Russian troll farms, backed by the Kremlin, are conducting disinformation campaigns targeting the upcoming US presidential elections, focusing on discrediting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, according to a new report by Microsoft.
The company’s Threat Analysis Center has been monitoring two troll farms involved in these efforts. The report highlights the methods these actors are using, including creating fake videos and websites to spread false information designed to damage the reputations of US political figures.
After initial difficulties following President Biden’s decision to step down as a candidate, one of the troll farms launched several viral videos in late August and early September. These videos were fabricated to present false stories about Kamala Harris.
One viral video falsely portrayed Harris supporters attacking Trump rally-goers, while another falsely implicated Harris in a 2011 hit-and-run incident. The latter gained significant traction, despite originating from a newly created website that falsely posed as a San Francisco-based news outlet.
Kamala Harris
The second troll farm shifted its focus from content related to the 2024 Paris Olympics to targeted disinformation against Harris. One notable fake video falsely claimed that a New York City billboard showed Harris supporting gender changes for children. This video was initially shared on Telegram and then spread to platforms like X (formerly Twitter), quickly amassing over 100,000 views in a few hours.
Microsoft has issued warnings that more disinformation, including staged and AI-generated videos, is expected to circulate as the election approaches. They also noted the involvement of Russian state media, with two RT employees recently indicted for planning to pay a Tennessee company $10 million to distribute thousands of propaganda videos.
The US Treasury has also sanctioned ANO Dialog, a Russian nonprofit, for its role in creating fake news websites. Microsoft has suspended over 20 accounts tied to ANO Dialog as part of its efforts to curb these activities.
Other tech giants, like Meta, have also taken action against Russian disinformation efforts, with Meta recently banning RT and other Russian outlets for foreign interference.
These efforts highlight the broader challenge of combating foreign influence, as multiple reports suggest other nations, including Iran, are also trying to sway US elections. Iranian groups have targeted both Biden-Harris and Trump campaign advisers, with disinformation campaigns aimed at manipulating public opinion in the US.
