"We underestimated influencers in 2016. How do we neutralize them?"
(media.kotakuinaction2.win)
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So, in America is Russia just classified as a terrorist organization now or something? How is taking money from Russian investors even a crime?
Someone mentioned something about registering as a foreign agent. But I always assumed only individuals working in government had to do that. Not youtubers.
No.
https://www.justice.gov/nsd-fara/frequently-asked-questions
"FARA is an acronym for the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. § 611 et seq. (“FARA” or “the Act”). FARA requires the registration of, and disclosures by, an “agent of a foreign principal” who, either directly or through another person, within the United States (1) engages in “political activities” on behalf of a foreign principal; (2) acts as a foreign principal’s public relations counsel, publicity agent, information-service employee, or political consultant; (3) solicits, collects, disburses, or dispenses contributions, loans, money, or other things of value for or in the interest of a foreign principal; or (4) represents the interests of the foreign principal before any agency or official of the U.S. government. "
and
"An “agent of a foreign principal” is any person who acts as an agent, representative, employee, or servant, or otherwise acts at the order, request, or under the direction or control of a “foreign principal” and does any of the following:
Engages within the United States in political activities, such as intending to influence any U.S. Government official or the American public regarding U.S. domestic or foreign policy or the political or public interests of a foreign government or foreign political party.
Acts within the United States as a public relations counsel, publicity agent, information service employee, or political consultant.
Solicits, collects, disburses, or dispenses contributions, loans, money, or other things of value within the United States.
Represents within the United States the interests of a foreign principal before U.S. Government officials or agencies.
See 22 U.S.C. § 611(c); 28 C.F.R. § 5.100."
and "What is a “foreign principal”?
A “foreign principal” can be a foreign government, a foreign political party, any person outside the United States (except U.S. citizens who are domiciled within the United States), and any entity organized under the laws of a foreign country or having its principal place of business in a foreign country. It can also include a foreign faction or body of insurgents whose legitimacy the United States government has yet to recognize.
See 22 U.S.C. § 611(b); 28 C.F.R. § 5.100."
It doesn't matter if you're in government or not. Now, to be fair, this is very vague and doesn't include knowingly acting, which should be a component of crimes like this (but that's a different discussion). This isn't a "you disagree with the US on something, directly to jail". There is some level of proof required.
If that proof is legitimate or not, or obtained legally, is a different question as well.
Of course, it doesn't apply to AIPAC or their ilk.
They're probably registered, which is all you have to do in order to not get penalized.
Effectively, having anything to do with Russians gets you tagged as a permanent enemy of the US government. You'd probably end up on a watchlist for buying a copy of the Always With Honor comic book at this point.