The U.S. government announces criminal charges and the seizure of internet domains arising from Russian efforts to influence election.
Politics
US accuses Russia of using state media to spread disinformation before the November election
By ERIC TUCKER and MATTHEW LEE
Updated 12:50 PM CDT, September 4, 2024
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Wednesday announced criminal charges, the seizure of internet domains and sanctions related to Russian disinformation efforts to influence the U.S. presidential election.
Attorney General Merrick Garland said the actions relate to Russia’s use of state media to enlist unwitting American influencers to spread propaganda and disinformation.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration accused Russia on Wednesday of a far-reaching effort to influence the U.S. presidential election, including by promoting disinformation and enlisting unwitting American influencers to spread propaganda on Russian state media.
The actions taken by the U.S. government include sanctions against leaders of RT, a state media organization that was forced by the Justice Department to register as a foreign agent, as well as visa restrictions.
Intelligence agencies have previously charged that Russia was using disinformation to try to interfere in the election. But the anticipated announcement from Attorney General Merrick Garland is expected to show the depth of U.S. concerns and signal legal actions against those suspected of being involved.
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https://apnews.com/article/russia-justice-department-election-foreign-influence-4888f4bfc61e46173101060ad0321d2f?taid=66d89e7809caf90001d20adb&utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&utm_medium=AP&utm_source=Twitter
