In a recent interview with CBS News, Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen discussed the Justice Department’s efforts to combat election interference. Olsen, who leads the National Security Division, outlined the concerns surrounding foreign interference in US elections and detailed the steps his agency is taking to address these threats.
Olsen emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of the US electoral process from foreign adversaries who seek to undermine it. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to identify and combat foreign interference, including through partnerships with other agencies and organizations. Olsen stressed the need for transparency and accountability in addressing election security issues.
One key area of focus for the Justice Department is investigating and prosecuting individuals or entities involved in election interference. Olsen discussed the legal tools available to the agency to hold perpetrators accountable and deter future attempts to disrupt elections. He noted that the department works closely with law enforcement agencies and intelligence partners to track and address threats to election integrity.
Olsen also addressed the role of social media platforms in disseminating disinformation and misinformation related to elections. He highlighted the importance of addressing these issues in order to prevent the spread of false information that could influence voter behavior. Olsen emphasized the need for increased cooperation between tech companies and government agencies to combat online threats to election security.
In addition to addressing foreign interference, the Justice Department is also focused on promoting cybersecurity measures to safeguard the US electoral infrastructure. Olsen discussed the importance of enhancing the resilience of election systems and implementing best practices to mitigate cyber threats. He emphasized the need for continuous monitoring and response to potential vulnerabilities in order to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Overall, Olsen underscored the Justice Department’s commitment to ensuring the security and integrity of US elections. He emphasized the importance of a coordinated and proactive approach to addressing threats from foreign adversaries and cyber actors. Olsen expressed confidence in the agency’s capabilities to protect the electoral process and uphold democratic principles in the face of evolving challenges.
