Foreign actors have been utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and disinformation tactics to disrupt democratic processes in the United States, according to recent statements from the FBI, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Iran has been identified as responsible for attempted hacks into the presidential campaigns of both Donald Trump and Joe Biden, employing social engineering and other methods to gain access to individuals with direct campaign connections. The intelligence community believes that these activities, including theft and disclosures, are intended to influence the US election process.
Microsoft, in its public announcement, revealed that Iran had launched a significant disinformation campaign, utilizing AI-enabled services to plagiarize content from US publications. One particular group targeted left-leaning groups with anti-Trump messages, while another group showed potential for more extreme activities such as inciting violence against political figures or groups. Russia, known for its expertise in disinformation campaigns, has also been active. The Justice Department reported disrupting two Russian propaganda campaigns aimed at justifying Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and disparaging Ukraine, Poland, and the European Union. Notably, the US operation dismantled a “Russian-sponsored Generative AI-enhanced social media bot farm,” marking the first time such an operation had been disrupted.
Social media platforms have taken action against these disinformation campaigns. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, removed inauthentic pages and accounts targeting Ukraine and its conduct of the war instigated by Russia. Meta emphasizes that it focuses on regulating coordinated inauthentic behavior rather than content, aiming to combat coordinated efforts to manipulate public debate. Russia remains a top violator of this policy, with numerous accounts removed in the past quarter. Additionally, the US Director of National Intelligence warned that foreign actors continue to rely on Americans, both witting and unwitting, to promote narratives that serve their interests through social media.
The battle against disinformation has become more complex due to a recent legal case challenging the government’s authority to combat disinformation on the internet. While the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Biden administration, the exact boundaries of the First Amendment in this context remain unsettled. The government and social media companies are gradually rebuilding their relationship to effectively address disinformation.
As the US presidential election approaches, foreign actors see it as a prime target. Meta’s latest cybersecurity report advises influential figures and the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling for deceptive operations attempting to manipulate public debate. It is crucial for users to develop stronger skepticism towards social media content, while the government and tech companies must step up their efforts to counter disinformation.