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A Faux 'October Surprise'—How Misinformation Could Upend The Election


Misinformation/disinformation has clearly existed for a while, but social media could impact how it reaches the masses.

gettyAs we head into the final weeks before Election Day, the political campaigns are likely bracing for an unexpected "October Surprise" that could influence voters and impact the results. Advances in technology like Deep Fakes, an overreliance on social media for news and information, and foreign actors who seek to undermine confidence in our elections have created a perfect storm for such a nightmare scenario. Smithsonian magazine previously reported how in the 1800 election Thomas Jefferson engaged in a "smear campaign against then-president John Adams," which "climaxed with an unexpected October broadside."

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