Microsoft revealed on Tuesday, Sept. 17, that Russian operatives have recently intensified their online disinformation attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. These operatives have been producing and spreading videos promoting conspiracy theories designed to “deepen racial and political divides in the U.S.,” according to Microsoft’s warning.
One video, viewed millions of times, falsely depicts Harris supporters attacking an attendee at a Trump rally.
Another misleading video alleges that Harris caused a young girl’s paralysis in a 2011 hit-and-run incident.
Microsoft researchers found that the latter video was circulated through a fake San Francisco media outlet.
As of Tuesday afternoon, both videos were still accessible on X, with one post amassing 1.5 million views.
This report from Microsoft highlights a recent surge in efforts by Kremlin-linked internet trolls to undermine the presidential election.
According to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Russia’s strategies in this election mirror those from 2016 and 2020, when Moscow allegedly targeted President Joe Biden and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton with similar disinformation tactics.
The latest revelation from Microsoft comes as the U.S. government steps up measures to counteract Russian disinformation efforts with the presidential election now less than 50 days away.
