KEY POINTS
- AI-Driven Misinformation: In the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. elections, AI has increasingly been weaponized to spread disinformation. Deepfakes, AI-generated content, and chatbots are being used to manipulate voter perceptions and spread false narratives. AI tools are now being deployed to impersonate election officials, spoof websites, and even challenge voter eligibility with minimal human involvement(Brennan Center for Justice)(RAND).
- Decline in Social Media Transparency: Since 2023, major platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta have reduced transparency by limiting access to research tools. X, for example, began charging $42,000 per month for data access, while Meta retired its CrowdTangle tool, making it more difficult for researchers to monitor misinformation trends(Stern Center)(RAND).
- Influence of Micro-Influencers: Research suggests that smaller influencers with niche audiences have become more effective at spreading political disinformation. These influencers are increasingly targeted by political organizations and foreign actors due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to engage specific demographic groups(RAND).
October is #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth, and with Election Day only being a few weeks away in the US, we’re going to attempt to kill two birds with one stone and provide you with tips and tricks to stay safe online during an election year!
The 2016 U.S. Presidential election was a wake-up call, proving that information warfare can destabilize a nation as effectively as any military strike. Disinformation and misinformation campaigns weren’t just tools of influence; they became weapons that shook the foundations of democracy, manipulating public opinion and sowing division. As we look ahead to Election Day 2024, these tactics have only evolved, making it more crucial than ever for voters to learn from the past. If we want to protect our democratic values and secure a more transparent future, now is the time to act!
In this week’s post, we will dive into the critical issue of disinformation and misinformation, revealing the latest sophisticated tactics foreign actors are using to divide and destabilize us. More than ever, it’s essential to stay informed and vigilant. We’ll break down these threats and arm you with practical tips to recognize and stop the spread of false information—because safeguarding the truth is protecting our future.
Disinformation vs Misinformation
The words disinformation and misinformation are often used interchangeably, and wrongfully so. Similarly to how people erroneously use the terms magazine and clip interchangeably when discussing firearms. Disinformation is defined as “deliberately misleading or biased information; manipulated narrative or facts; propaganda.” Misinformation, on the other hand, is defined as “false information that is spread, regardless of intent to mislead.” The second component is crucial! You see, misinformation is typically not malicious in nature, and does not focus on the intent of spreading falsified information. Misinformation typically simply spreads because the message recipient of a message may have mistakenly interpreted the sender’s message, however, disinformation is deliberately put into play to advance an individual’s, or organization’s agenda. That agenda can be anything from discrediting a political opponent, to raising one’s social standing.
The Latest Disinformation Campaign
Recent disinformation campaigns have become increasingly sophisticated, leveraging both artificial intelligence and social media platforms to influence public opinion and sow discord. One notable example is the discovery of a large network of fake accounts, allegedly tied to China and Russia, spreading false narratives about polarizing U.S. political topics, particularly aimed at the 2024 elections. These accounts employed deepfake technology and AI-generated content to fabricate videos and social media posts, further complicating efforts to distinguish truth from fiction (Brennan Center for Justice). Additionally, domestic groups have weaponized disinformation to challenge voter eligibility in U.S. elections based on inaccurate data (Brennan Center for Justice). These campaigns are part of a broader effort by foreign and domestic actors to exploit divisions and undermine democratic processes(Stern Center)(RAND).
To provide the American people with context on potential cyber disruptions during the 2024 election, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cyber Security Infrastructure Agency (CISA) published a joint public service announcement regarding disinformation campaigns targeting the 2024 US Presidential election. To undermine the credibility of the US electoral process, foreign threat actors (AKA the bad guys and gals) actively spread fictitious information. They alleged that voting systems, and other voting related infrastructure (registration databases, email servers, etc.) were compromised, permitting attackers unfettered access to sensitive data. While election related data, such as, voter registration information, has been accessed in the past, voting systems (to date) have NOT been compromised in any US election.
In fact, in many cases, US voter information is publicly available and can be purchased or acquired through legitimate exchanges.
How to Combat Disinformation?
So, how can we spot and stop the spread of disinformation in today’s hyper-connected world? The following recommendations are based on guidance from the FBI and CISA:
- Always look for information from trustworthy sources. It is extremely important that you verify the authenticity of the content producer and consider their intent when reading and sharing their content. We have included several tools in the “Additional Resources” section that you can use to verify claims.
- When in doubt, check with your state and local election officials for information regarding voter registration databases, voting systems, and changes in polling sites.
- Report election crimes, such as disinformation pertaining to the time, place, or manner of voting to the FBI.
- ALWAYS fact check an article before sharing it with the masses!
Election days is right around the corner. As we get closer to November 5th, foreign threat actors will continue to use covert and overt tactics to influence your vote and, ultimately, US foreign policy. Fortunately, O’Mard Consulting Services, LLC has armed you with some indispensable tools to assist you in recognizing disinformation.
Now, that you understand the difference between disinformation and misinformation, and are aware of the tactics used by the bad guys and gals to initiate disinformation campaigns, you can join us in the fight against disinformation! If you have any questions regarding disinformation, misinformation, or information operations, do not hesitate to contact us. Make sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more tips!
Happy Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Remember to stay calm and vote on this election season.
Additional Resources