What's happened
A Microsoft report reveals that Russian disinformation campaigns are targeting Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the November elections. Fake videos and websites have been created to discredit her and her campaign, reflecting a strategic pivot by foreign adversaries as the election approaches.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Microsoft identified the disinformation campaign as a sign of Russia ramping up its influence efforts ahead of the November elections. The report states, 'Russian influence operations initially struggled to pivot operations aimed at the Democratic campaign following President Biden’s departure.' Meanwhile, Politico highlights that the Kremlin-aligned group Storm-1516 created fake videos to discredit Harris, with one video claiming to show her supporters attacking Trump supporters. Microsoft noted that these videos received millions of views, emphasizing the effectiveness of such disinformation tactics. The Independent adds that the disinformation campaign included a fabricated hit-and-run incident involving Harris, which was widely circulated on social media, demonstrating the potential reach and impact of these false narratives.
How we got here
Following President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race, Russian influence operations have shifted focus to the Harris-Walz campaign. Microsoft identified a Kremlin-aligned group, Storm-1516, responsible for creating misleading content to undermine Harris's candidacy.
Common question
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How is Russian Disinformation Affecting the 2024 Elections?
As the 2024 elections approach, disinformation campaigns, particularly from foreign adversaries like Russia, are becoming increasingly prevalent. Understanding how these tactics are being employed, especially against key political figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, is crucial for voters. This page explores the impact of disinformation on public opinion and offers insights on how to identify fake news.
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How is Technology Impacting Political Campaigns Today?
As technology continues to evolve, its influence on political campaigns becomes increasingly significant. From social media strategies to disinformation tactics, understanding these dynamics is crucial for voters and candidates alike. Below, we explore key questions surrounding the intersection of technology and politics, shedding light on how these elements shape modern elections.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.
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Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company with headquarters in Redmond, Washington. It develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services.
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
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