Edward Marchesi Over the weekend of October 20, 2026, Milan Cathedral was the scene of clashes between protesters and law enforcement, with stones being thrown, windows smashed, and some minor injuries. Shortly thereafter, tensions shifted from the concrete to online platforms: on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram groups, message chains appeared proclaiming imminent attacks on universities, banks, and even on women walking through the city.
The reports spread about planned arsons targeting campuses such as Bocconi, IULM, and the Polytechnic University, and an alleged mass rape targeting all the girls in the street. Some screenshots cited the presence of more than 400 people ready to carry out these acts. However, none of the threats were confirmed by authorities or eyewitnesses.
Threatening messages towards universities and women
The most viral chats contained texts such as: "They created a group to rape girls, there are 400+ of them" or "They intend to set fire to Bocconi and Iulm." These claims were accompanied by manipulated screenshots, videos of past protests, and links to anonymous sources. The lack of verifiable details kept this information in the realm of fake news but did not prevent its rapid spread.
Fire warnings at academic buildings
Fire warnings cited prominent universities, sparking panic among students, faculty, and administrative staff. Several departments temporarily closed their doors or restricted access to the campus as a precaution, despite no concrete evidence of weak plans or incendiary materials. Fear was amplified by the alarmist tone of the messages, which exploited the emotional vulnerability of those who interact with university facilities on a daily basis.
False warnings of mass sexual assault
The accusations of a "mass rape" had an even more traumatic impact. Many girls decided to stay home, while some work groups suspended travel to protect female staff. Again, the authorities denied any possible organization of such an event, calling it unfounded news.
Concrete effects on city life
The wave of alarm pushed students and workers to stay home, a topic of discussion in university corridors and corporate offices. Some downtown shops and theaters closed their doors "as a precaution," not by order of the police, but out of fear of potential attacks. The result was a mini-emotional paralysis that affected the normal flow of daily activities.
Law enforcement officials reported around twenty injuries in clashes with police; the number rose to over a hundred when personal injuries were included, but none of these incidents were linked to the false warnings spread online. Authorities reiterated that there is no indication of organized groups preparing to carry out the acts described in the messages.
The mechanism of "algorithmic attacks"
The phenomenon observed in Milan is a clear example of what experts call algorithmic attacks . These are content designed to exploit fear, outrage, and uncertainty —elements that social media ranking systems reward with greater visibility. When an emotional message is shared multiple times, the algorithm pushes it to a wider audience, creating a ripple effect.
A similar case study is that of Ceuta, where false news pushed thousands of people towards the Moroccan-Spanish border, creating a veritable mass movement. In Milan, the effect was more subtle: a viral spread of unverified warnings generated a heightened perception of danger, influencing everyday decisions like commuting to work or attending class.
The main lesson is that, in a context where algorithms prioritize emotional engagement, fact-checking becomes an act of resistance. Users are called upon to suspend impulsive sharing, consult official sources, and report misleading content to limit its spread.