On Tuesday, Microsoft released a report revealing that Russian disinformation campaigns are intensifying against the Harris-Walz campaign. The tech giant’s findings highlight the use of false and provocative content to sway American voters, a tactic reminiscent of past election meddling.
Coordinated Disinformation Campaign
Microsoft has identified at least three Russian entities involved in this disinformation effort. One of these, a “marketing” firm, has recently been indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice. The other two groups were mentioned only by pseudonyms. These actors have leveraged platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and fake news websites to spread misleading videos targeting Vice President Kamala Harris.
According to Clint Watts, general manager at the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center (MTAC), a Russian troll farm created and circulated two particularly harmful videos. One falsely claimed Harris was involved in a hit-and-run accident, while the other depicted fabricated scenes of her supporters attacking a Trump supporter.
Both videos have achieved viral status, with millions of views across various platforms. The hit-and-run video was propagated by a newly created, fictitious San Francisco media outlet, significantly influencing public perception. Another video, featuring a violent confrontation involving two Black men and a white woman wearing a Trump shirt, garnered over 49 million views, further fueling online controversy.
Darren Linvill, director of the Media Forensics Hub at Clemson University, pointed out that these videos echo Russia’s previous tactics to stoke division, similar to their efforts during the 2016 elections.
Historical Patterns of Disinformation
Russia’s involvement in U.S. elections is well-documented. The Internet Research Agency (IRA), known for its role in 2016, used social media to amplify extremist views and divide American voters. This approach continues with newer groups, like Storm-1679, which have shifted focus from the 2024 Paris Olympics to discrediting Harris. A misleading video, depicting a fake billboard in New York City with false claims about Harris, quickly spread on social media, gaining over 100,000 views within hours.
Broader Disinformation Threats
Russian efforts are part of a larger pattern of foreign interference. Iranian and Chinese actors have also been active in cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. Iranian operatives have targeted both presidential campaigns, while Chinese actors have produced videos critical of Harris and President Joe Biden. Some Chinese-linked accounts pose as conservative Trump supporters, while others create anti-Trump content, adding to the confusion among voters.
Additionally, Chinese actors have circulated false information related to an assassination attempt on Trump, further inflaming conspiracy theories and public distrust.
Over recent election cycles, Russian operations have consistently targeted Democratic candidates in the months leading up to election day. The hit-and-run video, for instance, was part of a deliberate campaign to damage Harris’s reputation by falsely attributing a past incident to her.
The Role of Russian Proxies
Russian groups like Volga Flood, which has ties to former Russian Ministry of Defense officials, use sophisticated AI tools to amplify both real and fake content. These groups have also been involved in spreading disinformation about recent events, such as race riots in the UK. Another group, Ruza Flood, is linked to entities recently sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Justice.
In response, platforms like YouTube have banned accounts connected to Russian disinformation. Microsoft has also suspended over 20 email accounts tied to ANO Dialog, a Russian group known for spreading false information. However, these actors are already setting up new channels to continue their operations.
The Urgency of Addressing Disinformation
As the U.S. election approaches, the challenge of countering disinformation remains critical. The Kremlin’s multifaceted campaign aims to support Trump and undermine Harris, involving covert funding of right-wing influencers and creation of deceptive news sites. U.S. intelligence suggests that Russia’s interest in Harris is linked to her support for Ukraine, contrasting with Trump’s favorable stance towards Russia.
In comparison, Iran focuses on undermining Trump’s re-election chances, while China appears to be creating general confusion rather than supporting any specific candidate. As election day nears, the need for vigilance and coordinated efforts to combat disinformation is more urgent than ever. Microsoft’s report highlights the ongoing threats and the critical need for proactive measures to safeguard the democratic process.
