The United States Department of Homeland Security Secretary has warned that the danger posed by spreading false information from foreign powers such as China and Russia is growing as the November presidential election approaches. The rise of artificial intelligence has made the dissemination of false information even easier.
On Monday, June 17th, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that China (CCP), Russia, Iran, and North Korea remain the “four main actors” in spreading anti-American false information.
These actors intentionally spread false information online and on social media, seemingly with the purpose of “exacerbating social discord in America and exploiting its divisions”, while also exerting “election influence” by disseminating information regarding specific positions and individuals.
Furthermore, the Biden administration believes that compared to a year ago, the United States faces an increased threat of foreign terrorism, which is related to the resurgence of activity from the Islamic State extremist organization (ISIS) and the turmoil in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas war.
Secretary of Homeland Security mentioned that his department has noticed that “ISIS recruitment activities, public propaganda, and actions inciting individual division within America are resurging”.
According to Bloomberg, the warnings about global threats signal a recent shift in the Department of Homeland Security under Mayorkas’ leadership. The department now considers domestic violent extremism as the most urgent and deadliest threat faced by America in recent years.
Mayorkas stated that he “still” considers domestic violent extremists as the biggest threat to the United States, but concerns regarding foreign terrorism are escalating. The Department of Homeland Security was established after the 9/11 attacks.
“Now, the threat of foreign terrorism is also our top concern, more serious than last year. The Middle East conflict intensified the threat landscape following the October 7th attack,” Mayorkas told Bloomberg News reporters.
Hamas carried out an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to a war between Israel and Hamas.