The official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that AI content produced by Moscow aligns with Russia's broader efforts to support Trump's candidacy and undermine Harris and the Democratic Party, including through conspiratorial narratives, Reuters reported.
Generative AI, which creates new text, images, and videos that appear human-made, is being utilized by Russia to produce disinformation ahead of the November 5 vote. While the official did not provide specific volumes, he noted that Russia is more sophisticated in its approach and has a better understanding of U.S. elections and appropriate targets.
When asked how Russia disseminates AI content, the official referred to a July 9 Justice Department announcement about disrupting a Moscow-backed operation that used AI-enhanced social media accounts to spread pro-Kremlin messages in the United States and elsewhere.
The official also cited a widely circulated video in which a woman falsely claimed she was a victim of a hit-and-run accident involving Harris. The video was staged rather than AI-generated, he clarified. Microsoft Corp stated last week that the video was part of a covert Russian disinformation campaign, according to Reuters.
China and Iran’s AI efforts
China is also using AI to shape global perceptions but is not targeting the U.S. election outcome, the official said. "China is using AI in broader influence operations seeking to shape global views of China and amplify divisive U.S. political issues," he noted.
Iranian actors have employed AI to generate social media posts and fake news articles in English and Spanish, aiming to influence American voters on polarizing issues such as Israel and the conflict in Gaza, as well as the presidential candidates. Iran has previously denied interfering in U.S. elections.
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Source: Reuters, PAP, ODNI