Letter to the Hon. John Ratcliffe, Director of National Intelligence - Congressman Krishnamoorthi Requests Information From DNI Ratcliffe On Russian Use QAnon In Disinformation Efforts
Letter
I am writing to express my strong concern regarding outside reports that Russian state-connected actors have amplified dangerous QAnon conspiracy theories. This is an issue of increasing importance as a number of public officials, including the President, have refused to denounce the movement while even praising its adherents.[1]
In the past few years, the QAnon conspiracy theory group has gained a foothold in the radical right-wing movement in the United States. Individuals participating in QAnon have widely advanced false narratives such as variations on age-old anti-Semitic conspiracies.[2] Beyond sharing false information, the movement's followers have incited and participated in violence across the country.[3][4] As a result of this real-world violence, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook have imposed restrictions on QAnon-related content.[5]
As you know, Russia interfered in the 2016 election and is doing so again.[6][7][8] It is therefore alarming that evidence is rapidly mounting that Kremlin-linked actors are propagating QAnon content on a widespread basis online.[9][10]
As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and in building on last week's unclassified hearing with third-party experts on these threats, I request the following information:
Any Intelligence Community analysis that addresses any aspect of the public reporting with respect to Russia potentially using QAnon as an element of its disinformation or foreign influence efforts.
A description of any efforts the Intelligence Community is taking or has taken to assess whether Kremlin-linked actors are propagating, amplifying, or otherwise engaging with QAnon content.
Given the importance of public information and education, I request an unclassified response to the above questions no later than October 30, 2020.
Sincerely,
Source