Microsoft Warns of Intensifying Foreign Interference in U.S. Election \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Microsoft’s latest report reveals that foreign adversaries are ramping up disinformation campaigns to influence the U.S. election. Russia is focusing on fake videos targeting Vice President Kamala Harris, China is attacking down-ballot candidates critical of its policies, and Iran is suspected of preparing new interference schemes. Although election infrastructure is deemed secure, concerns about voter influence and post-election violence remain high. U.S. officials remain vigilant as foreign efforts to sway public opinion intensify.
Microsoft Report on Foreign Election Interference: Quick Looks
- Russian disinformation: Russia spreads fake AI-generated videos aimed at smearing Vice President Kamala Harris.
- Chinese influence: Chinese actors are targeting down-ballot candidates critical of China through fake social media users.
- Iranian activities: Iran-linked groups are surveying election-related websites and spreading disinformation on the Israel-Hamas war.
- Election security: U.S. officials are confident in election infrastructure but warn of intensified foreign influence as Election Day nears.
- Voter influence: Disinformation campaigns are being amplified by unwitting Americans, potentially influencing voters in the final weeks of the election.
Deep Look
Russian actors, according to the report, are doubling down on fake videos aimed at discrediting Vice President Kamala Harris. These efforts include AI-generated clips and staged videos designed to damage her character and reputation, a continuation of Russia’s long-standing interference tactics seen in the 2016 and 2020 elections. Microsoft’s analysts uncovered a video falsely claiming that Harris killed an endangered rhinoceros in Zambia and another that spread baseless allegations about her running mate, Tim Walz. These videos are intended to influence the electorate by amplifying misleading narratives and conspiracy theories.
Russia’s focus on Harris appears to reflect the Kremlin’s preference for a second Donald Trump presidency, according to U.S. intelligence officials. Russian disinformation has largely aimed to cast doubt on Harris’ competence and credibility, reinforcing divisive narratives that polarize the American electorate. The fake videos and online content are often shared and amplified by unwitting Americans, exposing thousands to these falsehoods in the final weeks of the election.
Meanwhile, China has been focusing its efforts on influencing down-ballot races, specifically targeting candidates critical of its policies. Microsoft identified a Chinese influence actor known as Spamouflage, which uses fake social media accounts to attack Republican candidates such as Rep. Barry Moore of Alabama, Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. These candidates, all of whom have publicly denounced China’s actions, have been the focus of coordinated online campaigns aimed at undermining their chances of re-election.
China’s influence efforts go beyond direct attacks on candidates. The country’s disinformation campaigns have sought to sow broader distrust in the U.S. democratic process, furthering narratives that question the legitimacy of elections and the competence of American leadership. This strategy aims to weaken public faith in the electoral system and exacerbate existing political divisions within the U.S. electorate.
Iran, too, has remained active in the lead-up to the 2024 election, according to Microsoft’s findings. Iranian actors, who previously sent intimidating emails to U.S. voters in 2020, have been observed surveying election-related websites and media outlets in swing states. This behavior suggests that Iranian operatives may be preparing for another interference campaign as Election Day nears. The report also notes that Iran has weaponized the deeply divided opinions on the Israel-Hamas conflict, using platforms like Telegram and X to encourage American voters to abstain from voting due to candidates’ support for Israel.
Microsoft’s analysts also pointed out that Iranian-linked groups have targeted prominent political figures, hacking their accounts and attempting to spread disinformation. One such target was a former U.S. presidential candidate, though Microsoft declined to name the individual.
While these foreign efforts to sway public opinion are concerning, U.S. officials have repeatedly stated that the country’s election infrastructure remains secure. Improvements in cybersecurity and the vigilance of federal agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have strengthened the integrity of the voting process. Jen Easterly, the director of CISA, emphasized earlier this month that while foreign actors may try to influence voters, they are unlikely to succeed in altering election outcomes through direct attacks on election systems.
Still, the growing influence campaigns by Russia, China, and Iran are raising concerns about their potential to affect voter behavior, especially in a tightly contested election. These foreign actors are not only trying to spread false narratives but also seeking to deepen political divides in the U.S., setting the stage for potential unrest or violent protests in the aftermath of the election.
Despite the ongoing foreign interference efforts, officials remain confident that the election will proceed securely. However, as Clint Watts, the general manager of Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center, warned in the report, the 48 hours surrounding Election Day are likely to be critical. Voters, government institutions, and political parties must remain vigilant to online disinformation and suspicious activities that could impact public perception and electoral outcomes.
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