Pro-Russian disinformation networks deploy AI to spread false claims in US 2024 election
Pro-Russian websites operating under John Mark Dougan reportedly used AI voice synthesis to fabricate audio of Barack Obama discussing eliminating Donald Trump, spreading the false claim across a network of 171 sites designed to mimic US news outlets during the 2024 election campaign. According to NewsGuard, the disinformation network uses cheap AI tools to generate and amplify fabricated stories as foreign actors intensify influence operations ahead of the November election.
What happened
Pro-Russian websites posing as local US news media have spread disinformation during the 2024 presidential campaign using cheap, widely available AI tools. Early in August, these sites falsely claimed the Democratic Party orchestrated the failed assassination attempt against Republican candidate Donald Trump in July.
To support the claim, the sites circulated an audio excerpt allegedly featuring former President Barack Obama and a Democratic strategist discussing the need to eliminate Trump. According to NewsGuard analysis, this audio was created using AI voice synthesis technology.
Reported impact
John Mark Dougan, a former US Navy and Florida police officer exiled in Russia, operates a network of dozens of websites designed to mimic legitimate US news outlets, sometimes appearing to target swing states. McKenzie Sadeghi of NewsGuard stated the network is increasingly used to create political disinformation ahead of US elections, employing AI-rewritten versions of fabricated stories across multiple sites for credibility.
The disinformation campaign occurs as the US government warns that foreign powers including Russia and Iran are intensifying efforts to influence the outcome of the November 5 presidential election.
Index analysis
The fabricated audio was accompanied by articles attributed to 'DeepStateLeaks' that appeared to be AI-rewritten versions of the same story across Dougan's 171 websites, according to NewsGuard. The sites use names resembling established newspapers to appear credible while deceiving readers about the content's origin and authenticity.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.