With less than two weeks until the 2024 U.S. presidential election, foreign adversaries are increasing their efforts to disrupt the democratic process, Microsoft warns. Russia, Iran and China are targeting key political campaigns and voters using cyber tactics and disinformation, according to a report from the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center.
Russia has concentrated its influence operations on the Harris-Walz campaign, according to Microsoft. Russian operatives have created AI-generated deepfake videos aimed at discrediting Vice President Kamala Harris.
One video falsely depicts her insulting former President Donald Trump, while another accuses her of illegal activities in Zambia.
Disinformation targeting Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz has also gained traction. One video has received more than 5 million views on social media.
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Iranian hackers, tracked by Microsoft as “Cotton Sandstorm,” have been probing U.S. election-related websites and media outlets.
Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Iranian operatives are preparing for cyber-influence operations targeting U.S. audiences. This is similar to their 2020 operation posing as the right-wing group Proud Boys. This time, Iran is encouraging voters to boycott the election, claiming U.S. support for Israel undermines candidates.
China, meanwhile, is focusing its disinformation efforts on down-ballot Republican candidates who advocate for anti-China policies. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Marco Rubio, along with Rep. Barry Moore, have been targeted with accusations of corruption and amplified antisemitic messaging. Though these efforts have not seen high engagement, they represent China’s sustained attempts to influence U.S. political discourse.
Microsoft reports that all three countries are using AI to spread disinformation rapidly. As Election Day approaches, these foreign interference operations are expected to increase, undermine voter confidence and cast doubt on the integrity of the results. Early detection and fact-checking are critical to counter these efforts, Microsoft says.
