FBI warns of fake Russian-made videos ahead of Election Day

(FOX 9) – In the final days of this election cycle, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is sounding the alarm about fake election videos, calling some recent videos acts of Russian interference.

The Intelligence Community said these fake videos were part of an attempt to sow doubt about the US electoral system.

What we know

In a joint statement, federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies labeled two recent election videos as being produced by “Russian influencers.”

According to the FBI, a video widely shared on social media shows people “claiming to be from Haiti voting illegally in several counties in Georgia.” Federal authorities said it was a fake video created in Russia.

The publication also calls as false another video that, according to the FBI, accuses an “individual associated with the Democratic presidential nomination of accepting bribes.” Again, this manufactured video is attributed to “Russian influencers.”

The intelligence community said this Russian activity was part of a broader effort to create division and undermine the integrity of U.S. elections.

reaction

FOX 9 political analyst Blois Olson said people need to be vigilant when consuming election-related content. Especially because some videos and images can seem so realistic.

“I would just tell everyone: Before you click, before you believe it, do another five to 10 minutes of homework on where that came from,” Olson said. “It is good. AI does it well. People can produce (video) something that is very real, but you really have to do the research.”

“Do your research,” Olson said. “If you’re not sure, don’t spread it. Before you share it with a lot of people or post it, just be careful.”

The Secret Service also said it would continue to monitor for Russian activity in the weeks and months after Election Day.