Fake news video claims Kamala Harris involved in hit-and-run accident

U.S. intelligence officials have confirmed that the video, which featured an actress making unfounded allegations about Harris’s involvement in the incident, was part of a broader Russian disinformation campaign aimed at influencing the upcoming election. The KBSF-TV website was registered just weeks before the story’s publication and was designed to appear legitimate, contributing to the rapid spread of the fabricated claims on social media. Microsoft reported that the Russian-created content has generated millions of views and highlighted the ongoing use of technology, including AI, to facilitate foreign influence operations. The FBI and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence have noted that such efforts are consistent with Russia’s strategy to promote divisive narratives and support specific political candidates.

Background on the Disinformation Campaign

• Creation of KBSF-TV: The website was registered in Reykjavik, Iceland, and launched shortly before the publication of the hit-and-run story. It utilized content that mimicked real news outlets to lend credibility to its claims.

• Impact of AI in Disinformation: Intelligence officials have observed that Russian actors have increasingly employed AI-generated content across various media formats, including text, images, audio, and video, to enhance their disinformation efforts.

• Spread of the Fabricated Video: The story gained traction primarily through right-wing social media platforms, illustrating how quickly misinformation can proliferate in the digital age.

This incident underscores the challenges posed by foreign influence in domestic elections and highlights the need for vigilance against disinformation campaigns that seek to manipulate public perception and disrupt the electoral process.