As the 2020 U.S. presidential election quickly approaches, analysts are warning voters to be on high alert for foreign misinformation and disinformation tactics. The threat of so-called “influence operations” has become a growing concern, with experts predicting an increase in attempts to disrupt the November election. In order to protect our democracy, Americans must be informed and vigilant about these tactics, while also relying on the efforts of the government and nonprofit organizations to help fend off this threat.
In recent years, there has been a rising trend of foreign actors using social media and other online platforms to spread false information with the goal of influencing public opinion and disrupting elections. This was evident in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, where Russian operatives were found to have used social media to sow discord and manipulate voters. With the advancement of technology and the increasing use of social media, the potential for foreign influence operations has only grown.
It is crucial for American voters to be aware of these tactics and the potential impact they can have on our elections. Not only is it a matter of protecting our democracy, but it is also a matter of safeguarding our own decision-making processes as voters. As the election draws closer, the spread of misinformation and disinformation is only expected to intensify, making it even more important for Americans to remain vigilant.
However, it is not solely the responsibility of individual voters to combat this threat. The government and nonprofit organizations also play a crucial role in addressing and mitigating the impact of foreign influence operations. The U.S. government has taken several steps to prevent and respond to these tactics, including the creation of the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC). This platform allows for real-time information sharing between federal, state, and local government agencies to identify and address potential threats to election infrastructure.
Nonprofit organizations have also stepped up to address this issue, with many focusing on educating the public about foreign influence operations and providing tools and resources to help identify and combat them. For instance, the nonpartisan organization, Defending Digital Campaigns, offers training and resources for political campaigns to improve their cybersecurity and protect against foreign interference.
Additionally, social media companies have taken steps to address the issue, such as implementing stricter policies on false information and removing accounts and content that violate these policies. However, there is still a need for continuous monitoring and enforcement to ensure these platforms are not being used as vehicles for foreign influence operations.
Despite these efforts, it is ultimately up to American voters to critically evaluate information and be aware of the tactics used to influence public opinion. This includes fact-checking information before sharing it on social media and being cautious of sources that may have a biased agenda.
Moreover, it is important for citizens to have a basic understanding of how influence operations work in order to be able to recognize and resist them. By being educated on the tactics used, voters can better protect themselves from falling victim to false information and being manipulated by foreign actors.
Thankfully, there has been progress in raising awareness and addressing the threat of foreign influence operations. In 2016, only 26% of Americans were aware of this issue, but in 2020, that number has risen to 49%, according to a survey by the Alliance for Securing Democracy. This increase in awareness is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure that Americans are prepared for the upcoming election and future ones.
In conclusion, as the November presidential election approaches, the threat of foreign influence operations is a serious concern that cannot be ignored. Americans must be alert and informed about these tactics, while also relying on the efforts of the government and nonprofit organizations to help mitigate their impact. By working together, we can protect our democracy and ensure that the voice of the American people is not manipulated by external influences. Let us use our power as informed and vigilant voters to safeguard our elections and democracy.