Russia uses AI content to influence US election – Reuters

Russia is creating more content using artificial intelligence to influence the US presidential election than any other country.

Source: A representative of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), who spoke on condition of anonymity, as reported by Reuters; European Pravda

Details: The US intelligence official says this is part of a broader strategy to boost Republican candidate Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris.

The source noted that Russia is using AI to create content aimed at boosting Trump's chances and reducing the popularity of Harris and the Democratic Party. This includes spreading conspiracy narratives.

As the ODNI representative explained, Russia is a more experienced player with a better understanding of the US electoral system and is identifying appropriate targets for influence. 

The ODNI representative says one example is a case in July when the US Department of Justice announced that an operation involving the use of AI to spread pro-Russian messages on social media had been shut down.

In addition to Russia, China, and Iran are also using AI to influence global opinion. However, the intelligence official said, so far they have not used it to interfere in the US election.

Russia has previously denied interfering in the US elections. The Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Background: 

• The US Department of Treasury imposed sanctions on Russian propaganda channel RT and related companies for attempting to interfere in the US presidential election.
• Putin also recently said that his favourite candidate in the US election was White House chief Joe Biden, but since the latter had withdrawn from the race and recommended Kamala Harris, Russia would also support her.
• In response, the White House advised Moscow to stop interfering in the US presidential election.
• On 9 September, it was reported that Russia was increasingly turning to American social media stars to covertly influence voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

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