Russia Leverages AI and US Servers in 2024 US Presidential Election Disinformation Campaign
Washington, D.C. – The US Treasury Department revealed on Tuesday that a Moscow-based nonprofit with close ties to Russia’s primary intelligence agency, the GRU, orchestrated a sophisticated disinformation campaign during the 2024 presidential election. Leveraging artificial intelligence and a network of servers based within the United States, the Center for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE) generated and disseminated misleading narratives targeting US presidential candidates. The Treasury Department alleges the CGE even produced deepfake videos of a vice-presidential candidate, though it refrained from identifying specific individuals or political parties involved. This revelation underscores the evolving tactics employed by foreign actors seeking to interfere in democratic processes and highlights the growing threat of AI-powered disinformation.
The CGE’s operation, allegedly financed by the GRU, involved utilizing generative AI tools to fabricate disinformation content at a rapid pace. This material was then distributed through an extensive network of websites meticulously designed to mimic legitimate news outlets. This tactic of creating a false sense of corroboration between fabricated stories served to amplify the disinformation’s reach and obfuscate its Russian origins. Alarmingly, the Treasury Department asserts that the GRU facilitated the CGE’s access to a network of US-based facilitators who were instrumental in establishing and maintaining the AI-powered server infrastructure, managing the network of disinformation-propagating websites, and even contributing to the rental costs of the apartment housing the servers. However, the Treasury stopped short of disclosing the identities of these facilitators or providing details about the network of websites, leaving open questions about their current online visibility.
This campaign marks a significant escalation in Russia’s ongoing interference in global elections. Over the past decade, Russia has been implicated in various online disinformation campaigns targeting elections worldwide. From the 2016 Bundestag hack in Germany, where leaked emails were used to discredit Chancellor Angela Merkel, to the manipulation of social media during Britain’s Brexit referendum, and the spread of false narratives targeting French President Emmanuel Macron during the 2017 French elections, Russia has consistently sought to undermine democratic processes. In the US, the Internet Research Agency (IRA), a notorious Russian troll farm, was found to have created thousands of fake social media accounts to disseminate divisive content during the 2016 US presidential election, often favoring then-candidate Donald Trump.
The 2024 election marked a shift towards more sophisticated tactics, with Russia increasingly relying on artificial intelligence to amplify its disinformation efforts. The use of AI allows for faster content generation, more precise targeting of specific demographics, and the creation of highly realistic deepfake videos that can be used to manipulate public opinion and sow discord. According to Bellingcat journalist Christo Grozev, the 2024 election saw a marked increase in the speed and targeting of Russian AI-driven disinformation campaigns. This represents a new and concerning development in information warfare, demanding a concerted global effort to counter its spread and impact.
The US government has been actively working to disrupt these AI-driven disinformation campaigns, understanding the critical importance of preserving the integrity of democratic processes. However, this escalating digital arms race necessitates a robust and adaptable approach. Identifying and neutralizing the networks facilitating such operations, both domestically and internationally, will be paramount. Furthermore, educating the public to recognize and critically evaluate online information is crucial in mitigating the effectiveness of these campaigns. The 2024 election serves as a wake-up call, demonstrating the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation and the development of effective countermeasures to combat the growing sophistication of AI-powered disinformation campaigns.
In response to these findings, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on the CGE and its director, Valery Korovin. These sanctions represent a concrete step towards holding those responsible for undermining democratic processes accountable. However, the broader challenge remains, necessitating a multifaceted approach involving government agencies, tech companies, and international partners to effectively counter the evolving threat of AI-driven disinformation and safeguard the integrity of future elections. The 2024 campaign has highlighted the need for constant vigilance and a commitment to strengthening democratic institutions against foreign interference in the digital age.