US sanctions Iran and Russia for deepfakes, AI-powered election interference

Microsoft has identified Iranian-backed hackers manipulating Americans through AI-generated fake news sites, primarily targeting those susceptible to election boycott messaging based on candidates’ Israel support.

Key Details of Sanctions: The U.S. Treasury and State Departments have imposed sanctions on specific Iranian and Russian entities for attempting to interfere in the 2024 election through deepfakes and influence campaigns.

• The sanctions target Iran’s Cognitive Design Production Center (CDPC), a unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
• Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE), affiliated with Russian intelligence (GRU), and its director Valery Mikhaylovich Korovin also face sanctions
• The measures prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in transactions involving property or interests of designated entities

Iranian Operations Detailed: Iran’s CDPC conducted sophisticated influence operations aimed at manipulating U.S. voter behavior during the election period.

• CDPC created AI-generated fake news websites to promote election boycotts
• The campaign specifically targeted Americans who might be swayed by candidates’ positions on Israel
• Microsoft’s October report first exposed these Iranian operations

Russian Deepfake Campaign: The Moscow-based CGE orchestrated a comprehensive disinformation strategy using advanced AI technology.

• CGE commissioned and funded the creation of candidate deepfakes
• One notable incident involved a false sexual assault allegation against Governor Tim Walz
• The organization maintained a network of at least 100 websites mimicking legitimate news outlets
• GRU provided financial support for AI server maintenance and operational expenses

Governmental Response: Acting Under-Secretary Bradley T. Smith emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting electoral integrity.

• Treasury officials highlight the coordinated effort to combat foreign interference in U.S. democratic processes
• The sanctions demonstrate a decisive response to sophisticated AI-enabled disinformation campaigns
• Authorities remain vigilant against evolving technological threats to election security

Looking Ahead: The intersection of AI technology and election interference presents an escalating challenge for democratic institutions, with both state and non-state actors increasingly sophisticated in their ability to create and disseminate convincing false narratives. The persistence of deepfake content on social media platforms, despite clear evidence of manipulation, suggests current content moderation systems may be insufficient to address this growing threat.