A recent Microsoft threat intelligence report has unveiled a concerning trend of Russian-linked disinformation campaigns targeting Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party as the November 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches. The report highlights the adaptability of Kremlin-aligned actors in their covert influence efforts, despite initial struggles following President Biden's decision not to seek re-election.
One notable example of these efforts emerged on September 2, 2024, when a fabricated video circulated widely on social media platforms. The video featured an actor posing as a young Black woman claiming that Harris had left her paralyzed in a hit-and-run accident in San Francisco 13 years ago. Despite immediate skepticism from observant social media users, the video garnered millions of views.
Clint Watts, general manager of the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center, explained:
"People tend to take in information from sources they don't really know or wouldn't even know to evaluate."
The report attributes this video to a Russian-aligned influence network called Storm-1516, also known as CopyCop. This group specializes in creating authentic-seeming "whistleblower" accounts that may appear as unreported news to U.S. voters.
Another Russian influence actor, Storm-1679, has recently shifted its focus from the French election and Paris Olympics to posting manipulated content about Harris. This includes a doctored video depicting a Times Square billboard linking the Vice President to gender-affirming surgeries.
Interestingly, these disinformation campaigns do not appear to utilize advanced generative AI tools. Instead, they rely on actors and traditional editing techniques, which Watts suggests may be more time-efficient and equally effective.
The motivation behind these Russian-aligned groups seems to be undermining support for Ukraine rather than backing specific candidates. Harris has pledged continued support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, making her a target for these influence operations.
It's worth noting that foreign interference in U.S. elections is not a new phenomenon, with instances dating back to the 18th century. However, the rise of social media and advanced technology has amplified the potential impact of such campaigns.
The report also touches on Iranian and Chinese influence efforts, highlighting the complex landscape of foreign actors attempting to sway U.S. political opinion. As the election draws nearer, it is crucial for voters to remain vigilant and critically evaluate information sources to maintain the integrity of the democratic process.