Researchers have alerted that Russia is leveraging sophisticated AI technology to predict terrorism at the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024. The Microsoft Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) disclosed that Russia is intensifying its disinformation efforts by utilizing generative AI tools to create content aimed at discrediting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and inciting fears of violence erupting during the summer games in Paris.
According to the MTAC report, the disinformation campaign commenced in June 2023, orchestrated by a Russia-affiliated group known as Storm-1679. The group deployed AI to deepfake the voice and appearance of American actor Tom Cruise in a fake Netflix documentary titled Olympics Has Fallen, which garnered fake five-star reviews from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post. Additionally, fabricated news videos and articles were spread to insinuate an imminent outbreak of terrorism and violence at the Paris Olympics.
Storm-1679 and another group named Storm-1099 have been producing falsified content attributing fabricated information to legitimate news outlets, creating a sense of unrest and insecurity around the event. One instance involved a fake video impersonating French broadcaster France24, falsely claiming that a significant portion of Olympic tickets had been returned due to terrorism fears. Moreover, fabricated press releases from intelligence agencies cautioning against attending the games and digitally altered images depicting threats against attendees further propagated the misinformation.
While the specific AI tools employed by these entities were not disclosed in the report, it is evident that Russian actors are using advanced technology, potentially originating from American sources, to disseminate deceptive propaganda. This utilization of generative AI to fuel disinformation campaigns highlights the growing impact of technology on global information dissemination and influence structures.
Amidst Russia’s longstanding grievances with the IOC and history of spreading propaganda about the Olympics, concerns persist regarding the efficacy of these recent attacks on the Games. The integration of AI in political content and campaigns underscores the need for vigilance in verifying online information sources. As state actors continue to leverage advanced technology for malicious purposes, staying cautious and verifying information remains essential in navigating the digital landscape.
