The Kremlin is actively trying to influence the public opinion of uninformed Americans by spreading disinformation about the US presidential race.
This was stated by representatives of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence at a briefing for journalists on Monday, according to Yevropeiska Pravda, an agency reported by AR.
This warning comes after several tumultuous weeks in US politics that have forced Russia, Iran, and China to reconsider the details of their propaganda plans.
According to intelligence officials, the determination of these countries to flood the Internet with false claims about American democracy to undermine confidence in the election remains unchanged.
“The American public needs to be aware that the content they read online, especially on social media, may be foreign propaganda, even if it appears to come from compatriots or originate in the United States,” said a representative of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Russia continues to pose the biggest threat when it comes to disinformation during the election. Although there are signs that Iran is expanding its efforts, and China is acting cautiously.
Groups with ties to the Kremlin are increasingly hiring marketing and communications companies in Russia to outsource some of their digital propaganda work, while covering their tracks, officials said during a briefing with reporters.
Two such firms were targeted by new US sanctions announced in March. The US authorities allege that the two Russian companies created fake websites and social media profiles to spread Kremlin disinformation.
The disinformation may focus on candidates or voting, or on issues that are already the subject of debate in the United States, such as immigration, crime, or the war in the Gaza Strip.
The ultimate goal, however, is to get Americans to spread Russian disinformation without questioning its origin.
Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 30/07/2024