Recent FBI warnings have raised concerns about foreign adversaries, such as China, Russia, and Iran, intensifying their efforts to influence the upcoming 2024 U.S. election using artificial intelligence (AI). During a press conference held on Thursday, an FBI official emphasized that election threats are more diverse and widespread than ever before. While each adversary may employ different methods with subtle variations, their common goal remains to sow discord and undermine democracy.
Of particular concern is China’s willingness to expand its influence by creating fake social media accounts to manipulate narratives and foster division, mirroring Russia’s tactics in previous elections. With AI serving as a powerful tool for manipulation, the FBI fears that foreign adversaries may exploit AI to spread disinformation and interfere in the U.S. election, describing AI technology as an area of potential ongoing growth in the coming years.
Given the prevalence of deepfake technology and automated calls, the threat posed by AI manipulation is not merely theoretical, as evidenced by real examples cited by FBI officials. One such instance involved fabricated audio clips circulating on social media ahead of parliamentary elections in Slovakia, falsely attributing statements to a party leader about raising beer prices and manipulating votes.
Furthermore, another FBI official highlighted Russia’s likely targeting of U.S. election infrastructure, including state and local government networks, for espionage and data collection purposes. By exploiting access to these networks, Russia could undermine confidence in the election’s integrity and bolster its influence activities, while China and Iran are identified as potential foreign actors willing to interfere in the 2024 U.S. election.
The FBI officials also expressed concerns that the divergence in bipartisan opinions on assisting Ukraine could impact the upcoming election in November. Democrats largely support Biden’s military aid to Ukraine, while some influential Republicans, including former President Trump and hardliners in Congress, lean towards discontinuing foreign aid. This divide may make Russia more inclined to intervene in the election compared to 2020.
The FBI provided insights during the news conference but requested that reporters refrain from disclosing the officials’ identities as per regulations. A report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) released in February highlighted China’s goal of targeting critics and amplifying social divides in American society. Beijing actively exploits online platforms to exacerbate social divisions, aligning with Moscow’s influence strategies and posing a growing threat to U.S. democracy.