A Russian company that specializes in fighting false information is getting ready to take legal action against the FBI. The company, called ANO Dialog, is upset about accusations that it spreads fake news and tries to undermine trust in the U.S. election process.
According to a report from the Russian business daily Kommersant, the U.S. government has labeled ANO Dialog as a “Russian state-sponsored actor.” This means that the U.S. believes the company is involved in spreading disinformation, particularly through deep fakes—technology that creates realistic but fake videos or audio recordings. The U.S. claims this kind of fake information is meant to interfere with elections and create doubt in American institutions.
Vladimir Tabak, the CEO of ANO Dialog, spoke with Kommersant on Wednesday and strongly denied these accusations. He stated that the company has never been involved in spreading false information and will fight to clear its name in an American court. Tabak argues that the accusations stem from misleading statements made by an FBI agent and that ANO Dialog has a strong reputation for fact-checking.
Tabak mentioned that, traditionally, the company didn’t plan to operate internationally. However, the current situation is forcing them to rethink their approach. He emphasized, “The first fake we will challenge on the international stage will be the FBI’s claims about us.”
The FBI and other U.S. agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Treasury, have been vocal about their concerns regarding Russian influence in American politics. Just last month, the Justice Department took action by blocking 32 internet domains it claimed were used by Russian officials to spread propaganda. Some of these domains are said to be linked to ANO Dialog. The U.S. alleges that these sites aimed to sway public opinion against Ukraine and influence American voters ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
As the legal battle looms, the question remains: can a Russian company successfully challenge the FBI in court? This case could set a precedent for how countries deal with accusations of misinformation in the digital age. With tensions high and accusations flying, the outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for both Russia and the United States.
