Foreign actors and artificial intelligence pose increasing threats to U.S. elections

The U.S. elections are facing more threats than ever from foreign actors, with Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines warning lawmakers about the increasing risks posed by rapid developments in artificial intelligence. Haines emphasized that federal, state, and local officials tasked with safeguarding voting integrity are up against a “diverse and complex” threat landscape.

During a hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Haines highlighted Russia as the most active foreign threat to U.S. elections this year. She pointed out that Russia utilizes a vast multimedia influence apparatus, including state media, intelligence services, and online trolls, to erode trust in American democratic institutions and exacerbate sociopolitical divisions.

However, Haines also noted that China, Iran, and other foreign actors are actively trying to influence American voters. The rise of new AI technologies, such as “deepfakes,” and the use of commercial firms for laundering activities have enabled more sophisticated influence operations that are harder to attribute.

Lawmakers, led by committee chair Sen. Mark Warner, are taking steps to prevent a repeat of the 2016 election interference by Russia. Sen. Marco Rubio raised concerns about the credibility of entities debunking false claims and the potential impact of fake videos targeting candidates.

As the 2024 election approaches, the government faces the challenge of protecting the election’s credibility amidst a climate of distrust. Haines suggested that federal agencies may debunk false claims in some cases, while state or local officials may be better suited to address others. The need to maintain trust in institutions and ensure the integrity of the electoral process remains a top priority for officials.