China is increasing the use of content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) software and fake social media accounts to sow discord in the United States and elsewhere, according to the latest report from a Microsoft research center .
Beijing has “doubled down” on its targets and has increased the sophistication of its influence operations abroad, says Clint Watts, head of the American IT giant’s threat analysis center, in this report published late Thursday evening.
“China is using fake social media accounts to determine what divides voters the most in an attempt to drive wedges and tilt the outcome of the presidential election to its advantage,” continues Clint Watts.
China has “also increased its use of AI-generated content to better achieve its goals around the world,” he adds.
Chinese influence operations continue to “opportunistically seize” events, such as a train derailment in the state of Kentucky or fires on the Hawaiian island of Maui, to instill distrust in China. towards the American authorities, according to the report.
“Better understand” the American electorate
The consultations in the United States “illustrate a deliberate effort to better understand which demographic segment of the American electorate supports this or that issue or position and what are the most divisive issues, ahead of the final stretch” in the race for the White House.
According to the report’s findings, there is little indication as to whether these attempts to manipulate public opinion are, at this stage, having the effect the Chinese intended.
The analysis center reported at the end of 2023 that Internet users “affiliated” with the Chinese government had posed on social networks as American voters, with the aim of influencing the mid-term elections of November 2022.
“This activity has continued and these accounts almost exclusively publish messages on divisive themes in the United States, such as climate change, migration policy, drug use, immigration or even racial tensions,” points out Clint Watts, noting that important elections are planned around the world this year, particularly in India and South Korea.
He also claims that Microsoft saw a surge in AI-generated content advocating Chinese positions ahead of Taiwan’s presidential elections in January.
Additionally, the report noted that North Korea had begun using AI to steal cryptocurrencies, disrupt supply chains and gather military intelligence more effectively.