US intelligence official claims that Russia uses AI to influence US election
US officials warn of foreign AI influence as the presidential election draws near, with Russia leading the charge.
Russia has been the most active foreign power using AI to influence the upcoming United States presidential election, according to a US intelligence official. Moscow’s efforts have focused on supporting Donald Trump and undermining Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party. Russian influence actors are employing AI-generated content, such as text, images, and videos, to spread pro-Trump narratives and disinformation targeting Harris.
In July, the US Justice Department revealed the disruption of a Russia-backed operation that used AI-enhanced social media accounts to spread pro-Kremlin messages in the US Additionally, Russian actors staged a false hit-and-run video involving Harris, according to Microsoft research. The intelligence official described Russia as a more sophisticated player in comparison to other foreign actors.
China has also been leveraging AI to shape global perceptions, though it is not focused on influencing the US election outcome. Instead, Beijing is using AI to promote divisive political issues in the US, while Iran has employed AI to generate inauthentic news articles and social media posts, targeting polarising topics such as Israel and the Gaza conflict.
Both Russia and Iran have denied interfering in the US election, with China also distancing itself from attempts to influence the voting process. However, US intelligence continues to monitor the use of AI in foreign influence operations as the November 5 election approaches.
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