Russia, Iran, China Anticipated To Employ AI In Their Efforts To Influence US Election: Report

Russia, Iran and China are expected to use tactics such as artificial intelligence-driven misinformation to influence the upcoming 5 November US elections, according to a threat assessment released on Wednesday by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The report also identifies a substantial threat from domestic violent extremists seeking to undermine the democratic process.

As per the DHS annual threat assessment, foreign actors from Russia, Iran and China are expected to take advantage of the highly tense political environment surrounding the 2024 presidential election, utilising modern tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) to broadcast false or divisive material. Russian influence operations have already magnified tales about migrants entering the United States to sow unrest, and they have used artificial intelligence to construct phoney websites that closely resemble actual US-based media publications.

The research also stated that Iran is getting more aggressive in its efforts to exert influence abroad. Iranian actors have been impersonating online activists to provoke rallies over the continuing fighting in Gaza. China is also likely to try to disrupt American democratic institutions by spreading disinformation that erodes trust and fosters societal tensions.

The forthcoming election, which is projected to be a tight race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, is viewed as an ideal chance for foreign opponents to exploit party divisions. The Department of Homeland Security expects Russia, Iran and China to use a variety of measures to disrupt the election and cast doubt on the democratic process's legitimacy.

Along with these overseas dangers, the research warns about domestic violent extremists who may use violence to disrupt elections. The most dangerous actors are lone offenders and small groups driven by grievances about race, religion, gender or anti-government beliefs. The study also lists two purported assassination attempts on Trump, reflecting the dangers of politically motivated violence as the election approaches.

The DHS study anticipates that both foreign and domestic actors will attempt to disrupt election processes by inciting fear in voters, candidates and election workers. These threats are projected to involve a mix of criminal, coercive and subversive acts aimed at undermining trust in the United States' democratic institutions.