Microsoft President Brad Smith has raised concerns about potential foreign interference in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, set for November 5, 2024. Speaking during a U.S. Senate hearing on Wednesday, Smith warned that external actors, particularly Russia, Iran, and China, are poised to meddle in the electoral process in an effort to undermine democracy.
“The most perilous moment will come, I think, 48 hours before the election,” Smith cautioned, drawing parallels with interference seen during Slovakia’s parliamentary election last year. He explained that a Russian group released a deep fake audio just two days before that election, falsely alleging a vote-stealing conspiracy. Russian officials amplified the disinformation, showcasing the sophistication of their influence operations.
Smith stressed the gravity of these threats in the context of the U.S. election, stating, “This is also becoming an election of Iran versus Trump and Russia versus Harris.” He emphasized that these foreign powers are united by a common interest in discrediting democracy in the eyes of American voters.
His remarks come on the heels of recent revelations about Russian-sponsored campaigns targeting U.S. voters. U.S. authorities uncovered a scheme where fake accounts posing as legitimate news outlets, including Fox News and The Washington Post, circulated disinformation designed to polarize public opinion. Just days before Smith’s testimony, a manipulated video of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris was released using AI technology, falsely attributing fabricated statements to her.
Smith testified alongside Meta’s Nick Clegg and Kent Walker, president and chief legal officer for Google’s Alphabet, who echoed concerns about the growing use of AI in political disinformation. Both stressed the importance of securing the election process from manipulation by foreign actors.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, with Donald Trump potentially leading the Republican ticket and Kamala Harris representing the Democrats, foreign interference remains a significant concern for election officials and tech companies alike.
The U.S. government has accused Russia of meddling in previous elections, and similar accusations are now resurfacing as the election date draws near.
