Microsoft Report Reveals China's Use of AI-Generated Media to Influence Elections

Key Takeaways

• Chinese social-media accounts using AI to influence US elections and East Asian countries, creating memes, videos, and audio.
• AI-generated media posted by Chinese-government-linked accounts aiming to stoke chaos in the US.
• Microsoft report highlights AI-generated picture blaming 2023 Hawaii fires on a US "weather weapon."
• Chinese social-media messages ask followers to comment on presidential candidates to gather intelligence around voting demographics.
• China's attempts to influence through AI-generated content likened to Russia's tactics in the 2016 US election.

News Content

In a recent report by Microsoft Threat Intelligence, it was revealed that Chinese social-media accounts are using AI-generated media to influence elections in East Asian countries as well as in the US. The report highlighted instances of AI-generated memes, videos, and audio being used by Chinese propaganda actors to incite outrage and manipulate elections. Additionally, the report noted that Chinese-government-linked accounts have been sharing AI-generated content in the US to sow chaos and mistrust.

The report also detailed specific examples, such as AI-generated content blaming the 2023 fires in Hawaii on a US-made "weather weapon," as well as efforts to sow mistrust in the government after a train derailed in Kentucky. Although the report suggests that the current threat level is low, it warns that China's attempts at influencing elections through AI-generated media could prove effective in the future. The report also draws parallels between China's tactics and Russia's influence campaign during the 2016 US presidential election, highlighting the potential impact of such efforts.

Furthermore, the report mentioned the "Spamouflage" tactic, referring to social-media accounts linked to the Chinese Communist Party that share divisive and frequently AI-generated content. This revelation comes in the wake of a threat assessment by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which emphasized China's aim to undermine democracy and extend its influence. These findings underscore the growing concern over the use of AI-generated media for political manipulation, echoing similar tactics employed by Russia during the 2016 election.

Analysis

The use of AI-generated media by Chinese social-media accounts to influence elections has direct causes in China's aim to extend its influence and undermine democracy. Short-term consequences include inciting outrage and sowing mistrust, while long-term impacts may lead to the effective manipulation of future elections. This parallels Russia's tactics in the 2016 US presidential election, underscoring the potential impact of such efforts. The "Spamouflage" tactic, coupled with the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence's threat assessment, highlights the growing concern over AI-generated media for political manipulation. Future developments may involve increased scrutiny and regulation of AI-generated content on social media platforms.

Do You Know?

• AI-generated media: AI-generated media refers to content such as memes, videos, and audio that has been created using artificial intelligence (AI) technology rather than by human creators. In the context of the report, AI-generated media is being used by Chinese social-media accounts for the purpose of influencing elections and manipulating public opinion.

• "Spamouflage" tactic: The term "Spamouflage" tactic refers to the strategy of sharing divisive and frequently AI-generated content on social media by accounts linked to the Chinese Communist Party. This tactic is aimed at sowing discord, inciting outrage, and ultimately influencing public sentiment in favor of Chinese government objectives.

• Threat assessment by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence: The threat assessment conducted by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence highlights the aim of China to undermine democracy and extend its influence through various means, including the use of AI-generated media for political manipulation. This assessment underscores the seriousness of China's efforts to influence elections and public opinion through deceptive content and disinformation.