Microsoft: Fake Kamala hit-and-run story is Russian propaganda

Microsoft has revealed that a fake story about Kamala Harris being involved in a hit-and-run incident was manufactured by a Russian propaganda group. This false narrative was part of a broader disinformation campaign aimed at misleading the public. Microsoft's findings highlight ongoing efforts to counteract misinformation and identify sources behind such deceptive content.

On September 17, Microsoft revealed that a false social media claim alleging that Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris caused a 13-year-old girl to be paralyzed in a 2011 San Francisco hit-and-run is part of a covert Russian disinformation campaign. The operation, led by a Russian group identified as Storm-1516, created a fabricated video, hired an actor to pose as the victim, and disseminated the story through a fake news website named "KBSF-TV."

Microsoft noted that this discovery reflects Russia's increased efforts to influence the upcoming November 5 presidential election. Despite initial challenges in shifting focus from President Biden’s campaign, Storm-1516 began producing content involving Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in elaborate fake conspiracy theories by late August.

Storm-1516 is known for creating misleading content with actors posing as whistleblowers or journalists. The KBSF-TV website was set up shortly before publishing the false claim, which spread on social media under the hashtag #HitAndRunKamala. The video, shared by Aussie Cossack, a self-described "Registered foreign agent for Sputnik News," has reportedly been viewed over 2.7 million times.

Microsoft's Threat Analysis Center noted that pro-Russian entities, including Cossack, played a significant role in amplifying the video. The U.S. Justice Department recently charged two RT employees with money laundering related to a scheme to influence elections. Officials believe Russia aims to deepen U.S. political divisions and undermine support for military aid to Ukraine. Harris has pledged continued support for Ukraine if elected.

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Source: Reuters‍