Identifying Russia Propaganda Group Behind Fake Kamala Harris Hit-and-Run Story
A false claim circulating on social media that Kamala Harris was involved in an alleged hit-and-run in San Francisco in 2011 has been attributed to a covert Russian disinformation operation. Recent research conducted by Microsoft has shed light on the tactics used by the group responsible for spreading this misinformation.
According to Microsoft researchers, the group behind the fake hit-and-run story created a video featuring an actor who portrayed the alleged victim. This video was then disseminated through a fake website for a nonexistent San Francisco news outlet called KBSF-TV. The Russian group, identified by Microsoft as Storm-1516, is described as a Kremlin-aligned troll farm.
The discovery of this disinformation campaign is particularly concerning as it comes at a time when Russia is believed to be intensifying its efforts to influence foreign elections. With the US presidential election scheduled for 5 November, Microsoft’s findings underscore the ongoing threat posed by Russian disinformation tactics.
In a statement, Microsoft highlighted the evolving nature of Russian influence operations, noting that these efforts had initially struggled to pivot towards targeting the Democratic campaign following President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. However, in late August, elements of the Storm-1516 group began producing content that implicated Vice President Harris and Governor Walz in baseless conspiracy theories.
Experts familiar with Storm-1516’s tactics point to the group’s history of creating misleading videos that feature actors impersonating whistleblowers or journalists to spread false and scandalous information. The use of such tactics underscores the deceptive nature of the disinformation campaigns orchestrated by this Russian propaganda group.
The creation of the KBSF-TV website shortly before the publication of the fake hit-and-run story further highlights the calculated nature of the disinformation campaign. By leveraging online platforms and social media, the false claim about Kamala Harris leaving a teenager paralyzed in a hit-and-run incident was able to reach a wide audience, garnering over 2.7 million views.
Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center noted that multiple entities within the pro-Russian ecosystem played a role in amplifying the video and its claims. This coordinated effort to spread misinformation underscores the challenges posed by foreign influence operations in the digital age.
The revelation of this Russian disinformation campaign comes on the heels of the US Justice Department filing money-laundering charges against two employees of Russian state media network RT. These charges stem from an alleged scheme to hire an American company to produce online content aimed at influencing the US election.
US officials have long warned of Russia’s efforts to sow discord and division within American society. By exacerbating political tensions and undermining public support for initiatives such as military aid to Ukraine, Russia seeks to further its own geopolitical interests.
In response to these threats, Kamala Harris has reiterated her commitment to standing with Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. The Democratic presidential candidate has made it clear that if elected, she will continue to support Ukraine and uphold America’s commitment to international security.
Overall, the revelation of the Russian propaganda group behind the fake Kamala Harris hit-and-run story serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by disinformation campaigns in the digital age. As the US election approaches, it is essential for the public to remain vigilant and discerning in the face of foreign efforts to manipulate information and influence political outcomes.
