Microsoft uncovers Chinese AI network impersonating American voters to influence US politics
In a recent report, Microsoft has revealed the existence of a Chinese-controlled network of social media accounts that employs artificial intelligence (AI) technology to imitate American voters and disseminate propaganda in a bid to influence US politics. The network was identified to be similar to previous operations attributed to the Chinese Ministry of Public Security.
Unlike previous campaigns by Chinese state actors that relied on manual graphics designs, the new network, which emerged in March 2023, utilizes generative AI to create more captivating content. Microsoft suggests that the images are likely generated by diffusion-powered image generators, which leverage AI to enhance their quality over time.
The influence network is engaged in a comprehensive campaign with a primary focus on politically divisive subjects such as gun violence and derogatory portrayals of US political figures and symbols. Microsoft researchers provided an example of an AI-generated image depicting the Statue of Liberty wielding an assault rifle alongside the caption, Everything is being thrown away. THE GODDESS OF VIOLENCE.
While the effectiveness of such posts may be debatable, Microsoft stresses that the use of AI in creating the content, with minimal human intervention, allows the network to continually improve and refine its propaganda efforts. Chinese influence networks have demonstrated an increasing ability to adapt to human interaction, making them more sophisticated over time.
According to a Microsoft spokesperson, the China-linked accounts aimed to appear American by indicating their location within the United States, sharing American political slogans, and using hashtags related to domestic political matters.
Microsoft’s report also highlighted broader observations regarding Chinese cyber activities, revealing the top three subjects of Chinese hacking activity in 2023 to be the South China Sea, the US defense industrial base, and US critical infrastructure.
As this revelation casts a spotlight on the use of AI in spreading propaganda and manipulating public opinion, it raises concerns about the future influence and impact of sophisticated AI-driven campaigns on the political landscape.
