Election Integrity
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Privacy, Technology and Perspective
Election Integrity. This week, let’s consider a series of recent advisories issued by law enforcement agencies regarding election security, and specifically combating foreign interference in the upcoming election.
Let’s start with perhaps the most notable advisory -- A video recently issued by the directors the FBI, National Security Agency, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and National Counterintelligence and Security, which makes clear that those agencies are committed to ensuing public confidence in the outcome of our election:
The video represents extraordinary effort by these agencies to share information, bolster security and identify and disrupt threats, including foreign interference and criminal activity, including voter suppression.
In addition, IC3 has issued the following public service announcements that run the gamut from the spread of online disinformation to cyberattacks targeting election infrastructure:
Spoofed Internet domains and email accounts pose cyber and disinformation risks:
https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/201002.aspx
Disinformation spread through online journals:
https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/201001.aspx
Cyber threats to voting systems:
https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200930.aspx
Cyber threats to Voting Processes:
https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200924.aspx
False Claims of Hacks Voter Information:
https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200928.aspx
Disinformation about Election Results:
https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200922.aspx
Considered together, the advisories make clear that American agencies are committed to protecting our votes.
Additionally, the agencies also recommend that we, as citizens, should protect our vote by:
Knowing when, where, and how we will vote.
Seeking out election information from trustworthy sources, verifying who produced the content, and considering their intent.
Reporting potential election crimes—such as disinformation about the manner, time, or place of voting—to the FBI.
If appropriate, making use of in-platform tools offered by social media companies for reporting suspicious posts that appear to be spreading false or inconsistent information about voting and elections.
Researching individuals and entities to whom we are making political donations.
It is imperative that we as citizens hold our leaders accountable for inspiring and preserving public confidence in our democratic system. We all owe a duty to ensure the security and integrity of our elections. And we, as lawyers and citizens, stand behind the efforts of law enforcement to protect the vote.
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Hosch & Morris, PLLC is a Dallas-based boutique law firm dedicated to data protection, privacy, the Internet and technology. Open the Future℠.