China’s AI-Generated Content to Disrupt US Elections, Microsoft Warns
Microsoft’s Threat Intelligence Team has issued a warning about China’s plans to use artificial intelligence to interfere with elections in the US, India, and South Korea in 2024. According to the tech giant, Chinese state-backed cyber criminal groups are utilizing AI to disrupt democratic processes around the world, with North Korea also joining in on the effort.
The Chinese government, along with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is using fake social media accounts to manipulate voters and sow division, particularly in the run-up to the US presidential election. Microsoft highlighted that China has been increasing its use of AI-generated content to further its objectives on a global scale.
While reports indicate that these efforts have not yet significantly impacted public opinion, the risks associated with spreading misinformation using advanced AI technology remain a cause for concern. Governments have historically leveraged technology to influence public sentiment, with recent examples including Russian interference in the 2016 US election.
In addition to swaying elections, North Korea’s involvement in cyber activities is primarily driven by a desire to generate revenue. The country has been implicated in cryptocurrency theft, with the United Nations estimating that North Korean cyber actors have stolen billions of dollars in digital currency since 2017.
Despite the current low likelihood of China directly influencing election outcomes through AI-generated content, Microsoft warns that the country’s experimentation with this technology is likely to continue. The tech company predicts that China will persist in creating and amplifying AI-generated content to serve its interests, potentially increasing effectiveness in the future.
As the global landscape of digital misinformation evolves, the need for vigilance against AI-driven interference in democratic processes becomes more apparent. Governments, tech companies, and citizens must remain aware of these threats and work together to safeguard the integrity of elections worldwide.
