The FBI issued a public warning about fabricated videos that falsely used the agency's insignia, aiming to erode confidence in the 2024 U.S. election.

These deceptive videos are identified as part of a larger scheme by foreign entities, particularly Russia and Iran, to instill discord among American voters, as Fox News reports.

The FBI recently discovered two videos that misuse its name and insignia. One video propagated a fake terror alert, misleading viewers to vote remotely due to alleged security threats at polling stations.

Another video circulated false claims regarding inmate voting, accusing corrections officials in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona of electoral manipulation. The FBI confirmed that these videos were not legitimate and misrepresented the agency’s communications.

Justice Department Monitors Election Security

Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department of Justice said they were monitoring these threats. Law enforcement and national security teams were updated continuously to ensure the protection of the electoral process.

The fabrications suggested to some an elevated terror threat, urging voters to avoid polling sites. However, the FBI reassured the public that the safety of these locations remains intact and secured.

According to the FBI, these false reports are crafted to incite fear and doubt among the electorate, detracting from the democratic process.

Russia and Iran Amplify Disinformation Campaigns

Intelligence indicates that Russia and Iran are amplifying their efforts to impact U.S. electoral integrity. Russian operatives have been particularly active, creating content that disputes the election's legitimacy and portrays divisive scenes of political unrest.

One specific Russian-made video falsely accused election officials in Arizona of fraud to benefit Vice President Kamala Harris. These claims were promptly debunked by state authorities.

Meanwhile, Iran has targeted former President Donald Trump’s campaign through cyber operations, motivated by a longstanding vendetta over the killing of General Qasem Solemani in 2020.

Federal Agencies Respond to Cybersecurity Threats

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, alongside the FBI and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, is actively addressing these cybersecurity threats.

Statements from the FBI highlight the ongoing battle against election-related misinformation, underscoring the importance of maintaining public trust in the electoral process.

"The fabricated news clip reports falsely that the FBI purportedly stated that Americans should 'vote remotely' due to a high terror threat at polling stations," the FBI clarified. "This video is not authentic and does not accurately represent the current threat posture or polling location safety."

Election Integrity a Top Priority for FBI

"Election integrity is among our highest priorities, and the FBI is working closely with state and local law enforcement partners to respond to election threats and protect our communities as Americans exercise their right to vote," the FBI announced.

The agency also pointed out that the deceptive tactics used in these videos are aimed at undermining democratic values and trust in the election process.

The Intelligence Community has been vigilant in watching foreign adversaries. "The Intelligence Community (IC) has been observing foreign adversaries, particularly Russia, conducting additional influence operations intended to undermine public confidence in the integrity of U.S. elections and stoke divisions among Americans," they reported.

Global Tensions Reflect in Electoral Disinformation

The IC has highlighted the strategic focus of these foreign influences, especially their concentration on pivotal states that could determine the election outcome.

"It has repeatedly highlighted former President Trump among its priority targets for retribution," a statement regarding Iran's objectives clarified, pointing to the geopolitical motives behind the cyberattacks.

The complexities of international relations are thus increasingly manifesting as direct threats to the sanctity of U.S. electoral processes, requiring heightened vigilance and proactive measures from all agencies involved.