I Study Disinformation. This Election Will Be Grim.

Renée DiResta, a former research director at the Stanford Internet Observatory, discusses the alarming rise of election disinformation in the United States. She highlights how false claims about the 2020 presidential election being stolen led to the events of January 6, 2021. DiResta explains how her team's efforts to counter misinformation were twisted into claims of censorship, leading to investigations and threats. As the 2024 election approaches, she warns of the increasing challenges posed by new social media platforms, AI-generated content, and foreign influence operations. DiResta emphasizes the importance of defending against disinformation and safeguarding the democratic process, despite facing backlash and intimidation. The Stanford Internet Observatory has had to refocus its work and discontinue certain projects due to the pressures and threats faced. DiResta calls for continued vigilance and outspokenness against attempts to silence researchers and undermine election integrity efforts.