FBI confirms Iran, Russia obtained US voter information to 'sow chaos'

Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said that Iran and Russia have obtained voter information ahead of presidential elections to influence public opinion. During a news conference on elections security, Ratcliffe and FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed that both countries have obtained voter registration information and are actively pursuing disinformation campaigns to impact US elections.

“This data can be used by foreign actors to attempt to communicate false information to registered voters that y hope will cause confusion, sow chaos, and undermine your confidence in American democracy,” said Ratcliffe. 

Ratcliffe told news conference that President Donald Trump has instructed intelligence and law-enforcement communities to ensure that 2020 elections are “safest and most secure in our nation’s history.” He stressed that ncies take mandate and responsibility seriously and re is “thing more sacred” than fundamental democratic principle of one person, one vote. 

“It is our duty to ensure this entity of u.s. elections. that includes ensuring security and voting - security of voting systems,”  

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Elaborating on threat, Director of National Intelligence said that Iran’s “spoofed emails”, claimed to be sent by Proud Boys, was designed incite social unrest and dam electoral chances of Trump. He furr added that Iran is distributing or content to include a video that implies that individuals could cast fraudulent ballots, even from overseas. 

'Desperate attempts'

Ratcliffe assured voters that ir votes are secured and election systems are resilient even if adversaries pursue furr attempts to undermine voter confidence. He said that video and any claims about such allegedly fraudulent ballots are t true, adding that se actions are desperate attempts by adversaries. 

“If you received an intimidating or manipulative email in your inbox, do t be alarmed and do t spread it. this is t a partisan issue,” he insisted.

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