U.S. Foes Outsource Influence Operations to Marketing Firms

U.S. intelligence reveals that foreign adversaries are outsourcing influence operations to marketing firms. Russia and China are employing regional companies to sway U.S. public opinion and create divisions. While China is not aiming to influence election outcomes, it uses social media for divisive tactics.

Foreign adversaries are leveraging marketing and communications firms to influence U.S. public opinion ahead of the November elections, according to a U.S. intelligence official on Monday. Moscow is utilizing Russia-based influence-for-hire companies, while Chinese government entities are using a China-based technology firm to enhance their covert operations in the United States.

Although the Chinese government likely is not aiming to alter the U.S. election results, it is actively employing social media to sow discord among Americans, added the official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).