Ruotolo: Hybrid Wars Are Fought in the Digital Realm, Algorithm Transparency Is Essential
In a speech at the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs Maria Tripodi and General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo addressed the growing threat of hybrid warfare, emphasizing the need for algorithmic transparency and digital literacy to protect democratic societies.
Hybrid wars are increasingly fought in the digital domain, and democratic societies must respond with greater transparency in algorithms and a renewed commitment to digital literacy. This was the central message delivered at a conference held at the Italian Chamber of Deputies, where Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs Maria Tripodi and General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo, commander of the Joint Operational Command, addressed the evolving nature of modern conflict.
The event, titled «The New Frontiers of Hybrid Warfare,» brought together policymakers, military leaders, and experts to examine how disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and algorithmic manipulation are being used to destabilize nations without a single shot being fired. Tripodi stressed that the digital battlefield is no longer a peripheral concern but a central arena where geopolitical struggles are now waged.
«Hybrid wars are fought in the digital realm,» she said, underscoring that the manipulation of information and the exploitation of social media platforms have become primary tools for influencing public opinion and undermining trust in institutions. She called for greater transparency in the algorithms that govern what citizens see online, arguing that opaque recommendation systems can amplify division and spread falsehoods at an unprecedented scale.
General Figliuolo echoed these concerns, noting that the armed forces are adapting to a landscape where the lines between peace and war are increasingly blurred. He emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach that includes not only military readiness but also the resilience of civilian populations and the integrity of information ecosystems.
The conference highlighted how foreign actors use a combination of cyber intrusions, disinformation, and economic pressure to achieve strategic objectives while avoiding direct confrontation. These tactics, often referred to as hybrid warfare, exploit the openness of democratic societies and the speed at which digital information travels.
Tripodi pointed to the importance of digital literacy as a first line of defense. Citizens who can critically evaluate sources and recognize manipulative content are less vulnerable to influence operations. She also stressed that tech companies bear a responsibility to ensure their platforms do not become unwitting vehicles for hostile propaganda.
The discussion comes amid growing concern across Europe about election interference, coordinated disinformation campaigns, and the role of artificial intelligence in generating convincing fake content. Policymakers are grappling with how to regulate digital platforms without stifling free expression, a balance that Tripodi acknowledged is delicate but necessary.
Italy, like many of its allies, has been strengthening its defenses against hybrid threats. The conference served as a platform to discuss legislative and technological responses, including measures to increase transparency in how algorithms rank and recommend content. Such transparency, participants argued, is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring that the digital public square remains a space for genuine debate rather than manipulation.
General Figliuolo also highlighted the importance of international cooperation, noting that hybrid threats do not respect borders and require coordinated responses among like-minded nations. He pointed to ongoing efforts within NATO and the European Union to share intelligence and develop common strategies for countering disinformation and cyber aggression.
The event concluded with a call to action for both policymakers and citizens. Tripodi urged a collective effort to safeguard democratic values, emphasizing that the fight against hybrid warfare is not only a matter of national security but also a defense of the principles that underpin free societies. Transparency, education, and international solidarity were presented as the pillars of a resilient response to a threat that is as pervasive as it is invisible.
