DOJ Accuses Putin Of Orchestrating Covert Online Campaign

• US Justice Department accuses Putin and Kremlin of orchestrating covert online campaign.

• 32 internet domains seized for spreading foreign malign influence through AI-generated false narratives.

• Russian companies used cybersquatting, fabricated influencers, and fake profiles to subvert election process.

Russian incumbent President Putin visits his election campaign headquarters in Moscow

Reuters

The US Justice Department has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin of orchestrating a covert online campaign to influence US elections. The department seized 32 internet domains that were used to spread foreign malign influence through AI-generated false narratives on social media.

According to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, Russian companies SDA, Structura, and ANO Dialog, at Putin's direction, utilized cybersquatting, fabricated influencers, and fake profiles to promote false narratives targeting specific American demographics and regions to subvert the election process.

Monaco emphasized the importance of free and fair elections, stating that efforts to expose foreign malign influence operations are crucial to protecting democracy.

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32 internet domains seized for spreading foreign malign influence through AI-generated false narratives.

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US Justice Department accuses Putin and Kremlin of orchestrating covert online campaign.

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Russian companies used cybersquatting, fabricated influencers, and fake profiles to subvert election process.

FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted the use of cutting-edge AI by the Russian government to spread disinformation and influence operations.

In a separate indictment, Russian nationals Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva were charged with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Attorney General Merrick Garland convened a meeting of the Justice Department's Election Threats Task Force, attended by senior law enforcement leaders, to address the issue of election interference.