Russian groups spread fake videos targeting Kamala Harris campaign before 2024 election
Microsoft disclosed that Russian groups aligned with the Kremlin created and distributed deepfake videos and other fabricated content targeting Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign. The fake videos, including a deepfake of a hit-and-run incident, spread across social media platforms to millions of viewers before the election.
What happened
Microsoft reported in September 2024 that Russian groups aligned with the Kremlin had created and distributed fake videos targeting Kamala Harris ahead of the US presidential election. The videos included a deepfake showing a woman claiming Harris left her paralyzed in a hit-and-run incident 13 years ago, and other videos depicting Harris supporters attacking Donald Trump supporters.
One video was posted on social media on September 2 through a newly created fake San Francisco news channel called KBSF-TV that featured plagiarized content from legitimate news sources. Russian group Storm-1516 produced content implicating Harris and Governor Walz in outlandish fake conspiracy theories. Another fake billboard video showing Harris policy positions received over 100,000 views on X in the hours after posting.
Reported impact
Microsoft's Clint Watts stated that as elections approach, people are more susceptible to information from unfamiliar sources. The videos circulated across social media platforms including X and Telegram, reaching millions of views.
Index analysis
Microsoft found that Russian influence operations initially struggled to pivot operations aimed at the Democratic campaign following President Biden's departure from the race, but in late August began intensifying attacks on the Democratic presidential ticket. The tech giant's findings indicate that organizations tied to America's foreign adversaries are intensifying efforts to influence US political opinion as the election approaches, employing manipulative tactics.
Governance controls
The US Justice Department had previously brought money-laundering charges against two employees of Russian state media network RT, alleging involvement in a scheme to hire an American firm to create online content aimed at influencing the election. Microsoft experts reported seeing efforts to create new websites and transfer content following the Justice Department's removal of over 30 sites related to influencing the American election.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.