Rising fears of foreign interference in US election
Domestic violent extremists could also target the US election with disruptive or violent actions.
Concerns are rising ahead of the US presidential election, with the latest intelligence suggesting interference from foreign nations like Russia, Iran, and China. The annual threat assessment released by the Department of Homeland Security highlights the use of AI by these countries to spread misinformation and create fake websites.
Russian actors have focused on amplifying divisive narratives, particularly around immigration. Iran has adopted a more aggressive approach, posing as activists online to encourage protests related to the conflict in Gaza. China is also seen as a potential player in efforts to undermine confidence in US democratic institutions.
The upcoming election, expected to be highly contested between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, presents further opportunities for foreign interference. Tensions within the US could be exacerbated by these external efforts, along with potential threats from domestic extremists.
Domestic violent extremism also remains a serious concern. The report warns of the risk posed by lone actors or small cells driven by grievances related to race, religion, or anti-government views. These groups may attempt violent actions to instill fear or disrupt the electoral process.
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