Foreign Influence Tactics in US Election Intensify: Russian, Chinese, and Iranian Campaigns Fall Under Scrutiny

Foreign adversaries, including Russia, China, and Iran, are intensifying their efforts to influence the US election, according to a Microsoft report. Russian operatives are targeting Kamala Harris, while Chinese campaigns target down-ballot candidates. Iran's focus is on voter intimidation and spreading disinformation on sensitive topics like the Israel-Hamas War.

As the US election approaches, foreign entities are ramping up efforts to sway voter opinions, according to a report by Microsoft. The report identifies Russian, Chinese, and Iranian actors as primary threats to election integrity, with attempts to disseminate false narratives and disinformation.

Russian operatives are primarily focused on Vice President Kamala Harris, using AI-generated and staged videos to tarnish her campaign. Meanwhile, China is targeting down-ballot candidates critical of Beijing, using manufactured social media personalities to spread false claims.

Iran, known for past voter intimidation efforts, is again in the spotlight for exploiting geopolitical tensions and potentially scouting election infrastructure for further influence operations. Despite these actions, US authorities remain confident in the security of the election process, although the threat of external influence continues to loom.

(With inputs from agencies.)