Chinese Influence Actors Utilize AI-Generated Content for Election Disruptions
Microsoft, a US-based multinational corporation, has raised concerns over potential Chinese influence and disruptions during elections in various countries through the use of artificial intelligence-generated content.
Key Findings from Microsoft Threat Intelligence Report
- Chinese state-backed actors have been experimenting with new media and enhancing AI-generated content.
- Notable trends show attempts to use sophisticated influence techniques in elections.
- Expectations of Chinese cyber groups targeting crucial elections with possible involvement from North Korea.
Impact on Elections
Chinese influence actors have been refining AI-generated content to influence elections in India, South Korea, the United States, and Taiwan. The actors have been amplifying media that aligns with their strategic narratives and creating their own video, memes, and audio content.
Specific Instances of AI-Generated Content
- Increased content featuring Taiwanese political figures before the presidential and legislative elections in Taiwan.
- Spread of propaganda related to Japan’s nuclear wastewater disposal, Hawaii’s wildfire, and Kentucky’s train derailment through memes and conspiracy theories.
- Creation of news anchors using the CapCut tool developed by ByteDance, the company behind TikTok.
Reactions and Consequences
China has not responded to Microsoft’s report. Taiwan has reported a wave of disinformation and TikTok videos targeting candidates opposed by China, particularly frontrunner Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party.
