US Warns of Advanced and Widespread Russian Election Meddling

US warns Russia's election meddling more sophisticated, widespread

Russia's efforts to influence the US election are more sophisticated than in past cycles. By Natalia Drozdiak and Chris Strohm Russia's efforts to influence the US election are more sophisticated than in past cycles, a US intelligence official said, warning the country's activities go well beyond an alleged plot revealed in a Justice Department indictment this week. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Moscow's tactics include targeting US swing states using artificial intelligence and influence-for-hire firms, and amplifying divisive narratives, according to the official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity. Earlier in the week, the Biden administration unsealed charges against two Russian nationals accused of laundering nearly $10 million to pay for a secret influence campaign to support former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. The official added that Russia has other active assets and that Washington is pursuing a broad counter-effort. "Russia is looking to amplify divisive rhetoric and influence election outcomes, which is consistent with Moscow's broader foreign policy goals of weakening the United States and undermining Washington's support for Ukraine," the ODNI said in updated report on election security released Friday. More From This Section Elon Musk dares the world to take on X as he scoffs at Brazil's ban Taiwan court sentences three retired officers for spying on China's behalf Biden to host British PM Keir Starmer next week for White House talks Hindu group endorses Donald Trump over Harris in US presidential elections UN accuses Israel of starvation campaign in Gaza that Netanyahu denies US authorities have stepped up their vigilance of election security after signs that foreign adversaries, including Russia, Iran and China, sought to meddle in the 2016 and 2020 elections. The government's steps have included closely coordinating among agencies, calling out efforts by state-backed groups and charging individuals. The indictment unsealed this week exposed how Russia allegedly uses popular right-wing social-media influencers to reach Americans with narratives that advance Moscow's interests. ALSO READ: Russian propaganda: New Kremlin tactic reveals efforts to sway US vote President Vladimir Putin's government has sought to use influencers in the US because it believes that's a more effective way to deceive and influence Americans, the intelligence official said. In July, the agencies warned Russia and Iran would seek to influence the 2024 US presidential election. US intelligence agencies in August blamed Iran for a recent hack of Trump's presidential campaign. The agencies have also said they are monitoring the possibility that actors linked to Beijing could seek to influence down-ballot races that threaten its interests. Among the three adversaries, Russia is still seen as the US top concern, the ODNI official said, pointing to its technical ability and the significant scope and scale of its activities. Also Read Russian propaganda: New Kremlin tactic reveals efforts to sway US vote Russians mock US election allegations as Putin says he supports Harris Russian foreign minister warns US not to cross red lines on Ukraine issue Will take action against US media in response to charges, says Russia Right-wing influencers were duped to work for covert Russian operation: US

US Warns Russia's Election Meddling Advanced and Widespread

Russia's efforts to influence the US election are more sophisticated than in past cycles, a US intelligence official said, warning the country's activities go well beyond an alleged plot revealed in a Justice Department indictment this week. Moscow's tactics include targeting US swing states using artificial intelligence and influence-for-hire firms, and amplifying divisive narratives, according to the official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity. Earlier in the week, the Biden administration unsealed charges against two Russian nationals accused of laundering nearly $10 million to pay for a secret influence campaign to support former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. The official added that Russia has other active assets and that Washington is pursuing a broad counter-effort. "Russia is looking to amplify divisive rhetoric and influence election outcomes, which is consistent with Moscow's broader foreign policy goals of weakening the United States and undermining Washington's support for Ukraine," the ODNI said in updated report on election security released Friday. US authorities have stepped up their vigilance of election security after signs that foreign adversaries, including Russia, Iran and China, sought to meddle in the 2016 and 2020 elections. The government's steps have included closely coordinating among agencies, calling out efforts by state-backed groups and charging individuals. The indictment unsealed this week exposed how Russia allegedly uses popular right-wing social-media influencers to reach Americans with narratives that advance Moscow's interests. President Vladimir Putin's government has sought to use influencers in the US because it believes that's a more effective way to deceive and influence Americans, the intelligence official said. In July, the agencies warned Russia and Iran would seek to influence the 2024 US presidential election. US intelligence agencies in August blamed Iran for a recent hack of Trump's presidential campaign. The agencies have also said they are monitoring the possibility that actors linked to Beijing could seek to influence down-ballot races that threaten its interests. Among the three adversaries, Russia is still seen as the US top concern, the ODNI official said, pointing to its technical ability and the significant scope and scale of its activities.

US Warns Russia's Election Meddling Advanced and Widespread

Russia's efforts to influence the US election are more sophisticated than in past cycles, a US intelligence official said, warning the country's activities go well beyond an alleged plot revealed in a Justice Department indictment this week. Moscow's tactics include targeting US swing states using artificial intelligence and influence-for-hire firms, and amplifying divisive narratives, according to the official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity.