China is suspected of using Artificial Intelligence to influence elections in India, South Korea, and the United States, according to a recent report by tech giant Microsoft. The report highlights concerns about the potential deployment of AI-generated content on social media to sway public opinion and promote China’s geopolitical interests during the upcoming elections.
Microsoft’s General Manager, Clint Watts, warned that China is likely to create and amplify AI-generated content to benefit its own interests during major elections in these countries. While the direct impact of such content on election results is deemed low, the increasing experimentation by China in using AI to manipulate memes, videos, and audio could be more effective in the future, the report suggested.
Furthermore, the report indicated that North Korea is also utilizing AI for malicious purposes, such as cryptocurrency heists and supply chain attacks. Both China and North Korea are expected to target the upcoming elections in India, South Korea, and the United States through cyber and influence operations, the report added.
The focus of China’s efforts is to create and distribute AI-generated content that aligns with its positions in these high-profile elections. It is suggested that Chinese cyber and influence actors, along with North Korean cyber actors, will be engaged in activities to target these elections and potentially influence the outcomes.
The report emphasizes that while Chinese cyber actors have traditionally conducted reconnaissance on US political institutions, there is a growing trend of influence actors interacting with Americans to gather insights on US politics. Overall, the report underscores the need for vigilance and awareness to counter the threat posed by the misuse of AI in influencing electoral processes.
