Chinese cyber groups, with government support, are employing artificial intelligence (AI) to influence the upcoming presidential elections in the United States, as per Microsoft’s advisory. These groups are set to utilize generative AI technology to saturate the internet with synthetic content, ultimately seeking to sway election results in their favor.
A recent report released by Microsoft’s threat intelligence team reveals China’s intentions to target major election campaigns, not only within the US but across various regions worldwide. The report emphasizes Beijing’s intensified efforts and enhanced intricacy in executing influence operations against electoral processes.
In a shift from the original article, it is crucial to acknowledge that China is utilizing counterfeit social media profiles to survey voters on contentious matters. These government-affiliated accounts are responsible for disseminating false information on topics like climate change, immigration, racial issues, drug policies, and US border regulations.
Earlier this year, China’s cyber units and bot army made efforts to disrupt the presidential elections in Taiwan by widely distributing AI-generated content to manipulate public opinion and propagate unsubstantiated accusations against specific candidates. This included the production of deepfake videos and AI-crafted news presenters furthering narratives aligned with Beijing’s interests.
The Microsoft report also underscores that Chinese entities persist in their US influence campaigns by posing divisive queries on social media platforms to comprehend the issues that divide American voters. This data collection exercise may aid in acquiring intelligence and targeting specific voting demographics in anticipation of the US Presidential election.
The rapid rise of deepfakes has raised alarm about media manipulation during critical junctures like electoral processes. Deepfakes encompass doctored videos, audio clips, and images generated through AI, capable of deceiving viewers profoundly. The widespread accessibility to AI tools has rendered it feasible for almost anyone to produce and circulate synthetic media.
In essence, China’s strategic deployment of AI to disrupt the US presidential elections poses a substantial risk. The exploitation of AI-generated content, including deepfakes, is designed to mold public opinion and introduce turmoil. Individuals must be cognizant of the potential manipulation tactics employed by cyber entities and exercise vigilance when consuming media in the context of elections.
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The source of the article is from the blog elektrischnederland.nl