Microsoft has reported a sharp increase in foreign efforts to influence the upcoming US election, with Russia, China and Iran all employing disinformation campaigns aimed at shaping voter perceptions. As Election Day approaches, Microsoft’s latest report suggests that these adversarial activities will intensify, raising concerns among US officials who are confident in the security of election infrastructure but wary of efforts to manipulate voters.
The report from Microsoft’s Threat Intelligence team depicts Russia’s ongoing efforts to smear Vice President Kamala Harris, using AI-generated videos and fake news to discredit her campaign. Russian operatives have targeted Harris with fabricated claims, including a staged video alleging that she killed an endangered rhinoceros in Zambia. The report also states that other Russian disinformation campaigns have created fake election-related videos spoofing American organisations, including Fox News and the FBI.
China, meanwhile, has focused its attention on down-ballot races, introducing disinformation campaigns against Republican candidates critical of the Chinese government. Prominent targets include Rep. Barry Moore (Alabama), Sen. Marsha Blackburn (Tennessee), Rep. Michael McCaul (Texas) and Sen. Marco Rubio (Florida). Chinese-linked actors have been using fake social media personas to spread disinformation about these candidates, aiming to erode trust in US democracy.
Microsoft’s report also points to Iranian efforts to influence US voters, with groups tied to Iran attempting to exploit divided opinions on the Israel-Hamas war. Iranian-linked operatives have also been observed surveying election-related websites in swing states, potentially preparing for further disinformation schemes similar to their efforts during the 2020 election.
US Election Infrastructure Remains Secure
Despite these foreign disinformation efforts, US officials are confident that election infrastructure is secure enough to withstand any cyberattacks or attempts to disrupt the voting process. Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), has stated that while foreign actors may try to interfere, improvements in election security mean they are unlikely to affect the outcome.
However, the report warns that foreign influence campaigns could still create discord among American voters and incite post-election protests. Intelligence officials have suggested that both Russia and Iran may attempt to encourage violent demonstrations following the election.
Ongoing Concerns As Election Day Nears
Microsoft’s report highlights the growing threat of foreign disinformation as the US election enters its final stretch. While the tech giant noted that some of these campaigns have had limited engagement with American audiences, others have been amplified by unwitting social media users, spreading foreign propaganda to thousands of people in the lead-up to voting.
The disinformation campaigns mirror tactics used by foreign actors in previous elections, with Russian, Chinese and Iranian operatives attempting to exploit political divisions in the US As Clint Watts, general manager of the Microsoft Threat Analysis Centre, stated, “The ability of foreign actors to rapidly distribute deceptive content can significantly impact public perception and electoral outcomes.”
As Election Day approaches, US officials and cybersecurity experts are urging voters, candidates and government institutions to remain vigilant to the threats posed by foreign actors seeking to influence the election and undermine trust in democratic processes.
