INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The United States has imposed sanctions on two groups linked to Iranian and Russian efforts to target American voters with disinformation
United States intelligence has accused both governments of spreading disinformation, including fake videos, news stories and social media
the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise, oversaw the creation, financing and dissemination of disinformation about American
candidates, including deepfake videos created using artificial intelligence.In addition to the group itself, the new sanctions apply to its
director, who authorities say worked closely with Russian military intelligence agents also overseeing cyberattacks and sabotage against the
West.Authorities say the center used AI to quickly manufacture fake videos about American candidates created scores of fake news websites
designed to look legitimate and even paid United States web companies to create pro-Russian content.The Iranian group, the Cognitive Design
designated a foreign terrorist organization
Officials say the center worked since at least 2023 to incite political tensions in the United States.United States intelligence agencies
Iran also has been accused of hacking into the accounts of several top current and former United States officials, including senior members
to undermine confidence in United States democracy
They also concluded that Russia sought to prop up the ultimate victor Trump, who has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggested
