Iranian and Russian Entities Sanctioned for Election Interference Using AI and Cyber Tactics

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on two entities, one in Iran and the other in Russia, for their attempts to interfere with the November 2024 presidential election using artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber tactics.

The Iranian entity, a subordinate organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was sanctioned for its role in spreading disinformation and propaganda through social media platforms. According to OFAC, the IRGC-affiliated entity used AI-powered bots to amplify false information and sow discord among American voters. The entity also created and disseminated fake news articles and videos with the aim of influencing the outcome of the election.

The Russian entity, a Moscow-based affiliate of Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), was sanctioned for its involvement in a series of cyberattacks on U.S. election systems and infrastructure. OFAC alleges that the GRU-affiliated entity used advanced cyber techniques to gain unauthorized access to election databases and systems, with the goal of disrupting the voting process and undermining the integrity of the election.

The sanctions imposed by OFAC include asset freezes and prohibitions on U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with the designated entities. In addition, non-U.S. individuals and entities that engage in transactions with the designated entities may be subject to secondary sanctions.

The move by OFAC comes as concerns about foreign interference in U.S. elections continue to grow. The 2024 presidential election was marred by numerous allegations of disinformation campaigns, hacking attempts, and other forms of interference. The U.S. government has accused Russia and Iran of engaging in these activities in an attempt to undermine the democratic process and sow chaos in the United States.

The use of AI and cyber tactics by foreign actors to influence elections has become a major concern for U.S. officials. AI-powered bots and algorithms can be used to create and disseminate false information on social media platforms, while cyberattacks can be used to disrupt the voting process and compromise election systems.

The sanctions announced by OFAC are part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to combat foreign interference in its elections. In recent months, the U.S. has also imposed sanctions on Russian and Chinese entities for their role in cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns.

The move by OFAC has been welcomed by lawmakers from both parties, who have called for stronger action against foreign actors that seek to undermine the integrity of U.S. elections. In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) praised the sanctions as a “strong message” to foreign actors that seek to interfere in U.S. elections.

However, some experts have questioned the effectiveness of sanctions in combating foreign interference. They argue that sanctions may not be enough to deter determined adversaries, and that more comprehensive measures are needed to protect U.S. elections from foreign interference.

Despite these concerns, the sanctions announced by OFAC represent an important step in the fight against foreign interference in U.S. elections. By holding entities accountable for their actions, the U.S. government can help to deter further attempts at interference and protect the integrity of its democratic process.