Janice R. Andrews
Russia has emerged as the top producer of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content aimed at influencing the outcome of the 2024 US presidential election, according to a US intelligence official. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) stated that Russia is using AI to spread disinformation in an effort to bolster the candidacy of Republican Donald Trump while undermining his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Russia’s AI Disinformation Campaign
Russia’s use of AI in election interference is part of a broader strategy that has been ongoing since at least the 2016 election, when Russian operatives famously used social media to spread false information and polarizing narratives. This time, however, the focus is on using AI to create content that mimics real human-generated material—such as videos, images, and text—to manipulate voters.
According to the ODNI official, the AI-generated content aligns with Russia’s goal of enhancing Trump’s chances by portraying Harris and the Democratic Party in a negative light. “The AI content is consistent with Russia’s broader efforts to boost the former president’s candidacy and denigrate the vice president and the Democratic Party, including through conspiratorial narratives,” the official explained. One example cited was a staged video in which a woman falsely claimed to have been hit by Harris in a car accident, although this particular piece of content was not AI-generated.
Russia’s involvement in election interference through AI is being described as more sophisticated and effective than other foreign efforts, owing to the country’s deeper understanding of the US electoral system and key targets. The official noted that Russia has become adept at using AI to create a vast amount of content quickly, although no specific figures on the volume of AI-generated content were provided.
Justice Department Unveils AI-Backed Russian Operation
The intelligence briefing also referenced a July 9 announcement from the US Department of Justice, which disrupted a Moscow-backed operation that used AI-enhanced social media accounts to amplify pro-Kremlin messages in the United States and other countries. This AI content, often shared through social media platforms, seeks to polarize the American electorate by focusing on divisive issues and spreading disinformation that taps into existing cultural and political tensions.
Russia’s tactics include not only the use of AI to generate convincing media but also leveraging AI-enhanced profiles on social platforms to further disseminate disinformation. These profiles appear to be real people, using AI to simulate human behavior, but are actually controlled by Russia-based operatives.
China’s Influence Operations and AI Use
While Russia leads in AI efforts to influence the election, China’s use of AI in global influence campaigns was also highlighted. According to the ODNI official, China is employing AI to shape international perceptions of itself, particularly in relation to US-China tensions. However, the official clarified that China is not yet using AI specifically to target or influence the outcome of the US election.
“China is using AI in broader influence operations seeking to shape global views of China and amplify divisive US political issues,” the official said. He emphasized that while China has the capabilities, there is no evidence of any AI operations directly aimed at influencing voters in the upcoming US election.
Iran Also Using AI in Influence Campaigns
The briefing also touched on Iran’s use of AI, albeit on a smaller scale. Iranian actors have reportedly been using AI to generate content in both English and Spanish, targeting American voters with disinformation related to polarizing issues such as the conflict in Gaza and US foreign policy toward Israel. Similar to Russia, Iran’s AI efforts include the creation of fake news articles and social media posts designed to manipulate public opinion.
Growing Threat of AI in Global Politics
AI’s growing role in disinformation campaigns signals a new chapter in the use of technology for political interference. Unlike traditional forms of propaganda, AI-generated content is more difficult to detect and can be produced rapidly, allowing foreign powers to shape narratives and influence elections on an unprecedented scale.
The Russian embassy in Washington has not commented on the accusations, though Russia has consistently denied any involvement in interfering with US elections. Both China and Iran have also denied any allegations of election interference in the past.
As the 2024 election approaches, concerns are mounting over the use of AI and other emerging technologies in global disinformation campaigns, highlighting the need for vigilance and stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of democratic processes.
