A spy warns against foreign interference in the 2020 elections

Stranger Major opponents are likely to already be interfering in The US's 2020 elections, warned Tuesday the country's highest intelligence chief, and Iran, "are probably already turning to the US elections of 2020 as an opportunity to defend their interests."

L & # History continues (19659006) In his statement, he predicts that these countries "will use online influence operations to weaken democracy" institutions, undermine US alliances and partnerships and shape policy outcomes in the United States and elsewhere. "

In addition, he said, they will" refer to They build their abilities and add new tactics as they learn from each other, suggesting that the threat landscape could be very different in 2020 and in the next elections. "

The prognosis comes about a month after Coats revealed that Moscow had tried to interfere at the mid-point of last year's elections, but failed to jeopardize. the electoral systems of the country.It also shows that the underground community remains deeply aware of the threat that follows the massive assault supported by the Kremlin in the presidential election of 2016.

Coats' assessment, based on comments from the entire US intelligence community, predicts that Russian social media campaigns will focus on "worsening" social and racial tensions and reprimand against anti-Kremlin politicians. Moscow could also seek to spread misinformation, launch cyber attacks and manipulate data.

China "expands its ability to shape information and speech," according to Coats, including on topics such as Taiwan and human rights. Beijing is also capable of launching digital attacks against the United States to "censor or repress" unflattering views.

Iran will continue to use online campaigns of influence to defend its interests.

Coats also warned foreign countries. would try to create fake audio and video convincing – known as "deepfakes" – to advance their causes. They may also use electronic means to "manipulate or directly disrupt electoral systems – by altering voter registration or disrupting the vote counting process, either to alter data or to challenge our voting process. vote".