The Department of Homeland Security report noted that Russian “influencers” worked to “dramatize stories about immigrants entering the United States,” in an attempt to stir discord, and used generative artificial intelligence to create fake websites that appeared to be authentic American media outlets.
The report also stated that Iran has “significantly increased its efforts to influence abroad.”
In one example, Iranian actors posed as activists online to encourage protests over the conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Department of Homeland Security said.
The United States is preparing for tense presidential elections between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump.
The Department of Homeland Security’s assessment predicts that Russia, China, and Iran will use “a combination of disruptive, undeclared, criminal, and coercive tactics to seek new opportunities to undermine confidence in America’s democratic institutions and domestic social cohesion.”
“Domestic violent extremists pose another serious threat,” the report stated, noting that Trump has already been the target of two alleged assassination attempts.
The report said: “It is expected that local extremists will attempt to carry out violent acts with the aim of spreading fear among voters, candidates and election workers, as well as disrupting electoral processes.”
“Among these, lone criminals or small cells motivated by grievances related to race, religion, gender, or anti-government views pose the greatest threat,” the report added.
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