Ceuta: Information warfare, or how to distinguish between good and bad geniuses

The recent mass arrival of thousands of people in Ceuta, Spain, which resulted in humanitarian crisis and political declarations, was not a spontaneous event but an organized operation, according to an analysis. While the exact perpetrators remain unidentified, the incident highlights the complex interplay of migration, social media, and potential state or criminal manipulation.

Social media played a significant role in amplifying the movement, which exploited pre-existing human flows. The context in Morocco, marked by 36% youth unemployment and social unrest expressed in protests in autumn 2025, created fertile ground for manipulation. This situation is occurring against a backdrop of alleged Russian interference in French and Swiss political debates, suggesting a broader pattern of information warfare.

The article draws parallels to contemporary challenges, referencing Giuliano da Empoli's concept of "The Age of Predators." It emphasizes that while disinformation and manipulation are not new, social media, artificial intelligence, and algorithms have amplified their power unprecedentedly. This has created an "information war" where the lines between truth and falsehood are increasingly blurred.

However, the piece offers a note of optimism, highlighting the existence of sophisticated and accessible methods for uncovering the truth. Experts are using data, AI, and transparent methodologies to track phenomena and demonstrate facts. The authors urge readers to critically and rationally evaluate all information, particularly content that evokes strong emotions. They advocate for resisting capitulation to manipulators and instead engaging with experts to safeguard democracy, acknowledging that proving such manipulations can be costly but essential.