A false claim that Kamala Harris caused a 2011 hit-and-run accident, leaving a 13-year-old girl paralysed, has been linked to a Russian disinformation campaign. Research by Microsoft identifies Storm-1516, a Kremlin-aligned group, as responsible for fabricating the story
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is running for president in the November 5 US elections. (AP)
India Today World Desk
New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 18, 2024
Written By: Girish Kumar Anshul
In Short
False claim about Kamala Harris hit-and-run linked to Russian disinformation
Claim spread by Russian group Storm-1516 using fake news site, actor
Storm-1516 known for misleading videos using fake whistleblowers, journalists
A false claim circulating on social media alleging that Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris left a 13-year-old girl paralysed in a 2011 hit-and-run in San Francisco has been linked to a covert Russian disinformation campaign, according to new research by Microsoft.
Kamala Harris, 59, is running for president in the November 5 US elections against Republican candidate Donald Trump.
The claim was spread by the Russian group Storm-1516, which is associated with Kremlin-aligned troll farms. Microsoft’s research reveals that this group fabricated the story using a fake news website, KBSF-TV, and an actor posing as the victim.
Storm-1516 is known for producing misleading videos featuring on-screen or voice actors who impersonate whistleblowers or journalists that share false, scandalous information, experts say, according to a Reuters report.
The disinformation was disseminated through social media, including X, where it used the hashtag #HitAndRunKamala.
The video, shared by Aussie Cossack -- a self-described "Registered foreign agent for Sputnik News" -- has been viewed over 2.7 million times. Cossack urged his followers to spread the video and make it go viral.
According to a blog authored by Microsoft's Threat Analysis Center, Storm-1516 has previously created misleading videos with actors impersonating whistleblowers or journalists to push false narratives.
Microsoft’s blog highlighted that Russian operations faced challenges shifting focus from President Biden's campaign to the Democratic ticket after Biden’s exit from the 2024 race.
However, in August, Storm-1516 intensified its efforts, targeting Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, with fabricated conspiracy theories.
This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of Russian influence operations. Earlier this month, the US Justice Department charged two employees of the Russian state media network RT with money laundering for allegedly hiring an American company to produce election-related content.
US officials have been reported to hold the belief that Russia aims to deepen political divisions within the US and reduce support for American military aid to Ukraine. Harris has pledged to continue supporting Ukraine if elected, reinforcing her commitment to assisting in the defence against Russia’s invasion.
With inputs from agencies
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