Japan's government is making arrangements to launch a new unit next year that deals with the spread of disinformation.

Experts say disinformation spread through social media networks could influence public opinion and cause social turmoil.

Some analysts say Russia has employed such methods against Ukraine and that China has done so against Taiwan.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu says spreading fake information not only threatens universal values but could also affect security.

The government plans to set up the new unit in the Cabinet Secretariat in April 2024 to prepare for possible foreign disinformation campaigns.

The unit will feature specialists from the foreign and defense ministries, the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office and other bodies. They will work together to quickly identify such campaigns and send out accurate information.