Disinformation attacks hitting US elections
Digital influence operations by Russia, China, and Iran continue as the US presidential election is getting closer. “Russian actors continue to integrate generative AI into their content, Iranian groups ramp up their preparations to enable cyber-influence operations, while Chinese actors shift focus to several down-ballot candidates and members of Congress”. Microsoft says in a security report.
“Russian actors have notably attempted to target the Harris-Walz campaign by attacking the candidates’ characters.”
The report says that history has shown foreign actors’ ability to rapidly distribute deceptive content can significantly impact public perception and electoral outcomes.
“With a particular focus on the 48 hours before and after Election Day, voters, government institutions, candidates, and parties must remain vigilant against deceptive and suspicious activity online. Early detection and fact-checking remain essential to countering these efforts and maintaining election integrity.”
“Russian operatives continue to take steps to undermine the Harris-Walz campaign. Russian actors continue to create AI-enhanced deepfake videos about Vice President Harris.”
“In one video, Harris is depicted as allegedly making derogatory comments about former President Donald Trump. In another from a Kremlin-aligned troll farm we track as Storm-1516, Harris is accused of illegal poaching in Zambia.”
“Finally, another video spreads disinformation about Democratic vice president nominee Tim Walz, gaining more than 5 million views on X in the first 24 hours”, Microsoft reports.
“While most of these videos received minimal engagement, they underscore Russia’s ongoing use of both traditional and AI-generated content to influence US audiences and stoke political discord. We have also seen some actors shifting their content publishing strategy from Telegram to X to reach U.S. audiences.”
The report notes that escalating hostilities in the Middle East have not slowed Iran’s cyber-influence operations. An Iranian activity, disguised as “Bushnell’s Men,” is calling on Americans to boycott the elections due to the candidates’ support for Israel.
“Additionally, the Iranian cyber group Microsoft tracks as Cotton Sandstorm has been actively scouting election-related websites and media outlets, suggesting preparations for more direct influence operations as Election Day nears.”
“Chinese influence operations have focused on down-ballot Republican candidates and members of Congress that advocate for anti-Chinese policies.
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