On May 21st, in Brussels, a key event was held to present a pioneering report on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) in Kyrgyzstan—an increasingly urgent challenge in today’s digital landscape. Our CEO, Norik Selimi, took part in the event, where findings from the research were shared with policymakers, analysts, and civil society representatives.

The study, led by Pikasa Analytics, represents a pioneering effort to analyse the evolving FIMI landscape in Kyrgyzstan through a mixed-methods approach that combines supervised Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and qualitative verification. This methodology enables a comprehensive understanding of how information is manipulated online and how narratives are shaped to influence public opinion.

FIMI is a growing threat in Central Asia, where rapid digitalization and diverse media ecosystems create both opportunities and vulnerabilities. The research reveals the key tactics, trends, and actors driving information manipulation in Kyrgyzstan and lays the groundwork for more targeted, data-driven responses.

Crucially, the study goes beyond analysis and offers concrete, actionable recommendations for national and international stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Peter M. Wagner, Head of the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, highlighted the need for localised strategies in combating disinformation:
“While FIMI is a global horizontal threat, it often needs to be addressed with very targeted and context-specific responses, such as through the EU-funded CARAVAN project, which this research is part of.”

This research forms part of the broader CARAVAN initiative, supported by the European Union and focused on strengthening information resilience across Central Asia.

At Pikasa, we are proud to be at the forefront of this work—using cutting-edge technology and regional expertise to help address one of the defining challenges of the digital age.

👉 You can access the executive summary of the report here.

Stay connected with us for more insights and updates as we continue building tools and solutions for a more informed, resilient information environment.