The U.S. Department of Justice seizes 32 internet domains in a crackdown on Russian disinformation campaigns, raising concerns about foreign interference in the upcoming 2024 elections.
At a Glance
- DOJ seized 32 domains used in Russian government-directed foreign influence campaigns
- Campaigns violated U.S. money laundering and criminal trademark laws
- Russian companies involved include Social Design Agency, Structura National Technology, and ANO Dialog
- Aim was to spread propaganda, reduce support for Ukraine, and influence U.S. and foreign elections
- Attorney General Garland emphasized commitment to countering election interference
DOJ Takes Action Against Russian Disinformation
The U.S. Department of Justice has taken decisive action against Russian attempts to manipulate American public opinion and interfere with elections. In a bold move to protect the integrity of democratic institutions, the DOJ seized 32 internet domains allegedly used in Russian government-directed foreign influence campaigns. These domains were part of a sophisticated operation known as “Doppelganger,” which aimed to disseminate false and misleading content to sway American voters and undermine support for Ukraine.
The seized domains were linked to Russian companies including Social Design Agency (SDA), Structura National Technology (Structura), and ANO Dialog. These organizations, directed by Sergei Vladilenovich Kiriyenko, violated U.S. money laundering and criminal trademark laws in their attempts to influence American public opinion and electoral processes.
Justice Department Disrupts Covert Russian Government-Sponsored Foreign Malign Influence Operation Targeting Audiences in the United States and Elsewhere
🔗: https://t.co/Zfm3qPImPa pic.twitter.com/3d98jA0UiM
— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) September 4, 2024
Sophisticated Tactics and AI-Powered Disinformation
The Russian disinformation campaign employed cutting-edge tactics, including the use of artificial intelligence to create deceptive content. FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted the sophistication of these operations, noting the use of AI to generate websites that trick Americans into consuming Russian propaganda. The campaign also utilized cybersquatting, fabricated influencers, and fake social media profiles to promote false narratives and target specific demographics.
“Today’s announcement exposes the scope of the Russian government’s influence operations and their reliance on cutting-edge AI to sow disinformation,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.
One of the seized domains, washingtonpost.pm, mimicked The Washington Post to spread disinformation. This tactic of impersonating legitimate news sources demonstrates the lengths to which these Russian actors were willing to go to deceive American audiences.
Broader Implications and Government Response
The Justice Department’s actions reflect a broader effort to combat foreign interference in U.S. elections. In response to these threats, the U.S. Treasury Department designated 10 individuals and two entities involved in the disinformation campaigns. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to countering election interference and protecting the democratic process.
“The Justice Department is seizing 32 internet domains that the Russian government and Russian government-sponsored actors have used to engage in a covert campaign to interfere in and influence the outcome of our country’s elections,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.
The DOJ’s actions serve as a warning to other foreign actors who might attempt to interfere in U.S. elections. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the government’s vigilance in protecting the integrity of the electoral process remains paramount. The seizure of these domains represents a significant step in safeguarding American democracy from foreign influence campaigns.
