US intelligence agencies say “Russian influence actors” are behind a suspected fake video of a Haitian man who claims to have voted “multiple times” in Georgia. The 20-second video, which has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times on X and other social networks, shows two men in a car claiming to be Haitian.
One says they obtained US citizenship within six months of arriving and have voted for Kamala Harris in Gwinnett and Fulton counties in Georgia. They encourage other Haitians to come to the United States.The has found clear indications, including false addresses and stock photos, which indicate the video is a fake.
Russians Created Fake Video
This Russian activity is part of Moscow’s broader effort to raise unfounded questions about the integrity of the US election and stoke divisions among Americans,” said the joint statement from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Researchers at Clemson University said that the video bore the hallmarks of a Russian disinformation operation known as Storm-1516.“This narrative is consistent with what we’ve seen from Storm-1516, especially in recent weeks since they’ve turned their focus squarely on the US election,” said Clemson’s Darren Linvill.
“We should absolutely not be surprised that they are focused on undermining the integrity of the US election. “This is consistent with Russian strategy over the last two election cycles.”
Linvill said the “narrative focus, style and production of the video” match previous efforts by the Russian operation, which is linked, Clemson researchers say, to an organisation called the Russian Foundation to Battle Injustice.
Experts say the video is part of a broader strategy that Russian operatives have used to manipulate social media narratives by targeting specific demographics and inflaming hot-button topics. By creating content around divisive issues like voter fraud, foreign actors hope to amplify tensions and polarize voters on critical issues ahead of Election Day.
The misleading video initially gained traction on several social media platforms before U.S. agencies identified it as a fabrication and contacted major platforms to have it removed. Still, many users had already shared the content, and some discussions surrounding the video continued to spread even after its removal.
“Videos like these are designed to evoke strong emotional responses, which is why they’re so effective at spreading misinformation,” explained Karen Douglas, a media analyst specializing in disinformation campaigns. “The video’s creators prey on existing anxieties about the electoral process, targeting the most vulnerable points in public discourse.”
Haitian-American community leaders expressed frustration over the video, calling it a blatant attempt to manipulate public perception of immigrant communities. “This type of disinformation not only misrepresents us but also sows unnecessary suspicion toward immigrant communities,” said Jean-Baptiste Morisseau, a leader in a Haitian-American advocacy group. “Our community deserves better than to be used as a pawn in foreign propaganda.”
In response, U.S. officials are intensifying their efforts to monitor foreign interference, emphasizing that such deceptive content could increase as Election Day approaches. Agencies have warned the public to be cautious of online content from unverified sources and to seek information from credible outlets.
As the intelligence community and social media companies work to address foreign interference, experts say it’s essential for voters to be aware of such tactics. Efforts to disrupt and divide, they warn, will likely continue as foreign actors adapt their methods and create new forms of disinformation.
The fake “Haitian voters” video underscores the importance of digital literacy in today’s information landscape, with U.S. officials urging the public to remain vigilant and informed. In a world where misinformation spreads with a single click, the need for critical thinking has never been more vital in protecting the integrity of democratic processes.
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