Russia leads AI‑driven manipulation in US elections, warns ODNI
Russia is responsible for generating the largest amount of content using artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of the US presidential elections, according to a representative from the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). During a Monday briefing, US intelligence services revealed that Moscow is leveraging AI technologies to support Donald Trump's campaign and damage the image of Kamala Harris.
Data presented at the briefing indicated that Russia is currently the leader in using artificial intelligence to manipulate public opinion on social media, aiming to influence the outcome of the elections in the United States.
The ODNI representative emphasised that Russia uses AI to create content across all media platforms – texts, images, audio, and videos, allowing for the widespread dissemination of pro-Russian narratives on the internet. Bots and fake social media accounts support this strategy.
This is part of a wider Russian initiative aimed at backing the former president's campaign while discrediting the vice president and the Democratic Party, often through the use of conspiracy theories, according to an ODNI representative.
He noted, however, that AI is not yet a 'revolutionary tool of influence' due to technological limitations that sometimes make it easier to detect algorithm-generated content. Nonetheless, these capabilities may develop, especially with the creation of more advanced AI models and a strategic approach to targeting specific audience groups.
Example of Russian manipulation
Specific examples of disinformation were also discussed during the briefing, including a video featuring actors hired by the Russian services. The video depicted the alleged victim of a car accident supposedly occurring in 2011, in which, according to false information, Kamala Harris hit a 13-year-old girl.
This material was not created using AI, but with actors, and its production was associated with a fictional local television station in San Francisco, set up by the Russians, pointed out the intelligence representative.
Other countries also attempt to influence elections
The ODNI representative noted that besides Russia, other countries, such as China and Iran, are also trying to influence the elections in the US. China's operations are focused on highlighting social divisions and promoting a positive image of the country. On the other hand, Iran uses AI to create fake news portals and content on social media, mimicking real sources of information.
The above information indicates that foreign states, especially Russia, are increasingly investing in developing and using artificial intelligence as a tool of political influence. Although AI is imperfect, its future potential may challenge democratic election processes in the US and worldwide.
