Pro-Kremlin Fake News Sites Spread False Claims of Democratic Plot Against Trump

Researchers warn of AI-driven disinformation networks mimicking local news outlets to mislead voters ahead of the US election.

Hundreds of fake news sites, enabled by AI, are spreading falsehoods about Democrats plotting to assassinate Trump.
A network led by John Mark Dougan, a fugitive in Russia, is behind many of these bogus sites.
The fake sites often mimic legitimate local news outlets, making it difficult for readers to discern real from fake.
Disinformation is amplified by AI chatbots, creating a feedback loop that embeds false narratives into public discourse.
The rise of such sites coincides with the decline of traditional local newspapers, exploiting 'news deserts' to mislead voters.