New research by Microsoft has uncovered a covert Russian disinformation operation aimed at spreading false claims about vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The disinformation campaign involved the creation of a fake video, a paid actor playing an alleged victim, and the spread of the claim through a fake news website for a nonexistent San Francisco outlet named KBSF-TV.
The Russian group responsible is dubbed Storm-1516 and is described as a Kremlin-aligned troll farm. Microsoft believes this discovery is a sign of Russia ramping up its foreign influence operations ahead of the US presidential election on 5 November. The Russian embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
The false claim alleged that Harris was involved in a hit-and-run incident in San Francisco in 2011, leaving a 13-year-old girl paralyzed. The video has been viewed over 2.7 million times and circulated on social media platforms using the hashtag #HitAndRunKamala. Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center noted that many entities within the pro-Russian ecosystem advanced the video and its claims.
The discovery of this disinformation operation highlights Russia’s ongoing efforts to exacerbate political divisions in the US and weaken public support for American military aid to Ukraine. Harris has vowed to continue supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia if elected. This incident underscores the importance of being vigilant against false information spread through social media and other platforms.
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