As the US election day approaches, the US Congress is increasingly concerned about foreign interference in the elections. The Senate Intelligence Committee held a hearing on foreign interference in elections on Wednesday, 18th September, summoning executives from tech giants such as Google, Adobe, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms to testify. During the hearing, Microsoft’s President pointed out that they have discovered that Russia, Iran, and the CCP are collaborating in this election, attempting to sow doubt or distrust in American voters and the international community towards the US democratic system.
In his opening statement at the hearing, Microsoft’s President Brad Smith emphasized that as the election date draws nearer, the threat of foreign interference in the 2024 election is becoming increasingly “real” and “serious.” He stated, “We have found third-party forces spreading false information to damage the image of the US democratic system, such as ‘Russia, Iran, and China (CCP) joining hands in this election for mutual benefit, attempting to tarnish the democratic system in front of American voters, and even the world.”
Smith pointed out, “We know this is a presidential election between Trump and Harris, but this election has also turned into Iran against Trump, and Russia against Harris.”
According to a survey released by Microsoft this week, pro-Russian and Iranian websites have deliberately spread false information detrimental to both party candidates, attempting to influence voter decisions and disrupt the election process. Recently, rumors about Harris fleeing in 2011 have been circulating online, which have been confirmed to be orchestrated by Russian organizations.
Smith stated, “These foreign forces continue to pose complex threats to our democratic system. Therefore, the tech industry, leaders, and nations must come together to protect the integrity of our elections.”
He outlined two principles that tech companies should adhere to. First, “uphold the fundamental right of freedom of speech explicitly guaranteed in our Constitution,” and second, “protect American voters from foreign state interference attempting to deceive the American public.”
Smith believes that to achieve this, tech companies have a responsibility to establish protective measures, especially in reviewing content generated by artificial intelligence (AI). He pointed out that AI technology could be exploited by malicious forces to spread false information or manipulate elections. As such, tech companies should strengthen oversight of these technologies and alert candidates to the risks posed by AI.
He said, “This year, we have worked in 23 countries, conducted over 150 training sessions, with more than 4,700 trainees. Our approach is to respond immediately and in real-time when incidents occur, as we have done, collaborating with campaign teams to help protect them.”
Executives from Meta and Google, including Nick Clegg, Meta’s Vice President of Global Affairs, and Kent Walker, Alphabet’s Vice President of Global Affairs, also testified at the hearing. Executives of companies such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, which fall under these two major companies, also testified at the hearing.
Clegg echoed similar views. He stated that Meta is committed to “freedom of speech,” but has also found foreign forces trying to “undermine” US elections.
In his testimony, Clegg expressed, “We are aware that every election faces various challenges and complex issues. However, we believe that our comprehensive strategy can effectively protect this year’s US elections, as well as the integrity of elections globally (referring to the fairness, transparency, and accuracy of elections).”