The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have issued a joint public service announcement to raise awareness about the tactics foreign threat actors are employing to spread disinformation ahead of the 2024 U.S. general election. Titled “Just So You Know: Foreign Threat Actors Likely to Use a Variety of Tactics to Develop and Spread Disinformation During the 2024 U.S. General Election Cycle,” this PSA emphasizes the significance of election security as a vital aspect of national security. As the election date approaches, officials warn that adversaries aim to undermine the democratic process by casting doubt on the integrity of elections and sowing discord among voters.
CISA Senior Advisor Cait Conley stressed the importance of vigilance in the face of these threats, stating, “While elections are political, election security is not.” She called for public awareness of the sophisticated disinformation campaigns being waged by foreign adversaries, particularly those leveraging generative artificial intelligence to produce and disseminate misleading content. Conley reassured citizens that extensive efforts are being made across local, state, and federal levels to ensure the security of election infrastructure, emphasizing that Americans should feel confident their votes will be accurately counted.
The PSA details specific tactics observed in the lead-up to the election, particularly those attributed to foreign actors from Russia and Iran. These include the creation of fake news websites that mimic established media outlets, as well as the use of paid influencers to obscure the source of disinformation. As these tactics evolve, the agencies urge voters to critically assess information sources and remain cautious about the content they consume, especially as artificial intelligence is increasingly employed in disinformation efforts.
To combat the spread of misinformation, the FBI and CISA encourage the public to rely on trusted sources, such as state and local election officials, for accurate information. Citizens are urged to verify claims through multiple reliable sources before sharing content on social media platforms. For more guidance on safeguarding against disinformation, individuals can visit CISA’s dedicated election security webpage at cisa.gov/Protect2024, where resources are available to help voters navigate the complex information landscape as Election Day approaches.
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