Foreign Interference Expected in 2024 US Presidential Election
Experts in US intelligence and national security have warned that foreign actors are likely to attempt to interfere with the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Despite much of the intelligence on this issue being classified, FBI Director Christopher Wray has publicly stated that many foreign actors are showing interest in the election scheduled for November 5, 2024.
A recent report by the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center highlighted the rising online threats, particularly from Russian actors, signaling potential interference. Governments often engage in election meddling to undermine US democracy, divert attention from internal issues, and influence policy decisions in their favor.
In the aftermath of the 2016 election, the US intelligence community has heightened its focus on foreign election interference. Social media platforms have also collaborated with the government to combat misinformation surrounding elections.
Anticipated Players in Election Meddling
Russia, led by President Putin, is expected to be a major player in foreign intervention efforts due to geopolitical interests. Other countries like China, Iran, and Cuba are also likely to engage in influencing election outcomes, albeit on a smaller scale.
As technology continues to advance, concerns have been raised about the potential use of deepfake videos to spread misinformation. While sophisticated AI tools pose a threat, the extent of their impact remains uncertain until closer to the election date.
Overall, the upcoming 2024 election presents numerous challenges in safeguarding against foreign interference, necessitating increased vigilance and cooperation between authorities and tech companies.
Edited by: Sean M. Sinico, J. Wingard