The U.S. Department of State announced a series of measures today aimed at preventing Kremlin-backed media organizations from conducting covert influence operations that target the 2024 U.S. elections and undermine democratic institutions.
These actions are part of a broader coordinated effort with the Department of the Treasury and other federal agencies.
The State Department unveiled a new visa restriction policy that will limit visa issuance to individuals using Kremlin-supported media organizations as a cover for covert activities.
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These individuals, acting on behalf of such media outlets, are involved in influence operations, not for the content they produce, but for their nefarious covert activities. Due to confidentiality, the specific names and details of those targeted by this policy will not be publicly disclosed.
Additionally, the Department has designated several Kremlin-controlled media entities, including Rossiya Segodnya, RIA Novosti, RT, TV-Novosti, Ruptly, and Sputnik, as foreign missions.
This designation, under the Foreign Missions Act, requires these organizations to report all personnel working in the U.S. and disclose any real estate they hold within the country.
Furthermore, the Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, through its Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, is offering up to $10 million for information regarding foreign efforts to interfere in U.S. elections.
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The program specifically targets groups like RaHDit, a Russian hacking organization associated with Russian intelligence services. RaHDit has previously engaged in election influence in other countries and poses a threat to the 2024 U.S. elections through cyber-enabled influence operations.
The Department of the Treasury also designated 10 individuals and two entities linked to the Russian government, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a civil forfeiture search and seizure warrant against the Social Design Agency (SDA) for its involvement with the Russian government.
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These collective measures reflect a continued commitment to safeguarding the integrity of U.S. elections from foreign interference.
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