Microsoft has issued a warning regarding China’s plans to disrupt upcoming elections in India, the United States, and South Korea by leveraging artificial intelligence-generated content. This caution follows China’s trial run during Taiwan’s presidential election, where AI was utilized to influence the outcome.
Globally, at least 64 countries, in addition to the European Union, are slated to hold national elections, collectively representing approximately 49 percent of the global population.
State-Sponsored Cyber Groups Targeting 2024 Elections
As per Microsoft’s threat intelligence team, it is anticipated that Chinese state-sponsored cyber groups, potentially with participation from North Korea, will focus their efforts on various elections slated for 2024.
China is likely to deploy AI-generated content via social media platforms to sway public opinion in favor of their interests during these elections.
Microsoft cautioned that although the current impact of AI-generated content appears to be limited, there is a possibility that China’s ongoing experimentation with this technology may lead to increased effectiveness over time.
During the Taiwanese election, a Beijing-backed group known as Storm 1376, or Spamouflage, actively circulated AI-generated content, including fake audio endorsements and memes, aimed at discrediting certain candidates and influencing voter perceptions.
Similar tactics were observed in Iran, where AI-generated TV news anchors were deployed.
Microsoft highlighted the ongoing influence campaigns conducted by Chinese groups in the United States, using social media platforms to pose divisive questions and gather intelligence on key voting demographics.
AI’s Role in US Election Campaigns
The use of AI in US election campaigns is not unprecedented. In the lead-up to the 2024 New Hampshire Democratic primaries, an AI-generated phone call mimicked President Joe Biden’s voice, falsely advising voters against participating in the polling.
Although there is no concrete evidence of Chinese involvement in the New Hampshire incident, it underscores the direct threat posed by AI to democratic practices.
As China and North Korea ramp up their efforts to influence elections globally, the need for robust cybersecurity measures and vigilant monitoring of AI-generated content becomes increasingly imperative.