Brad Smith, president of the technology giant Microsoft, has issued a serious warning regarding foreign attempts to influence the upcoming U.S. presidential election scheduled for November 5.
During a U.S. Senate hearing on Wednesday, Smith expressed his concern about the potential for foreign interference, emphasizing that a particularly critical moment may occur just 48 hours before the election.
He referenced lessons learned from the Slovakian parliamentary elections that took place last fall, noting that two days prior to their voting, a Russian group disseminated a deepfake audio recording, which purportedly revealed a plot to steal votes, and the narrative was amplified by a high-ranking Russian official, highlighting the sophistication and capability of the Russian government in executing such operations.
Smith remarked on the Russian government’s expertise not only in technology but also in the social sciences, indicating a comprehensive approach to influence public perception and sow discord.
He underscored the reality of “real and serious threats” looming over the U.S. elections, drawing attention to the broader implications of foreign involvement in domestic politics.
He further elaborated that while the primary contest for the White House may feature Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, the situation is evolving into a more complex battle.
According to Smith, it is increasingly seen as a contest not only between the candidates but also as one involving foreign adversaries: “This is becoming an election of Iran versus Trump and Russia versus Harris.”
Smith warned that nations such as Russia, Iran, and China are united in their interest to undermine American democracy and discredit it in the eyes of U.S. voters, emphasizing that this coalition seeks to manipulate the electoral process for their own strategic gains.
In recent days, U.S. authorities uncovered a Russian-sponsored campaign that involved the deployment of right-wing influencers.
Accounts impersonating legitimate news outlets, including conservative platforms like Fox News and the Washington Post, circulated false narratives and fabricated stories.
During his testimony, Smith pointed out that a Russian group also published a manipulated video featuring Kamala Harris, using artificial intelligence to alter her speech and create the impression that she said things she never actually expressed.
This tactic demonstrates the increasing sophistication of disinformation strategies being employed,” he stressed.
The U.S. administration has previously accused Russia of interfering in past presidential elections, and these concerns continue to resonate as the current campaign unfolds.
Smith’s testimony came alongside representatives from other major tech companies, including Nick Clegg of Meta and Kent Walker, the president and chief legal officer for Google’s parent company, Alphabet.
Their collective insights underline the urgent need for vigilance against foreign interference in the electoral process.
