US intelligence officials have revealed that Russian operatives and propagandists are gearing up to covertly use social media to sway public opinion and undermine support for Ukraine in swing states during the 2024 US elections. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence stated that Russia is targeting specific voter demographics, promoting divisive narratives, and denigrating certain politicians.
Russia is taking a whole-of-government approach to influence the upcoming election, including the presidential race, Congress, and public opinion. The preference of Russia for US presidential candidates remains consistent with previous election cycles.
In the 2020 US election, Russia conducted various influence operations to denigrate Joe Biden's candidacy and support Donald Trump. US intelligence agencies are now closely monitoring Russia, China, and Iran for potential interference in the 2024 election.
While Russia poses a significant threat, China is currently holding back on influencing the presidential race, as it sees little benefit in choosing between two parties perceived as seeking to contain Beijing. Both China and Iran have denied any attempts to interfere in US elections.
Russian influence activities include amplifying influential US voices online to promote the Kremlin's agenda. The use of artificial intelligence allows Russian operatives to mimic American accents effectively, enhancing their ability to deceive online audiences.
The Justice Department recently announced the disruption of nearly a thousand social media accounts used by Russian operatives to pose as US residents and spread Kremlin propaganda about the Ukraine conflict. Iran, on the other hand, aims to stoke social divisions and undermine confidence in US democratic institutions through various means, including social media.
Iran is also attempting to covertly incite protests in the United States related to the conflict in Gaza, according to US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines. The US government remains vigilant against foreign interference and continues to monitor and address these threats as the 2024 elections approach.
