China’s influence operations have taken a disturbing turn as they increasingly rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to spread disinformation and create discord globally, according to a recently released report by Microsoft Threat Intelligence. These operations, conducted by state-backed actors, have not only intensified their efforts but have also demonstrated more sophisticated techniques to achieve their goals.
One notable example highlighted in the report is the usage of AI-generated content to target Taiwan’s presidential and legislative elections. Chinese influence actors employed AI to create an audio recording that falsely indicated an endorsement by Terry Gou, owner of Foxconn and former independent presidential candidate. Microsoft also found instances of AI-generated news anchors and memes being used to mislead the public and sway Taiwan’s election outcomes. This marked the first time that a nation-state actor had utilized AI content to influence a foreign election.
China’s influence operations have not been limited to Taiwan. Last year, they launched a large-scale messaging campaign that employed AI-generated memes to amplify Chinese propaganda and incite anger among South Koreans regarding Japan’s disposal of nuclear wastewater from Fukushima. Additionally, Chinese actors spread conspiracy theories that implicated the U.S. government as being behind wildfires in Hawaii and a train derailment in Kentucky. Microsoft cautioned that as India, South Korea, and the United States prepare for upcoming elections, Chinese and North Korean cyber and influence actors might target these events.
Furthermore, Microsoft’s report highlighted the use of “sockpuppet” accounts, posing as Americans, in U.S.-focused election influence operations. These accounts, sometimes enhanced through AI, aimed to shape public opinion on divisive topics such as global warming, border policies, and racial tensions. By asking questions and seeking perspectives, these campaigns sought to understand voter demographics and determine the most contentious issues.
Despite the growing sophistication of these influence operations, there is limited evidence of their success in changing public opinion. However, Microsoft warns that China’s continued experimentation with AI-generated content, including memes, videos, and audio, may prove more effective in the future.
The report also sheds light on other cybersecurity threats posed by China. Chinese cyber actors have infiltrated important networks in the South China Sea, targeting telecommunication entities in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Taiwan. This activity coincided with U.S. military drills in the region, where maritime territorial disputes between China and Southeast Asian states have escalated.
In addition to China, North Korea continues to engage in cyber operations, particularly cryptocurrency theft for state revenue. The country is also exploring the use of AI tools to enhance its cyber capabilities and has been targeting aerospace and defense organizations in the U.S. and South Korea, as well as diplomats, government officials, and think tank experts for intelligence collection.
Microsoft, previously criticized for its concessions to China and failure to address Chinese threats, has pledged to improve its security culture and strengthen its networks against cyberattacks. The company acknowledges the dangers posed by well-resourced nation-state threat actors and vows to adopt a new approach to engineering security.
FAQ
Q: How is China using artificial intelligence in influence operations?
A: China is employing AI-generated content such as audio recordings, news anchors, and memes to spread disinformation and sway public opinion in various countries.
Q: What were some examples of China’s influence operations outlined in the report?
A: The report highlighted China’s use of AI to create an audio recording that falsely suggested an endorsement by a prominent figure in Taiwan’s elections. Chinese actors also spread conspiracy theories blaming the U.S. government for wildfires in Hawaii and a train derailment in Kentucky.
Q: Are these influence operations successful in changing public opinion?
A: According to Microsoft, there is little evidence to suggest that these operations have significantly swayed public opinion thus far. However, the increasing use of AI-generated content may yield more effective results in the future.
Q: Besides influence operations, what other cybersecurity threats were discussed in the report?
A: The report also mentioned Chinese cyber actors targeting critical infrastructure networks, such as telecommunication entities in the South China Sea. It also highlighted the cybersecurity activities of North Korea, including cryptocurrency theft and intelligence collection efforts.
Sources:
– Microsoft Threat Intelligence Report (URL: https://www.microsoft.com/threat-Intelligence)
China’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) in influence operations has raised concerns about the spread of disinformation and its impact on global stability. Microsoft Threat Intelligence’s report reveals that China’s state-backed actors have intensified their efforts and employed more sophisticated techniques to achieve their goals.
One significant example discussed in the report is the use of AI-generated content during Taiwan’s presidential and legislative elections. Chinese influence actors utilized AI to create an audio recording that falsely claimed an endorsement by Terry Gou, owner of Foxconn and former independent presidential candidate. Microsoft also found instances of AI-generated news anchors and memes being used to mislead the public and influence Taiwan’s election outcomes, marking the first time a nation-state actor had used AI content in foreign election interference.
China’s influence operations extend beyond Taiwan. Last year, a large-scale messaging campaign was launched that used AI-generated memes to amplify Chinese propaganda and incite anger among South Koreans regarding Japan’s disposal of nuclear wastewater from Fukushima. Additionally, Chinese actors spread conspiracy theories, accusing the U.S. government of being behind wildfires in Hawaii and a train derailment in Kentucky. Microsoft warns that as India, South Korea, and the United States prepare for upcoming elections, Chinese and North Korean cyber and influence actors might target these events.
The report also highlights the usage of “sockpuppet” accounts that pose as Americans in U.S.-focused election influence operations. These accounts, sometimes enhanced through AI, aim to shape public opinion on divisive topics such as global warming, border policies, and racial tensions. By soliciting questions and seeking perspectives, these campaigns target voter demographics and determine the most contentious issues.
Although there is limited evidence of success in changing public opinion, Microsoft cautions that China’s continued experimentation with AI-generated content, which includes memes, videos, and audio, could prove more effective in the future.
The report also sheds light on other cybersecurity threats posed by China. Chinese cyber actors have infiltrated important networks in the South China Sea, targeting telecommunication entities in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Taiwan. These activities coincided with U.S. military drills in the region, where maritime territorial disputes between China and Southeast Asian states have escalated.
Furthermore, North Korea continues to engage in cyber operations, particularly focusing on cryptocurrency theft for state revenue. The country is also exploring the potential of using AI tools to enhance its cyber capabilities. It has targeted aerospace and defense organizations in the U.S. and South Korea, as well as diplomats, government officials, and experts from think tanks for intelligence collection purposes.
In response to these threats, Microsoft has pledged to improve its security culture and strengthen its networks against cyberattacks. Recognizing the dangers posed by well-resourced nation-state threat actors, the company vows to adopt a new approach to engineering security.
For more information, refer to the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Report at: https://www.microsoft.com/threat-intelligence