The United States has announced sanctions against organizations in Russia and Iran. According to the Treasury Department, these groups engaged in campaigns to “stoke socio-political tensions” and influence voter behavior through disinformation and cyberattacks. Here’s a breakdown of what happened, the tactics used, and why it matters.
One of the sanctioned entities is the Center for Geopolitical Expertise, a Moscow-based group linked to Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU). This organization is accused of running an elaborate and technology-driven disinformation campaign.
The organization built its own private server to host artificial intelligence (AI) tools, circumventing foreign web-hosting services that might block its activities. These tools allowed the group to create disinformation at scale, distributing false narratives through a network of at least 100 fake websites designed to appear as legitimate news outlets.
One particularly troubling example involved a manipulated video that made baseless accusations against Tim Walz, the running mate of Vice President Kamala Harris. This video was part of a broader Russian effort to discredit political candidates and sow confusion among voters.
The Treasury Department revealed that US-based companies unwittingly provided funding to maintain the AI server and operate the fake website network.
The Treasury Department also sanctioned the Cognitive Design Production Center, a subsidiary of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The group is accused of planning election interference since at least 2023.
The Department of Justice previously indicted Iranian nationals linked to a cyberattack targeting President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign. While these events occurred in prior years, the Treasury Department’s latest actions suggest that Iranian influence operations remain an ongoing threat.
In a related effort to curb election interference, OpenAI reported banning ChatGPT accounts tied to Iranian influence operations. This reveals how adversaries are now exploiting advanced AI tools to manipulate public opinion, mirroring the tactics used by Russia.
Why it matters
Election interference is more than a political problem—it’s a direct threat to the democratic process. These operations aim to confuse voters, undermine trust in institutions, and manipulate outcomes.
Modern tools, such as AI, have dramatically changed the landscape of disinformation. A study by MIT found that false news spreads six times faster than factual news on social media, giving disinformation campaigns a disproportionate impact. By leveraging AI, groups like the Center for Geopolitical Expertise can amplify their reach and efficiency.
Repeated interference efforts risk damaging public confidence in elections. According to a Pew Research survey, 65% of Americans see foreign interference as a significant threat to democracy. This mistrust can lead to lower voter turnout and greater polarization.
These actions by Russia and Iran are part of a broader pattern of hybrid warfare, where adversaries use cyber tools, disinformation, and other non-military means to destabilize rivals. For the US, addressing this issue is not only about safeguarding elections but also countering foreign influence on the global stage.
Bradley Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, emphasized the gravity of the situation:
“The Governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns.”
Cybersecurity experts agree that AI-driven campaigns are becoming harder to detect. John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab, warns, “The use of AI tools in disinformation campaigns represents a dangerous evolution. It allows adversaries to generate content faster than ever and tailor it for maximum impact.”
The US government’s sanctions aim to disrupt the operations of these organizations by freezing their assets and limiting their ability to function internationally. However, experts caution that sanctions alone may not be enough. Private companies and tech platforms also have a critical role to play in identifying and removing disinformation.
