NEW YORK — A recent report from Microsoft highlights ongoing attempts by foreign entities to sway the upcoming U.S. elections, with evidence suggesting these efforts may escalate as Election Day approaches.
According to the tech firm’s threat intelligence division, Russian operatives are intensifying their use of manipulated videos to undermine Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign. Concurrently, social media campaigns connected to China are targeting candidates in lower-tier races who have criticized Beijing.
Additionally, Iranian actors, previously known for sending intimidating emails to American voters during the 2020 elections, are now monitoring election-related websites and major news platforms, raising alarms about potential new tactics this year, as noted by Microsoft.
This report serves as a cautionary message, echoing earlier warnings from U.S. intelligence agencies, emphasizing the need for vigilance as the nation nears the critical period of ballot counting. Officials express confidence in the security of election infrastructure against adversarial attacks, yet the close nature of the election heightens concerns about foreign influences on public opinion.
Microsoft pointed out that while some disinformation campaigns it monitors have garnered little real engagement from American audiences, others have been inadvertently amplified by U.S. users, resulting in thousands encountering foreign misinformation as Election Day approaches.
In response to these allegations, Russia, China, and Iran have denied any involvement in meddling with U.S. elections. The Chinese Embassy affirmed that Beijing does not intend to interfere in American domestic matters. Similarly, Iran’s UN mission categorically rejected claims of interference as baseless.
The report underscores a growing spectrum of organized efforts aimed at furthering adversaries’ agendas as global conflicts and economic anxieties place additional importance on the U.S. elections. Previous elections in 2016 and 2020 saw similar tactics employed, with foreign entities working to exacerbate divisions among American voters, leading to a nearly equally divided electorate just two weeks before the polls close.
Clint Watts, leading Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center, stated, “Historical evidence points to foreign entities’ capability to rapidly circulate deceptive content, significantly shaping public sentiment and electoral results.” He further urged vigilance from voters and institutions in the face of suspicious online activities, particularly crucial in the 48 hours surrounding the election.
The findings align with prior intelligence reports indicating Russia’s tactics aimed at disparaging Harris, reflecting a preference for a Trump presidency. Analysts reported increased production of both advanced and basic disinformation content targeting Harris over recent months.
Among the disinformation shared were fabricated videos—including a staged clip of someone impersonating a park ranger with false claims about Harris harming endangered wildlife—alongside baseless attacks on her running mate, Tim Walz, which U.S. intelligence has also linked to Russian operatives. The Harris campaign publicly denounced these Russian efforts as harmful.
Russian influence has also involved creating misleading election-related content that mimics authentic American news organizations, further muddying public perception. Meanwhile, Chinese entities have recently focused on lower-tier races, attempting to generate distrust towards American democracy, specifically aiming to undermine Republican candidates perceived as opposed to China.
Targets have included Alabama Republican Barry Moore, Tennessee’s Marsha Blackburn, and Texas’ Michael McCaul, all seeking reelection. The group has also launched attacks against Florida Senator Marco Rubio, prompting these senators to issue stern warnings about the seriousness of China’s endeavors in weakening democratic processes in the U.S.
In contrast, the Chinese Embassy insists these charges are part of a narrative driven by unfounded accusations against China, dismissing them as baseless speculation.
Iran is also reportedly engaging in disinformation against Trump while continuing to manipulate narratives surrounding the ongoing Middle East tensions. Analysts have identified Iranian operatives leveraging discord related to the Israel-Hamas conflict to influence American public opinion, suggesting potentially dangerous strategies as Election Day nears.
Moreover, the report highlighted Iranian entities had previously breached the social media accounts of American political figures, contributing to concerns about targeted influence campaigns potentially resuming against various candidates now.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations has labeled the report’s accusations as entirely unfounded and inappropriate, once again denying any attempts to interfere in U.S. electoral processes.
Despite the activities of Russia, China, and Iran, intelligence officials maintain that there is currently no evidence suggesting plans to attack the electoral infrastructure itself, which would be crucial for influencing outcomes. U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Jen Easterly reassured that advancements in election security would effectively counter any manipulation attempts.
However, officials have alerted that both Russia and Iran may attempt to instigate violent protests following the election, alarming potential aftermath scenarios.
In summary, as the nation gears up for a pivotal election period, foreign entities have ramped up efforts to sway voters, and the consequences of such actions could be significant as the country braces for a closely contested election.