How technology amplifying foreign interference in US elections US intelligence data

The interference of foreign powers in US elections has transformed dramatically since the 2016 presidential campaign.

Initial efforts, primarily orchestrated by Russia, were characterised by brash, attention-seeking posts littered with spelling errors and strange syntax, Caliber.Az reports per The New York Times.

According to US intelligence, Russia, China, and Iran have all adopted refined tactics to influence American politics, with the overarching goal of sowing discord and discrediting democracy. While Russia appears to support former President Donald Trump, Iran is reportedly backing Vice President Kamala Harris, and China seems to have no preferred candidate. The stakes are high, as even small shifts in voter sentiment could significantly impact a closely contested election.

One notable evolution in these disinformation tactics is the broadening of platforms used to disseminate false information. In 2016, Facebook was the primary vehicle for such efforts; today, campaigns span a myriad of platforms, including Telegram, Gab, YouTube, and TikTok. These countries have adopted strategies from one another, although it remains unclear if there is direct collaboration. For instance, Russian accounts on Telegram spread divisive content, while Chinese operatives mimicked American students to stoke tensions on campuses regarding the Gaza conflict.

Researchers highlight that modern disinformation campaigns are far more targeted. They now focus on specific districts, ethnic groups, and religious communities, tailoring messages to resonate with particular audiences. Melanie Smith, research director at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, emphasised that disinformation is now “custom-built for a specific audience by preying on their interests or opinions,” making it far more effective.

Iran, in particular, has set up covert operations aimed at niche groups, such as military veterans and Black Americans, through websites like “Not Our War” and “Afro Majority.” These sites blend anti-American sentiment with issues relevant to their target audiences. Similarly, China and Russia have adopted focused approaches; Chinese state media have spread false narratives in Spanish to influence Hispanic voters in the US.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has further enhanced these disinformation efforts, enabling foreign agents to create more convincing content with greater efficiency. Recent reports indicate that OpenAI disrupted over 20 foreign operations using its products, underscoring how AI capabilities have lowered the barrier for sophisticated influence campaigns. A prominent example includes John Mark Dougan, a former deputy sheriff turned disinformation agent, who has successfully created multiple fake news websites from Russia.

Compounding the challenge is the increasing difficulty in identifying disinformation. Foreign operatives, like those from Russia, have obscured their influence by backing seemingly legitimate conservative commentators through digital platforms. This method adds a layer of complexity, making it hard for authorities to detect and dismantle these campaigns.

As foreign disinformation proliferates, tech companies appear to have scaled back their efforts to combat it. Major platforms like Meta and Google are reportedly less proactive in labelling and removing disinformation, creating a fragmented approach that hampers effective countermeasures. Security experts warn that the lack of cohesive policies across tech platforms allows hostile actors to exploit the system more easily.

In summary, the article notes that as the 2024 presidential election approaches, foreign interference in American politics has become a multifaceted and evolving threat. With advanced tactics, targeted messaging, and the assistance of AI, the challenge of safeguarding democratic processes continues to grow. The potential impact on the upcoming election underscores the urgent need for coordinated responses from both government agencies and tech companies.

By Aghakazim Guliyev