Russia, Iran, China could use AI to influence US election

According to an annual threat assessment by the US government, the United States perceives an increasing threat from Russia, Iran, and China, which are attempting to interfere in the elections, including through the use of artificial intelligence to spread disinformation.

The Department of Homeland Security report states that Russian influence actors have amplified narratives about migrants entering the US to incite hostility. Furthermore, they have utilized generative artificial intelligence to create fake websites that masquerade as legitimate American media outlets.

Iran, for its part, is becoming "increasingly aggressive in its foreign influence efforts." The report includes examples where Iranian entities posed as online activists to encourage protests over the Gaza conflict.

The Department of Homeland Security's assessment suggests that Russia, Iran, and China "will use a blend of subversive, undeclared, criminal, and coercive tactics to seek new opportunities to undermine confidence in US democratic institutions and domestic social cohesion."

The report also highlights that domestic aggressive extremists pose another significant threat. Notably, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has already been the target of two potential assassination attempts.

Additionally, the report indicates that domestic extremists may attempt acts of violence "with the intent of instilling fear among voters, candidates, and election workers, as well as disrupting election processes."

Among these actors, the most significant threat comes from lone offenders or small cells motivated by grievances related to race, religion, gender, or anti-government sentiments.

It is worth noting that just over a week ago, intelligence officials informed former US President Donald Trump "regarding real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him in an effort to destabilize and sow chaos" in the US.