US disrupts Russian government-backed disinformation campaign that relied on AI

The U.S. Justice Department announced the disruption of a Russian government-backed disinformation campaign that utilized artificial intelligence to spread online propaganda in the United States. The operation involved the creation of fake social media profiles posing as authentic Americans to advance Russian government interests, including spreading misinformation about the conflict in Ukraine. The scheme was reportedly organized in 2022 with the assistance of a senior editor at RT, a Russian-state-funded media organization. The Kremlin supported the initiative, with an officer from Russia's Federal Security Service leading a private intelligence group that promoted disinformation through a network of fake accounts. The Justice Department seized domain names and investigated nearly 1,000 accounts on a social media platform. FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted concerns about AI technology influencing elections and foreign campaigns swaying public opinion. The disruption aimed to counter the spread of AI-generated foreign disinformation and geopolitical narratives favorable to Russia. The campaign targeted countries beyond the U.S., including Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Ukraine, and Israel.