Filenews 17 January 2026 - by Andrea Mavrou
New data are being examined in the context of the investigations into the video in question, which remains the subject of controversy as to its origin and the activity of the "Emily Thompson" account. According to Mr. Michalis Sirivianos, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology at the Cyprus University of Technology and scientific coordinator at Fact Check Cyprus, explains, the case bears characteristics found in cases of information warfare and internal destabilization, within a broader context of hybrid attack.
Hybrid warfare, as he describes, is a modern strategy of conflict that does not rely on traditional military means. Instead, it uses a combination of civilian tools aimed at weakening, destabilizing and coercing an adversary, without first declaring open war. In this context, information warfare, cyber operations, attacks on digital infrastructure, economic and energy pressure, the so-called legal war, but also forms of internal destabilization such as the cultivation of social tensions are included.
A central feature of hybrid warfare is the absence of clear attribution of responsibility. As he states, when a state knows for sure who is targeting it and can prove it, then to a large extent hybrid warfare has already failed. This ambiguity disarms the adversary, causes confusion and division and makes it difficult to react in terms of sanctions or retaliatory measures.
In the case of Cyprus, we could say that this video is part of the field of information warfare and internal destabilization. Although characteristics are identified that are consistent with hybrid warfare tactics, he clarifies that it is not the responsibility of Fact Check Cyprus to attribute such characterizations. This is the responsibility of the competent authorities and requires much more evidence and institutional investigation.
Digital puppet
Of particular interest is the way the Emily Thompson account that published the video in question works. This account has been operating since 2022 and does not present a coherent and stable narrative. In some posts she appears in favour of Russia and against Ukraine, while in others she expresses positions that do not favour Russia. In one case, for example, it is reported that the disruption of supply chains due to the war can cause hunger in Russia, which is not consistent with the direct promotion of a Russian narrative. In another case, it is claimed that Donald Trump was right to try to cut off funding for Ukraine.
This inconsistency, according to Mr. Sirivianos, points to an account that operates in the context of a disinformation campaign, with many characteristics of a digital puppet and not an authentic person with fixed political positions. In addition, in 2024, posts of two to three lines were detected that are exactly the same, word for word, as posts from 2023, which is inconsistent with human behaviour and indicates automation.
In addition, there is an abrupt and non-organic change in subject matter. While the account never dealt with Cyprus and focused on geopolitical, European, Russian and American issues, upon assuming the EU Presidency, it suddenly started publishing content related to the Cypriot government. The style of the text accompanying the video differs significantly from previous posts, which refers to an account cultivation tactic, which gains an audience and is then reused for a different purpose.
The interconnection with existing news media
Rare in the case of Emily Thompson is the interaction with the real digital world and specifically with well-known news sites. The account has published two articles in the well-known The American Spectator, as well as two articles in the lesser-known but multi-authored Eurasia Review. These articles do not show a clear pro-Russian or ultra-conservative tendency, but move in a relatively neutral context with mild bias.
In contrast, almost 70 articles have been published on another opinion site, The Thinking Conservative, most of which are ultra-conservative, pro-Russian and follow the classic narrative of Russian disinformation.
Fact Check Cyprus contacted all three media outlets
So far, there has only been a response from the owner and editor-in-chief of The Thinking Conservative, who said that the authors' identities are not verified and that the articles exclusively express their views. At the same time, he stated that he does not know if this account on X actually belongs to Emily Thompson. At this stage, as clarified, there are no strong indications that she is not a real person, however the site's connection to this account makes it suspicious.
Artificial Intelligence, control and preparedness of Cyprus
Regarding Artificial Intelligence, Mr. Sirivianos points out that we are behind not only as Cyprus but also at a pan-European, if not global, level in the issue of AI control. As he explains, there are serious deficits in media literacy, especially among older ages, which makes organized training campaigns necessary. Fact Check Cyprus already participates in such actions, but the competent authorities also have a decisive role.
The control technology lags behind in terms of content production capabilities, while specialized laboratories in Europe can proceed with much deeper analysis to determine video fidelity. As he emphasizes, we are not ready for what is coming, neither the platforms nor the regulatory framework at the level it should be.
Nevertheless, the Digital Services Regulation and the AI Act are important steps in the right direction, as they regulate and prohibit the creation of malicious content with Artificial Intelligence. The first and most important step of protection, according to Mr. Sirivianos, remains the literacy of citizens in the media, with the responsibility mainly of the Ministry of Education, innovation and the competent regulatory authority.
