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September 18, 2024

Microsoft: Fake Kamala hit-and-run story is Russian propaganda

Microsoft has revealed that a fake story about Kamala Harris being involved in a hit-and-run incident was manufactured by a Russian propaganda group. This false narrative was part of a broader disinformation campaign aimed at misleading the public. Microsoft's findings highlight ongoing efforts to counteract misinformation and identify sources behind such deceptive content.

Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris addresses members of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., September 17, 2024. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw/File Photo

On September 17, Microsoft revealed that a false social media claim alleging that Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris caused a 13-year-old girl to be paralyzed in a 2011 San Francisco hit-and-run is part of a covert Russian disinformation campaign. The operation, led by a Russian group identified as Storm-1516, created a fabricated video, hired an actor to pose as the victim, and disseminated the story through a fake news website named "KBSF-TV."

Microsoft noted that this discovery reflects Russia's increased efforts to influence the upcoming November 5 presidential election. Despite initial challenges in shifting focus from President Biden’s campaign, Storm-1516 began producing content involving Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in elaborate fake conspiracy theories by late August.

Storm-1516 is known for creating misleading content with actors posing as whistleblowers or journalists. The KBSF-TV website was set up shortly before publishing the false claim, which spread on social media under the hashtag #HitAndRunKamala. The video, shared by Aussie Cossack, a self-described "Registered foreign agent for Sputnik News," has reportedly been viewed over 2.7 million times.

Microsoft's Threat Analysis Center noted that pro-Russian entities, including Cossack, played a significant role in amplifying the video. The U.S. Justice Department recently charged two RT employees with money laundering related to a scheme to influence elections. Officials believe Russia aims to deepen U.S. political divisions and undermine support for military aid to Ukraine. Harris has pledged continued support for Ukraine if elected.

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Source: Reuters

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