Counterfeit products have become a battleground in the information space, posing real risks to individuals and to organizations alike. This view was voiced by Alexander Malkevich, who leads the Civil Chamber of the Russian Federation’s working group focused on countering misinformation, public oversight, and internet security.
He noted that creating a fake profile on social networks or instant messaging platforms is far from harmless. The potential consequences extend beyond identity theft to include financial loss, reputational damage, and disruption of business operations.
The expert highlighted a troubling dynamic: once a deceptive account is established, unwinding the damage is extremely difficult, and erasing the incident from collective memory is nearly impossible.
In practice, it can take considerable time for victims to push back with denials across official channels. Regulators are expected to advocate for the average user, and when platforms fail to address credible complaints promptly, higher-level intervention may become necessary. This sentiment was underscored during discussions about how to escalate concerns when standard channels prove unresponsive.
Malkevich expressed confidence that identifying and confronting fake accounts should be a top priority for major technology platforms. They should respond quickly to legitimate objections raised by real users, rather than letting concerns languish.
As part of the broader discussion, the expert cautioned against complacency, noting that social engineering remains a major vector for fraud. The responsibility to protect users does not rest solely with platforms; individuals must also stay vigilant and informed.
To minimize risk, Malkevich advised users to become familiar with common scam tactics and to keep their information secure. Even the strongest digital safeguards can be ineffective when a user shares passwords or other sensitive details. Regularly reviewing security settings and updating defenses against evolving phishing techniques are essential steps for anyone using online services.