MIAMI, United States. – A US official reported this Monday that officials from the regimes of Cuba, Russia and China have spread disinformation about the US Government’s relief efforts after hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to a CNN report.
According to the official cited by the news network, a social media account linked to China shared an image possibly generated by artificial intelligence (AI) that showed Vice President Kamala Harris observing flood damage next to a sign with the false message: “All the money from the United States went to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.”
In addition, he noted that a Russian state news agency broadcast on the Telegram platform an image, also probably generated by AI, that represented Disney World underwater. “Russian operatives have spread provocative content related to the hurricanes, including suggestions that the US government is denying aid funds to the population,” the official said.
In the case of Cuba, the official stated that the country has “amplified narratives” that suggest that US support for Israel and Ukraine has diverted resources from disaster relief efforts, in line with attempts by Russia and China.
Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC, rejected the allegations in a statement emailed to CNN: “In recent years, the US has repeatedly lied about China spreading disinformation. Ownership of relevant social media accounts should be determined on the basis of solid evidence, not unfounded assumptions. Even if they belong to Chinese citizens, [ellos] They have the right to freedom of expression.”
CNN requested comment from the Cuban and Russian embassies in Washington, but did not receive a response at least until the time of publishing its report.
According to the news network, foreign covert activities such as those described by the official can further amplify the disinformation that has been created even within the United States.
The disinformation efforts come at a time when foreign governments, including Russia, China and Iran, are also seeking to spread false information about next week’s presidential election.
At the beginning of this month, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) of the United States revealed that the Cuban regime would be carrying out influence operations to support candidates in the 2024 legislative elections, seeking those who favor a relief from sanctions and better relations between Havana and Washington.
In its report, the ODNI also placed Cuba alongside powers such as Russia and China.
The report, published just over a month before the presidential elections in the US and quoted by the AP news agencypoints out that the Cuban Government is “almost certainly” trying to influence the results, mainly in those candidates that could benefit its interests in terms of foreign policy.
“Cuba has tried in previous elections to help candidates they consider aligned with their interests, such as reducing economic sanctions,” according to a US intelligence official who offered statements on condition of anonymity.
According to the report, these influence activities have been designed to modify public and political perception towards Cuba, taking advantage of the close competition for control of the US Congress.
Cuban influence operations are not only limited to high positions of power, but could also be focused on local and state elections that could have direct implications on US foreign policy towards the Island. “Cuba is not new in these attempts, but current conditions allow them to intensify their efforts,” the report adds.
Like other foreign powers mentioned in the report, such as Russia and China, the Cuban government has resorted to disinformation campaigns to influence public opinion and potentially change the course of the elections. These tactics include creating networks of fake websites and social media accounts that pretend to be U.S. citizens, promoting disinformation about candidates and key issues. The strategy also seeks to divide voters on hot-button debates such as the economy and foreign policy.
“Disinformation is a powerful tool that is used to generate distrust in the electoral system and increase internal divisions in the United States,” another ODNI official explained. In the case of Cuba, the narrative focuses on improving bilateral relations and reducing economic tensions caused by sanctions imposed by the United States.
“Although there is no evidence that the results of the elections can be changed, disinformation is a threat that we must take seriously,” warned the director of the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, Jen Easterly.
