China is likely to deploy Artificial Intelligence-generated content via social media to sway public opinion to boost its geopolitical interests during elections in countries like India, South Korea, and the US, tech giant Microsoft has warned.
Voting for 543 Lok Sabha seats in India will take place between April 19 and June 4, spread across seven phases. South Koreans will go to the polls in a general election on April 10, while the US will hold the Presidential election on November 5.
With major elections taking place around the world this year, particularly in India, South Korea, and the United States, we assess that China will, at a minimum, create and amplify AI-generated content to benefit its interests, Clint Watts, General Manager, Microsoft Threat Analysis Center, said in a blog post.
Despite the chances of such content affecting election results remaining low, China’s increasing experimentation in augmenting memes, videos, and audio may prove more effective down the line. China will collaborate with North Korea in these efforts, according to the report published by the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center (MTAC).
The report also highlights China’s use of fake social media accounts to poll voters and sow division to influence the outcome of the US presidential election in its favor. It further notes that China has increased its use of AI-generated content to further its goals globally.
In anticipation of Beijing’s 75th-anniversary celebrations and North Korea’s advancements in weapons programs, the report suggests that Chinese and North Korean cyber actors will target high-profile elections. New government policies in North Korea could also lead to more sophisticated cryptocurrency heists and supply chain attacks.
The report warns that Chinese cyber actors could interact with Americans for engagement and research perspectives on US politics. It also anticipates North Korea’s focus on cryptocurrency heists and supply chain attacks targeting the defense sector to advance its military capabilities.
As India, South Korea, and the United States gear up for elections, the report highlights the potential for Chinese and North Korean cyber and influence actors to intervene and target these democratic processes. China may create and amplify AI-generated content to benefit its positions in these crucial elections.
The insights presented in the report shed light on the evolving landscape of geopolitical influence through AI-generated content and cyber operations, impacting election processes and public opinion in these key countries. The use of technology to manipulate information and influence voters remains a pressing concern as nations navigate electoral processes in an increasingly digital age.
