disinformation Archives

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 28: U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delivers remarks to staff at the Department of Homeland Security headquarters on January 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Manuel Balce Ceneta-Pool/Getty Images)

CISA election, disinformation officials placed on administrative leave, sources say

The moves happened Thursday and Friday last week, per a source.

5 days ago By Derek B. Johnson

WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 5: U.S. President Donald Trump and newly sworn-in U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi pose with a document in the Oval Office at the White House on February 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Senate confirmed Bondi as Attorney General with a 54-46 vote on Tuesday. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

DOJ disbands foreign influence task force, limits scope of FARA prosecutions

Both the task force and FARA were used by the bureau to investigate, charge and disrupt foreign and domestic actors accused of working to influence American policy…

Feb 6, 2025 By Derek B. Johnson

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, speaks during her confirmation hearing before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill on Friday. (Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images)

Noem: No anti-disinformation, misinformation action under her as DHS secretary

She said at her confirmation hearing that CISA needs to be “smaller, more nimble” and it has gone “far off-mission.”

Jan 17, 2025 By Tim Starks

U.S. intelligence officials have assessed that the Russian government’s efforts were largely in support of Trump while Iranian influence efforts were primarily targeted towards helping the electoral chances of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. (Image Source: Getty Images)

US sanctions Russian, Iranian groups for election interference

The two entities are accused of partnering with intelligence agencies using artificial intelligence to conduct information operations against U.S. audiences.

Dec 31, 2024 By Derek B. Johnson

The US Department of State building is seen in Washington, DC, on July 22, 2019. (Photo by Alastair Pike / AFP)

State Department’s disinformation office to close after funding nixed in NDAA

The Global Engagement Center, which tracks and exposes foreign disinformation narratives in foreign countries, will see its authority to operate expire Dec. 24.

Dec 23, 2024 By Derek B. Johnson

CyberScoop canvassed a wide range of officials, experts and observers about the post-election scenarios they are most concerned about and why. (Source: PM Images via Getty Images)

The post-election threats you need to prepare for, according to experts

The pre-election period was busy for foreign and domestic actors looking to undermine confidence in U.S. elections. Election observers are expecting an even bumpier ride between election…

Nov 4, 2024 By Derek B. Johnson

Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters is photographed on Oct. 8, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

FBI flags false videos impersonating agency, claiming Democratic ballot fraud

The bureau said the videos and their underlying claims were not genuine, while a disinformation researcher linked the activity to the Russian group Doppelganger.

Nov 2, 2024 By Derek B. Johnson

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on January 31, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Senator urges Meta CEO to maintain election research partnerships

A Meta spokesperson told CyberScoop the company “remains committed to working with the research community” but wouldn’t commit to continuing a key program from 2020.

Oct 29, 2024 By Derek B. Johnson

An official election ballot sits on a table as residents vote using an absentee or mail-in ballot on October 15, 2024 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Registered voters in Pennsylvania can vote “On Demand” by requesting, a mail-in or absentee ballot filing it out and dropping it off all in one visit to their county election office or other designated location. (Photo by Hannah Beier/Getty Images)

Pennsylvania officials rebut false voter fraud claims from home and abroad

A video of someone ripping up supposed Trump votes in Bucks County is fake and likely originated from Russia, while Trump supporters in the state falsely accused…

Oct 25, 2024 By Derek B. Johnson

The Russian flag flies over the country’s embassy in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 16, 2024. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)

US officials warn foreign disinformation from Russia may flood post-election period

The IC said Moscow-directed actors and other countries could threaten election officials with violence to disrupt vote counting and certification.

Oct 22, 2024 By Derek B. Johnson