The measures represented a U.S.government effort at disrupting a persistent threat from Russia that American officials have long warned has the potential to sow discord and create confusion among voters.Washington has said that Russia remains the primary threat to elections even as the FBI investigates a hack by Iran of Donald Trump's campaign and an attempt breach of the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris campaign.In the other action, officials announced the seizure of 32 internet domains that were used by the Kremlin to spread Russian propaganda and weaken global support for Ukraine.Attorney General Merrick Garland said the actions relate to Russia’s use of state media to enlist unwitting American influencers to spread propaganda and disinformation.Intelligence agencies have previously charged that Russia was using disinformation to try to interfere in the election.
The new steps show the depth of U.S.concerns and signal legal actions against those suspected of being involved.“Today’s announcement highlights the lengths some foreign governments go to undermine American democratic institutions,” the State Department said.“But these foreign governments should also know that we will not tolerate foreign malign actors intentionally interfering and undermining free and fair elections.”Much of the concern around Russia centers on cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns designed to influence the November vote.
The tactics include using state media like RT to advance anti-U.S.messages and content, as well as networks of fake websites and social media accounts that amplify the claims and inject them into American’s online conversations.Typically, these networks seize on polarizing political topics such as immigration, crime or the war in Gaza.In many cases, Americans may have no idea that the content they see online either originated or was amplified by the Kremlin.“Russia is taking a whole of government approach to influence the election including the presidential race,” an official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said this summer during a briefing.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity under rules worked out with that office.Messages left with the Russian Embassy were not immediately returned.
