According to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), CCP entities have collaborated with a China-based technology company to enhance the PRC’s covert online influence operations. The ODNI also issued a security update on July 29, warning that U.S. foreign adversaries are recruiting Americans and using various tactics to influence the upcoming November elections in order to advance their own interests.
The ODNI update highlighted that foreign actors continue to rely on both willing and unwitting Americans to spread narratives that serve their interests. These actors aim to take advantage of Americans to promote messaging through various channels and engagements. The intelligence community expects foreign actors to adjust their influence operations in response to recent developments to undermine democratic institutions, sow discord, and manipulate public opinion.
The report emphasized that the Chinese communist regime, along with Russia and Iran, are actively engaging in influence campaigns to benefit their interests and undermine U.S. democracy. These adversaries are constantly refining their strategies to conceal their involvement in such operations.
Beijing Influence Operations
The ODNI update specifically warned about the Chinese communist regime’s efforts to disparage candidates perceived as threats to Beijing’s core interests. Beijing has previously used social media to sow divisions in the U.S. and depict democracies as chaotic. The update highlighted that Chinese government entities have collaborated with a China-based technology company to enhance covert online influence operations, enabling them to create content that resonates with local audiences more effectively.
During the 2022 U.S. midterm election cycle, Beijing’s propaganda arm utilized TikTok accounts to influence candidates, as stated in a previous report by the ODNI. The annual threats assessment by the U.S. intelligence community also raised concerns about the Chinese communist regime attempting to influence the 2024 U.S. elections to suppress critics and amplify societal divisions through improved disinformation dissemination capabilities.
The report outlined that Beijing’s information operations primarily focus on promoting pro-China narratives, countering U.S.-led narratives, and challenging policies that threaten Beijing’s interests. The Chinese regime aims to undermine U.S. leadership, democracy, and extend its influence globally.
Russian Campaigns
The ODNI update also highlighted the threat posed by Russia to the upcoming U.S. elections in November. Moscow continues to employ various influence tactics and actors to extend its reach and produce content that resonates with U.S. audiences. Russian actors seek to support a presidential candidate, influence congressional electoral outcomes, undermine public confidence in the electoral process, and exacerbate sociopolitical divisions.
Foreign actors, including Russia, engage marketing and public relations companies to shape public opinion in the U.S., particularly through election-related operations. These firms utilize influence platforms, discreetly engage Americans, and tailor content for U.S. audiences while concealing Russia’s involvement.
In a congressional hearing, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines emphasized that Russia remains the most active foreign threat to U.S. elections. The Russian government aims to erode trust in U.S. democratic institutions, exacerbate sociopolitical divisions, and degrade Western support to Ukraine through influence operations.
Ms. Haines also warned about Beijing’s efforts to advance its policy positions through sophisticated influence apparatus and emerging technologies, such as generative AI. The Chinese regime is increasingly confident in its ability to influence elections globally using tech capabilities.
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