Efforts by Russia and China to shape U.S. politics through propaganda and cyberattacks have been less pronounced during this year’s election cycle than they were in 2016 and 2020, Microsoft said on Wednesday.

Microsoft observes a decline in Russia and China’s attempts to influence U.S. elections

On Apr 18, 2024

TL/DR –

Microsoft’s recent research reveals that Russia is attempting to weaken U.S. support for Ukraine before the 2024 election, while China’s influence campaigns are trying to subvert Americans’ faith in democracy and create divisions among them. Compared to their efforts in the 2016 and 2020 elections, both nations’ attempts to influence American politics through propaganda and cyberattacks have reportedly lessened. The research also found that fears of voters being swayed by artificially created deepfake videos have not come to fruition to date, with simpler methods proving to be more effective.

Russia Aims to Undermine U.S. Support for Ukraine, while China Seeks to Divide Americans

Microsoft’s new research indicates that Russia is planning to sabotage U.S. backing for Ukraine ahead of the 2024 election. Concurrently, China’s influence campaigns are striving to fragment Americans and erode their trust in democratic systems.

Reduced Interference Compared to Previous Elections

Microsoft’s report, published Wednesday, suggests that both Russia and China’s continuous efforts to manipulate American politics through propaganda and cyberattacks are less visible this election cycle than during 2016 and 2020. The report also debunks fears about voters being swayed by AI-generated deepfake videos, stating simple persuasion efforts have had more impact.

China Denies Interference

Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, vehemently denies any interference in other nations’ internal affairs. He labels any speculation or accusations of China using social media to meddle in U.S. politics as baseless and malicious.

—
Read More US Political News