Russia"s covert influence on 2024 election through US social media
- U.S. officials have charged two ex-employees of Russia Today for covertly funding an American media company to influence the 2024 election.
- The funding was used to pay American conservative influencers to create content, while the influencers were likely unaware of the Russian connection.
- This tactic represents a growing concern for U.S. security agencies regarding foreign interference in elections, highlighting the need for vigilance.
Recent developments indicate that Russia is employing American social media influencers to manipulate public opinion ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The Justice Department has charged two former employees of the Russian news agency Russia Today for allegedly funding an American political media company, Tenet Media, with around $10 million. This funding was used to pay conservative influencers to create content that aligns with Russian interests, while the influencers themselves were reportedly unaware of the Russian backing. U.S. intelligence officials have expressed concern that foreign agents are increasingly using American citizens to disseminate narratives that serve their agendas. This tactic is seen as a sophisticated method of foreign interference, aiming to exploit societal divisions and undermine trust in the U.S. government. The situation is compounded by previous incidents, such as a disinformation campaign targeting social media platforms owned by Elon Musk. President Joe Biden has previously warned about potential Russian interference in the upcoming election, highlighting the evolving strategies of foreign influence actors. A senior intelligence official noted that these actors are becoming more adept at concealing their involvement, making it harder for the public to recognize the manipulation. The implications of these actions are significant, as they threaten the integrity of the electoral process and could sway voter opinions in favor of candidates aligned with Russian interests. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly shown support for Vice President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump, further complicating the political landscape as the election approaches.