The Italian intelligence agency said in its annual report on Monday that the COVID pandemic has stimulated a wave of false information and fake news. 

It says that the pandemic provides a greater scope for “hostile actors who are eager to use several means for manipulatory ends, and to influence public opinion.”

The agency pointed out that the hostile actors of a “State Matrix” carried out “disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks, with the aim of navigating the mood swings caused by health emergencies in order to turn the epidemic into a long-term strategic advantage.”