In a recent disinformation campaign, Storm-1516, an organization believed to have ties to the Kremlin, has been creating fake videos with the help of AI technology to spread false information. These videos have targeted various subjects, including a fake assassination attempt against Tucker Carlson and a fabricated story about an American politician illegally killing an endangered black rhino. Researchers at Microsoft have linked Storm-1516 to the Internet Research Agency, a Russian disinformation factory, and believe it is directed by the Center for Geopolitical Expertise. Other groups, like Storm-1099 and Storm-1679, also employ similar tactics to spread disinformation.
Despite the use of AI to create more sophisticated fake videos, digital forensics expert Hany Farid has identified telltale signs of manipulation in Storm-1516’s content, such as blurry faces and discrepancies in mouth movements. However, these videos have still managed to spread across various platforms, including Russian Telegram and English news websites, reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers.
The tactics used by Storm-1516 echo the Cold War-era Soviet disinformation techniques, such as the KGB-designed “Operation Denver,” which spread false conspiracy theories. While Russia’s disinformation strategies have evolved over the years to include AI-generated content and more legitimate-looking fake news websites, the goal remains the same: to sow discord and confusion both domestically and internationally.
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