US Treasury Sanctions Russian, Iranian Entities for Election Disinformation

The United States Treasury has imposed sanctions on entities linked to Iran and Russia for using artificial intelligence to generate and spread disinformation aimed at interfering with the 2024 US presidential election. Targeted groups include the Center for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE), a Moscow-based organization connected to Russian military intelligence, and the Cognitive Design Production Center, a subsidiary of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These operations reportedly aimed to stir socio-political unrest and undermine democratic processes in the United States.

According to the Treasury, the Russian-linked CGE operated over 100 fake websites imitating legitimate news outlets to distribute AI-generated disinformation, including baseless allegations about a vice-presidential candidate. This activity was reportedly financed and directed by Russian intelligence services, leveraging advanced AI tools to fabricate false narratives and create the illusion of credibility through coordinated misinformation campaigns. The Iranian entity was similarly accused of conducting influence operations designed to erode public trust in democratic institutions.

While the sanctions focus on relatively smaller organizations, they highlight growing concerns over the misuse of AI in election interference and underscore deteriorating US relations with Russia and Iran. Bradley Smith, acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, stated that these measures reflect the United States’ commitment to safeguarding its democracy against external adversaries seeking to exploit emerging technologies for malicious purposes.

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