Russian disinformation campaigns amplify divisive narratives ahead of elections

Valeria de la Fuente, a Digital Research Analyst at ISD US, joined Factchequeado on Tuesday to discuss Russian disinformation campaigns in the lead up to the elections. Federal authorities had reported on Tuesday a surge in non-credible bomb threats across Georgia, Arizona and Pennsylvania, attributing some of these to Russian interference efforts. Valeria explained how ISD research has seen first-hard how pro-Kremlin outlets and social media accounts have been amplifying divisive disinformation, particularly promoting narratives about noncitizens voting.

While there is no evidence that online campaign activities have made a large-scale impact, Russia’s tactics appear more targeted and sophisticated. By paying close attention to narratives that resonate with the public, Russian operatives are refining their methods. Videos distributed by these campaigns promote messages that, even if their full influence remains unknown, could still reinforce divisive narratives on sensitive issues. Valeria highlighted one such video that promoted claims of noncitizens voting to sway election results, in this case using Haitian immigrants due to the recent targeting in disinformation about pet-eating in Springfield, Ohio.