Justice Department Aims to Shield Elections from Foreign Influence

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stressed the Justice Department's commitment to informing social media companies about foreign efforts to meddle in elections. Speaking at the American Bar Association's annual meeting, Monaco highlighted the growing threats from Russia and increasing violence toward public officials, urging adherence to rule of law and election integrity.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco underscored the Justice Department's commitment to informing social media companies about efforts by foreign governments to influence this year's elections during a speech at the American Bar Association's annual meeting.

Monaco emphasized that technology companies must ultimately decide their course of action but pledged to provide them with actionable intelligence to combat foreign malign influence operations targeting elections. She identified Russia as the primary foreign threat and highlighted its use of encrypted messaging apps to reach specific American voting demographics.

The Justice Department has prosecuted nearly 700 threat cases in two years, with close to half involving public officials. Monaco described the rise in threats and violence as unacceptable, underscoring the need for election officials to work without fear. Additionally, she referenced a Supreme Court ruling that allows federal interaction with social media platforms, aiming to ensure a fair and free electoral process.

(With inputs from agencies.)