Defense warns

Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist has also previously warned that foreign power is deliberately spreading disinformation about how Sweden handles the corona virus.

"The purpose is to create concern, undermine and reduce the confidence of governments and authorities who are doing this seriously," says Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist.