Russia Intensifies AI-Driven Disinformation Campaigns Impersonating News Outlets

A sophisticated pro-Russia propaganda network, identified as Storm-1679, is actively creating fake news websites that mimic legitimate media organizations to spread disinformation, according to a recent report by misinformation tracking firm NewsGuard, cited by Politico. This ongoing operation involves the creation of deceptive digital platforms designed to replicate major news outlets such as ABC News, the BBC, and Politico, which are then used to disseminate fabricated stories.

The group is also leveraging artificial intelligence to produce highly convincing fake videos, often timed to coincide with significant global events. These efforts have proven effective, with notable public figures, including prominent right-wing influencers, falling victim to the scams. As recently as February 2025, a fabricated E! News report, claiming the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) paid celebrities to visit Ukraine post-2022 invasion, was widely circulated. The fake video was reposted on X by high-profile individuals like Donald Trump Jr. and Elon Musk before E! News confirmed its inauthenticity.

NewsGuard currently monitors 556 domains engaged in promoting false narratives related to the Russian-Ukraine conflict. While some are official Russian state media, many are anonymous sites with unclear funding, potentially linked to the Russian government. Common fabricated narratives include claims of U.S. bioweapons labs in Eastern Europe, the spread of Nazism in Ukrainian politics, and the staging of the Bucha massacre.

Experts warn that the increasing sophistication of disinformation and AI-generated fakes poses a growing threat, particularly as efforts to combat such campaigns have faced setbacks. Ivana Stradner, a researcher on Russia at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that the rollback of anti-disinformation initiatives, such as the closure of the State Department’s office dedicated to combating foreign disinformation and the ousting of federal workers combating election-related misinformation, has created an advantageous environment for foreign adversaries.

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.