Russia uses Americans to spread election disinformation, US officials say

The Kremlin is turning to unsuspecting Americans and commercial PR firms in Russia to spread disinformation about the presidential race American, senior intelligence officials said Monday, as they detailed the latest efforts by America’s adversaries to shape public opinion ahead of the 2024 elections.

The warning came after a tumultuous few weeks in American politics that have led to Russia, Iran and China to quickly readjust their propaganda strategies. What has not changed, according to intelligence services, is the determination of these countries to sow false and inflammatory claims about American democracy on the Internet in order to undermine faith in elections.

“The American public should be aware that the content they read online — especially on social media — could be foreign propaganda, even if it appears to come from fellow Americans or originate in the United States,” said an official in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity in line with policies set by the director’s office.

Russia remains the biggest threat when it comes to election disinformation, officials say, while there are signs that Iran is expanding its activities and China is proceeding cautiously regarding 2024.

Kremlin-linked groups are increasingly hiring marketing and communications firms based in Russia, both to outsource campaigning work and to cover their tracks, officials said during a briefing with reporters.

Two of these companies were targeted by new US sanctions announced in March. Authorities say the two Russian companies created fake websites and social media profiles to spread Kremlin disinformation.

Disinformation can focus on candidates or voting, or on issues already being debated in the United States, such as immigration, crime or the war in Gaza.

The ultimate goal, however, is to get Americans to spread Russian disinformation without questioning its origin. According to officials, people are much more likely to trust and post information they believe comes from a domestic source. Fake websites designed to mimic American media outlets, and social media profiles generated by artificial intelligence are just two methods.

In some cases, American citizens, technology companies and American media outlets have willingly amplified and replicated Kremlin messages.

“Foreign actors wielding influence are getting better at disguising their involvement and getting Americans to act,” said the official, who spoke alongside officials from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.

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