China’s utilization of AI-generated content and fabricated social media personas to exacerbate divisions within the United States and beyond has escalated, as per the latest report from Microsoft’s threat center.
Clint Watts, the general manager of Microsoft’s threat analysis center, highlighted that Beijing has intensified its focus and enhanced the sophistication of its influence campaigns. These operations include the deployment of fake social media profiles to gauge voter sentiments on contentious issues, aiming to sow discord and potentially sway the outcome of the US presidential election in China’s favor.
Moreover, China has augmented its use of AI-generated content not only to advance its objectives globally but also within the US. By opportunistically exploiting events such as the Kentucky train derailment and wildfires in Maui, Chinese influence operations endeavor to foster mistrust towards the US government.
The report underscores China’s deliberate efforts to comprehend the demographic breakdown of US voters and their stance on various issues. However, there is scant evidence indicating that these influence campaigns have successfully altered public opinion thus far.
Previous observations revealed that social media accounts linked to the Chinese government impersonated US voters to influence the 2022 midterm elections. These accounts predominantly focus on divisive domestic issues such as climate change, immigration policies, and racial tensions, utilizing a mix of original and recycled content to amplify their message.
Microsoft has observed a surge in the use of AI-generated content by China-linked online influence operations during Taiwan’s presidential election in January. With upcoming major elections in countries like India, South Korea, and the United States, it is anticipated that China will continue to leverage AI-generated content to serve its interests.
Additionally, the report highlights North Korea’s adoption of AI for various illicit activities, including cryptocurrency theft, supply chain attacks, and military intelligence gathering. This underscores the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats posed by state actors leveraging AI technology.
