US Warns of Advanced and Widespread Russian Election Meddling
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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
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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.
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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.
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The United States has issued a stark warning about Russia's increasingly sophisticated and pervasive efforts to interfere in elections worldwide. This alert comes as nations prepare for crucial upcoming polls, including the US presidential election in 2024.
Russia's Advanced Election Interference Tactics
The United States has raised alarm bells over Russia's increasingly sophisticated and widespread efforts to meddle in elections across the globe. According to US intelligence assessments, Moscow has refined its tactics, making its interference attempts more difficult to detect and counter
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.Global Reach and Upcoming Elections
Russia's election interference activities are not limited to the United States but extend to numerous countries worldwide. This warning comes at a critical time, with several nations preparing for significant elections in the near future. The US presidential election in 2024 is of particular concern, given the high stakes and global implications
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.Evolving Tactics and Technological Advancements
Intelligence officials have noted that Russia has adapted its strategies, moving beyond the methods used in previous election cycles. The interference now involves more advanced technological tools and techniques, making it challenging for cybersecurity experts and election officials to identify and mitigate these threats
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.Disinformation Campaigns and Social Media Manipulation
One of the key components of Russia's interference efforts is the spread of disinformation through social media platforms. These campaigns aim to sow discord, influence public opinion, and potentially sway election outcomes. The sophistication of these operations has increased, with more targeted and nuanced approaches to manipulating online narratives
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.International Cooperation and Countermeasures
In response to this growing threat, the United States is calling for increased international cooperation to combat election interference. This includes sharing intelligence, developing joint cybersecurity strategies, and implementing robust measures to protect the integrity of electoral processes worldwide
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Impact on Democratic Processes
The widespread nature of Russia's election meddling poses a significant threat to democratic processes globally. It undermines public trust in electoral systems and can potentially influence the outcome of crucial votes. The long-term implications of such interference on international relations and global stability are a major concern for policymakers and security experts
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.Preparedness and Vigilance
As nations brace for upcoming elections, there is an increased emphasis on preparedness and vigilance. Election officials, cybersecurity experts, and social media companies are being urged to enhance their defenses and monitoring capabilities to detect and counter potential Russian interference attempts
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