US Imposes Sanctions Against Iran, Russian entities Over Attempted Election Interference

What Happened?

The Biden administration imposed sanctions against entities in Iran and Russia on Tuesday that accuse them of attempting to interfere in the 2024 U.S. election this year.

The sanctions target Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) known as the Cognitive Design Production Center (CDPC). It also sanctioned Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise and its director, Valery Mikhaylovich Korovin, affiliates of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU).

In a statement, Bradley T. Smith with the U.S. Department of Treasury said that both Iran and Russian governments have 'targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns.'

The treasury department adds that CDPC planned influence operations that intended to incite socio-political tensions on behalf of the IRGC since at least 2023.

Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE) directed and subsidized the creation of deepfakes and circulated disinformation about candidates in the election, according to the release.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement Tuesday that these sanctions build on previous U.S. government actions to disrupt Iran's and Russia's efforts to 'undermine confidence in our democratic institutions' and 'illicit cyber activities.'

Miller added, 'The United States continues to closely monitor efforts by malicious actors to influence or interfere in the integrity of our elections.'

Why it Matters

AI generative tools to create disinformation online have been a big focal point of concern during recent elections.

Moscow, more so after it invaded Ukraine, has sought to use foreign influence campaigns and cyber activities to attack U.S. national security interests, according to reports.

The Biden administration reportedly warned that multiple countries, including China, were trying to influence U.S. elections.

This interference also includes U.S. intelligence detection of an Iranian plot to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump before the presidential election.

Trump reportedly ordered the airstrike in 2020 that killed top Iranian commander Gen. Qasem Soleimani.

How it Affects You

A key item to watch is the ongoing challenge with TikTok and a pending ban that will take effect on Jan. 19 if not overturned.

The American intelligence community warned in its annual threat assessment in February that China's government has used the popular video-sharing platform to influence recent U.S. elections.

One of the main issues for many in Congress is the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

The measure 'prohibits distributing, maintaining, or providing internet hosting services for a foreign adversary controlled application.'

TikTok was listed as an example of concern about the possibility of the Chinese government spying on Americans through the app.

The protection of democracy against foreign cyber threats and attacks will be key as technology continues to advance and evolve.