Russian influence operations targeting US election have slowly begun: Microsoft

Researchers at the tech giant said in a report that Russia-linked accounts were disseminating divisive content aimed at U.S. audiences

By: Reuters
San Francisco | April 17, 2024 10:02 PM IST

1 min read

The activity is slower than seen in previous elections but it could just be the beginning of more to come, the researchers said in the report. (Photo source: Bloomberg)

Microsoft said on Wednesday it found Russian online campaigns aimed at influencing the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election kicked into gear over the past 45 days, although the activity is slower than seen around past elections.

Researchers at the tech giant said in a report that Russia-linked accounts were disseminating divisive content aimed at US audiences, including criticising American support of Ukraine in its war with Russia.

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The activity is slower than seen in previous elections but it could just be the beginning of more to come, the researchers said in the report.

The Russian embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment on the report, but the Kremlin said last month that it would not meddle in the November US election. It also dismissed U.S. allegations that it orchestrated campaigns to sway the 2016 and 2020 US presidential elections.

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