US Set To Accuse Russia Of 2024 US Election Meddling: Here Are Major Disinformation Measures

The Biden administration is expected to accuse Russia of attempting to influence the 2024 US presidential election by spreading disinformation through Kremlin-controlled media and online platforms.

The Biden administration plans to accuse Russia of attempting to influence the 2024 US presidential election.

This effort involves using Kremlin-controlled media and online platforms to spread disinformation targeting American voters, according to a CNN report citing six sources familiar with the matter.

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Actions expected include a public condemnation by the White House and an announcement from the Justice about law enforcement measures against this covert Russian campaign. The US officials view RT, the Russian state media network, as a central element in pushing Kremlin's propaganda.

Focus on RT and Disinformation Campaigns

The disinformation campaign reportedly involves both American and non-American voices. This will be the Biden administration's most significant public response yet to alleged Russian influence operations targeting US voters. The Social Design Agency, a Russian company already sanctioned by the Treasury Department for operating fake news sites in Europe, is expected to be named in the announcements.

RT, formerly known as Russia Today, continues to run global platforms advancing the Kremlin's agenda. The Justice Department had previously forced RT America to register as a foreign agent in 2017 due to its involvement in Russian election interference efforts. Wednesday's announcements mark the second major push by the Biden administration to counter RT's influence in recent months.

Previous Accusations and Ongoing Concerns

In July, the Justice Department accused an RT employee of orchestrating a disinformation scheme using around 1,000 fake social media accounts to spread false narratives about the Ukraine war. The Kremlin denied financing this scheme. CNN has reached out to RT for comments on these expected US announcements.

Following last month's accusations against Iran for attempting to hack both Trump and Biden-Harris campaigns, Wednesday's actions underscore ongoing concerns about Russia's role as a major foreign influence threat for the upcoming election. Attorney General Merrick Garland will lead a meeting of the Justice Department's Election Threats Task Force with senior law enforcement leaders, including FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Global Influence Operations

Since Russia's 2016 election interference, which involved hacking the DNC and leaking documents to undermine Hillary Clinton, foreign operatives have increasingly targeted US elections. In June, Iranian hackers breached the Trump campaign, stole internal documents, and shared them with the media. They also targeted campaign staff by accessing Roger Stone's email account.

China is also under scrutiny for its extensive online operations aimed at US voters. Despite Chinese leader Xi Jinping's assurance to President Biden last November that China would not interfere, concerns persist among US officials and experts.

Election Security Measures

Tampering with the US election process remains highly challenging due to robust security measures. There is no evidence of any successful efforts, foreign or domestic, to alter vote tallies. Approximately 97% of voters in the 2024 election will cast ballots in jurisdictions with verified paper records, enhancing election transparency according to Jen Easterly, director of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

The Biden administration’s actions highlight ongoing vigilance against foreign interference in US elections. These measures aim to protect electoral integrity amid rising global threats.